2017-2018 Student Parent Handbook

Welcome to the DC Youth Program!

The DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) is the leading ensemble-based classical education program in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Founded in 1960 by Lyn McLain at the request of DC Public Schools, the mission of DCYOP is “music for young people; achievement for life!” DCYOP offers group lessons and ensemble training on all orchestral instruments for students ages 4 ½ to 18. The program consists of eight ensembles including the renowned Youth Orchestra.

DCYOP derives its success from a strong emphasis on musical achievement and excellence. The only requirement to join is a desire to learn. Each week, 35 renowned faculty teach over 100 classes to 500 students at DCYOP’s main site at Eastern High School. DCYOP has three additional after school programs at title one elementary and middle schools in DC.

DCYOP distinguishes itself is through its inclusivity. The program welcomes all students that wish to participate, regardless of background, socioeconomic status or ability. DCYOP strives to make its program affordable to all by offering multiple tuition programs. This enables children from diverse backgrounds to experience the joy of learning and making music together.

For over 50 years, DCYOP has been a part of the Washington community by fostering the musical development and changing the lives of over 50,000 youth. The first youth orchestra to perform at the Kennedy Center, DCYOP has tour 20 countries, played for numerous US presidents and foreign diplomats and worked with esteemed musicians such as Aaron Copland, Lorin Maazel, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Marvin Hamlisch. The program has received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award (formerly Coming Up Taller) and the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Arts Education. The Catalogue for Philanthropy selected DCYOP as “one of the best small non-profits in the Greater Washington region” for is 2016-2017 award year.

DCYOP is a 501c3 organization and thanks its private and public supporters for making this program possible.

1 General Information

DC Youth Orchestra PHONE: (202) 698-0123 Program Eastern Senior High FAX: (202) 719-5290 School 1700 E. Capitol WEBSITE: www.dcyop.org Street, NE Washington, DC Offices: 20003

Room W145, Saturdays only. DCYOP’s weekday workspace is in SW DC.

Office Hours: Social Media Weekday Meetings: By Appointment Only “Like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/dcyop DCYOP is available via phone “Follow” us on Twitter or Instagram at Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 4 pm @dcyopmusic DCYOP offices are closed on Sunday and Monday

Administration Program Staff Elizabeth Schurgin, Executive Director Evan Ross Solomon, Program and Artistic [email protected] Director Maya Weil, Director of Development [email protected] [email protected] Mariano Vales, Music Director Natalia Allende, Director of Communications [email protected] [email protected] Alex Berti, Program Manager Elle Clack, Development Associate (Children’s Orchestra) [email protected] [email protected] Rashida Coleman, Program Manager Badriyyah Shakir, Office Associate (Young Musicians [email protected] Academy) [email protected] Kwamel Simms, Operations Assistant [email protected]

Family Communication DCYOP regularly communicates to its families about program news, events, closures and other important information. DCYOP communicates through the following means: ● Email – This is the primary method of communication. Please make sure that DCYOP has your most up-to-date email. Please adjust your spam filter or firewalls so that you can accept @dcyop.org emails. ● www.dcyop.org – Our website is a great source of all information regarding schedules, program information, jury evaluation material, and more. Be sure to check it frequently! ● US Mail – This is used rarely and only for specific correspondence and when necessary. Please inform the DCYOP office of any address change. ● Phone – DCYOP staff is available during office hours to help you with any questions. ● Newsletter – DCYOP publishes a quarterly newsletter. Called “The Score,” our newsletter includes student features, recent accomplishments and upcoming events.

2 Emergencies, Delays and Closures

DCYOP follows the DC Public School (DCPS) closing policy. If DCPS is closed for weekend activities, then all DCYOP events are cancelled. If DCYOP needs to close, DCYOP will notify families via social media and email. Important program information will be communicated, including emergencies, delays and closures in the following order: ● Twitter: @dcyopmusic * ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcyop * ● DCYOP website: http://www.dcyop.org ● DCPS website: http://dcps.dc.gov/portal/site/DCPS/ ● Phone: Call (202) 698-0123. ● Email: Sign up to receive email alerts on the DCYOP website. *Quickest way to receive information about emergencies, delays or closures.

DCYOP Mission Statement

Music for young people; Achievement for life!

To achieve our mission, the DC Youth Orchestra Program adheres to the following goals: 1. Provide quality music instruction and performance opportunities for young people in the DC metropolitan area across its full diversity; 2. Develop a youth orchestra capable of competing successfully at the national and international levels; 3. Instill in our students the discipline and focus necessary to succeed academically as well as musically.

DCYOP Core Values

Excellence We believe that achieving excellence - as an individual musician and in an ensemble - is a transformative experience – building skill, pride, humility, and self-esteem. Accessibility We make ourselves accessible to young people who feel compelled to be a part of an orchestral music experience without respect to economic means or social circumstances. We believe that an accessible organization opens young minds and hearts to diverse aesthetics, different histories, arrays of cultures, and experiences that they would not have otherwise. Dedication Success in music is like success in life. It requires dedication to self and others, dedication to growing one’s skills, and dedication to the success of others who rely on you. Transformation We believe that playing music is transformational - that the experience unfetters the soul, hones sensibilities, and empowers the mind in all other types of learning. We believe that participation in the DC Youth Orchestra Program empowers our young musicians, their present families, and the families that they will someday raise.

3 About the Program

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION The mission of DCYOP is “music for young people; achievement for life!” The core goals of DCYOP are: • To provide quality music instruction and performance opportunities for young people in the DC metropolitan area across its full diversity. • To develop a youth orchestra capable of competing successfully at the national and international levels. • To instill in our students the discipline and focus necessary to succeed academically as well as musically.

WHO WE SERVE With strong financial and public school access barriers, DCYOP is the only preK-12 program that seeks to make high quality ensemble available to all students, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or ability. This inclusiveness distinguishes the program from other youth music education organizations in the Washington metropolitan area. Our students currently represent more than 200 schools, 100 unique zip codes, and a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. A child’s musical learning can cost a family more than $2,000 a year in instrument rentals, lessons, and program fees. As this child advances and the training becomes more specialized, the cost becomes even higher. Through a community of supporters, DCYOP fundraises over $800,000 per year to reduce the cost of tuition for its families. Fees are offered at a sliding scale and instrument rentals are provided to families receiving tuition assistance. On average, DCYOP fundraises 70% of its annual budget. While the actual cost per child is just over $600 a semester, DCYOP’s fees range from $25 – 395.

OUR PROGRAMS As the leading ensemble-based classical music education program in the Washington, DC region, DCYOP offers group lessons and ensemble training on all orchestral instruments for students ages 4 ½ to 18. DCYOP’s main site is located at Eastern High School and serves more than 500 students each Saturday. Students participate in group classes, ensemble rehearsals, and performances each semester. The program offers more than 100 classes and seven ensembles, including the renowned Youth Orchestra.

Ensembles: Ensembles include Debut Orchestra (introductory strings), Sinfonia 1 and 2 (beginner strings), Wind Ensemble (beginner wind, brass, and percussion), Young Artist and Repertory Orchestra (intermediate full instrumentation), Youth Philharmonic and Youth Orchestra (advanced full instrumentation). All students participate in at least one concert each semester throughout the DC community. Past concerts have taken place at the National Gallery of Art, THEARC, the Kennedy Center, Atlas Theater, and Washington National Cathedral, amongst others.

4 Young Musicians Academy: Offered at DCYOP’s main site at Eastern High School, DCYOP’s Young Musicians Academy provides 200+ young people each semester with instrumental group lessons.

Chamber Music: To further enhance students’ musical learning as well as to provide a platform for leadership development, DCYOP also offers a tuition-free chamber music program for its intermediate and advanced students at its main site on Saturdays. Last year these students gave concerts at the National Museum for Women in the Arts, the Kennedy Center, the Argentinian Embassy, and the Chilean Ambassador’s residence, among others.

Children’s Orchestra: Because DCYOP realizes that not all students have the transportation and parental involvement to access programming at its main site, DCYOP also offers free school-based programs at four Title 1 elementary and middle schools across the District. This -inspired program aims to enhance students’ interest in learning, strengthen their connection to school, and improve their academic and social skills through intensive classical music education.

Summer Program: To provide the opportunity for year-round learning for its students, DCYOP offers a two-week summer program for students ages 6 to 18.

Our Curriculum

DCYOP's curriculum consists of seven progressive levels.

Levels A and B (Introductory): Students with no prior experience start in our Young Musicians Academy (YMA). YMA provides introductory group lessons and is divided into levels A and B.

Levels C and D (Beginner): Starting at level C, students participate in an ensemble rehearsal in addition to the group class. Because winds and strings have different learning trajectories, DCYOP separates these instrumental groupings at first: Sinfonia 1 and Sinfonia 2 (strings level C and D), and Wind Ensemble (woodwinds, brass and percussion levels C-D).

Intermediate: Young Artists Orchestra (a string ensemble for ages 12 and younger) and the Repertory Orchestra (an orchestra will full instrumentation for students ages 13+) continues developing technical, musical, and ensemble skills. Young Artists and Repertory Orchestra students rehearsal for three hours a week and receive instrument specific coaching from DCYOP’s faculty.

Advanced: DCYOP has two advanced audition-based : the Youth Philharmonic and the renowned Youth Orchestra. Youth Orchestra and Philharmonic students rehearse for three hours a week and receive regular coaching from some of DC’s most esteemed musicians. Students in these ensembles perform a variety of concerts throughout the school year at venues including the Kennedy Center, the National Cathedral and the Organization of American States.

5 In summer 2014, the Youth Orchestra toured Bogota, Colombia. In winter 2016-2017, the Youth Orchestra toured Chile.

New students are matched to their skill-appropriate level following a placement audition. Students may advance to the next level up to three times a year through our jury evaluation system. Evaluation criteria includes technique, musicality, solo pieces, and sight reading. All students may request to receive written feedback.

Program Structure

Youth Orchestra – Mariano Vales, Music Director The Youth Orchestra (YO) is DCYOP’s most advanced ensemble. YO performs repertoire from the standard orchestral literature and is comprised largely of advanced high school students. Audition only. Youth Philharmonic – Richard Scerbo, Conductor The Youth Philharmonic (YP) is an advanced training orchestra geared at elevating students’ performance level, ensemble skills, and musical confidence. Audition only. Repertory Orchestra – Philip Espe, Conductor The Repertory Orchestra (RO) is an intermediate level full orchestra for students ages 13 and older. The Repertory Orchestra performs music from the standard orchestral literature and well as works from non-classical genres. Young Artists Orchestra – Angelica Kalasz, Conductor The Young Artists Orchestra (YA) is an intermediate string ensemble for students ages 12 and younger. The Young Artists Orchestra introduces advanced ensemble instruction and focuses on challenging and diverse repertoire. Sinfonias (C and D strings) – Elise Cuffy, Conductor Beginning ensemble for strings. Wind Ensemble (C and D level winds, brass, and percussion) – Angela Underdue, Conductor Beginning Ensemble for winds, brass, and percussion. Debut Orchestra – Rachel Pereira, Conductor Introductory string ensemble (violin, viola and cello) that will provide those who have been in level B for a semester or more, an introduction to orchestra. Students will focus on note reading, techniques and theory learning the basics of ensemble playing of preparing them for the start of our beginner intermediate level C string orchestra, Sinfonia I. Premiere Winds– Eric Henderson, Conductor The Premiere Winds is an beginner ensemble, made up of flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, French Horn, trumpet, trombone and percussion that will provide those who have been in level B for a semester or more, an introduction to orchestra. Students will focus on note reading, techniques and theory learning the basics of ensemble playing of preparing them for the start of our intermediate level ensemble, Wind Ensemble. Young Musicians Academy – Beginner group classes. Levels A and B. 6 Rehearsal Schedule

Ensemble Rehearsal Sectionals/Group Rehearsal Location Time Class Time Youth Orchestra 9:00 – 12:30 10:30 – 11:30 Third Floor - E307 Youth Philharmonic 11:00 – 1:00 9:30 – 10:30 Fourth Floor - E407 Repertory Orchestra 9:00 – 11:00 11:30 – 12:30 Fourth Floor - E407 Young Artists Orchestra 9:00 – 11:00 11:30 – 12:30 2nd Floor Auditorium Wind Ensemble 2:15 – 3:15 1:00 – 2:00 2nd Floor Auditorium Sinfonia D Level 1:00 – 2:00 2:15 – 3:15 Third Floor - E407 Sinfonia C Level 2:15 – 3:15 1:00 – 2:00 Third Floor - E407 Debut Orchestra 11:30 – 12:30 10:20 – 11:20 2nd Floor Auditorium Premiere Winds 11:30 – 12:30 10:20 – 11:20 E409 Young Musicians Academy N/A 9:15 – 3:15 Third & Fourth Floor

Student Evaluations

To measure student progress, at the end of each semester, DCYOP holds jury evaluations. The purpose of jury evaluations is to measure student progress and assess program delivery. Because of this, DCYOP requires that every student participates in an evaluation every semester. Collective evaluation results enable DCYOP staff to make program updates and improvement. In addition, in going through the process, students gain confidence and pre-professional training.

Evaluation panels, (made up of two to three professional music teachers from the greater DC area and/or current faculty members, conductors, and staff), listen to students perform the evaluation requirements and determine whether a student is prepared to pass to the next level of the program. Evaluation requirements are available online beginning mid-October. This Fall season evaluations will be conducted via video.

Every student moves through DCYOP’s curriculum at his/her own pace. Some of the levels are designed to be multiple semesters and therefore students will not always advance from one level to the next every semester. Because of this, DCYOP has three different evaluation ratings: Advanced, Pass, or Unsatisfactory Progress. A pass is a great accomplishment and means that the student is “on-course” to move to the next level. On average, each semester, only 20% of students levels C and above advance to the next level.

For students in the Young Musicians Academy, teachers will conduct the evaluations during class time. Students in the Sinfonia Orchestras, Wind Ensemble, Young Artists Orchestra, and Repertory Orchestra are given individual appointments on a scheduled evaluation day.

When students reach the Young Artists Orchestra or the Repertory Orchestra, they will have the opportunity to audition for DCYOP’s first advanced orchestra – the Youth Philharmonic. Once in the Youth Philharmonic, students will have the opportunity to audition for the Youth Orchestra.

For questions on the jury evaluation system, please contact [email protected]. 7

DCYOP Student Expectations and Policies

Being a member of the DCYOP family is both an honor and a great opportunity. Most importantly, being a part of DCYOP and a musical ensemble is a team effort. In order for an ensemble to function properly and achieve its musical goals, every member must be dedicated to playing his/her part. By being a member of DCYOP and one of its ensembles, each musician agrees to uphold the following responsibilities:

● ATTEND all rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances. ● Arrive ON TIME for all rehearsals, performances and other events. Students are expected to be ready to play 5 minutes before scheduled rehearsal time. ● Arrive FULLY PREPARED to every rehearsal having practiced your music. ● Put forth your BEST EFFORT AND ATTITUDE out of respect for the music, your fellow orchestra members, and DCYOP. ● Come to all rehearsals with your instrument, music, music stand, and necessary accessories (pencils, extra strings, rosin, reeds, mutes, cello stops, etc). DCYOP does not provide loaner instruments nor sells musical accessories. Lost music must be downloaded and printed from the DCYOP Music Database, per the lost music policy ● Behave RESPECTUFLLY AND MATURELY at all rehearsals, classes, performances and DCYOP events.

The following unsatisfactory conduct may require a meeting with parent/guardian and may result in disciplinary action, or dismissal: ● Absenteeism or excessive lateness ● Failure to arrive prepared to rehearsals or classes ● Failure to uphold expectations or disrespectful behavior

Attendance Policy: ● Students are expected to attend every rehearsal, sectional, and class. In the case of an emergency or unavoidable absence, please fill out the following form: Student Excused Absentee Request https://form.jotform.com/52032795813153. A link to this form can be found under MYDCYOP under Forms and Information. ● Attendance at concerts and dress rehearsals is mandatory. ● Students are permitted a maximum of three absences per semester with prior notice. Students are not “entitled” to three absences; they are permitted them only when unavoidable. ● Missing more than three rehearsals is grounds for seat demotion, orchestra level demotion, or and/or not performing in upcoming concerts. Chronic absence is grounds for dismissal from DCYOP.

Tardiness Policy:  It is vital to the success of each rehearsal and class that students arrive on time and ready to play. Students are expected to be in their seat andready to play at least 5 minutes before rehearsal or class begins.  Two tardies are equivalent to one unexcused absence

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Lost Music Policy: Beginning 2017-2018, DCYOP will not provide students with replacement copies of lost music. Music will be available from the DCYOP Music Database for download and printing. Access details will be e-mailed to families.

Responsibility: All musicians/parents/guardians are responsible for regularly checking DCYOP’s website and personal email for messages and announcements from DCYOP administrative and artistic staff. Please make sure that your correct email address is on file. DCYOP relies on email to communicate with its families.

Courtesy and Respect for Each Other: All DCYOP musicians and their parents/guardians are expected to behave respectfully and politely towards one another, towards their conductor and teachers, the administrative staff and board members. Courtesy and respect is expected at rehearsals, performances and in any DCYOP activity or event.

Respect for Property: DCYOP is a guest at Eastern High School. As such, we must respect our surroundings. Food and drink are not permitted on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th floors, in any classroom, or rehearsals. All food and drink must be consumed in the cafeteria. Only Eastern High School and DCYOP staff are permitted to move furniture. Furniture and equipment must remain in classrooms and rehearsal spaces at all times. Please do not remove chairs or desks from their classroom space. Computers are for Eastern High School students and faculty only. DCYOP families do not have access to any Eastern High School technical equipment. Please do not touch computers or other classroom equipment. Remember to take all of your personal belongings with you when you depart. DCYOP and Eastern High School are not responsible for any lost items.

Music Stands: Faculty, Parents and Students are not permitted to move any black music stands from any space.

Rehearsal/Class Etiquette: During rehearsals and classes, DCYOP members are expected to focus their full attention on their musical work. Eating, doing homework, use of cell phones or other electronics, and all other non-musical tasks are prohibited. Students should remain seated and ready to play at all times other than assigned breaks. Leaving during a rehearsal is disruptive and should be avoided.

Personal Conduct: DCYOP students who demonstrate disruptive or disrespectful behavior may be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the DCYOP staff. If expectations are not met, DCYOP staff will contact the parent/guardian in an attempt to resolve the problem.

Pickup policy: All students must be picked up from their classroom or rehearsal room immediately following program. Please do not pick up your child outside of Eastern High School. DCYOP cannot be responsible for students who leave campus. If your child is 7 or under, we ask that a parent or guardian remain present for the duration of the program. DCYOP staff remains in the building until 3:30 pm; pickups that happen after that time will be fined $1/minute up until 4 pm when DCYOP reserves the right to call the police.

Elevator policy: Eastern High School’s elevator is not for regular use. Please use the stairs unless you are elderly, disabled, have a stroller, are moving equipment, or have a large instrument such as the cello or bass. Excessive lateness is also grounds for disciplinary action. Concerts: Participation in all concerts is mandatory. Students performing in concerts are expected to arrive promptly at announced call times for set up. Late arrivals and early dismissals are unacceptable at performances. At any venue, students are expected to maintain the same code of conduct they do during rehearsals and classes. Concert Attire: The Proper concert attire for each DCYOP level and ensemble is listed below. From time to time, this may change per conductor request. Please refer to your “ensemble performance sheet” for updated information.

Gentlemen Young Musicians Academy Levels A&B YP & YO Sinfonia 1 & 2, WE, YA, RO  All white button shirt, short-sleeved or  Black Suit or Tuxedo long-sleeved  All white button shirt, long-sleeved  Black slacks  Black slacks  Black socks  Black socks  Black shoes  Black shoes  Black tie (optional)  Black tie (bow tie or straight tie)

Ladies Young Musicians Academy Levels A&B YP & YO Sinfonia 1 & 2, WE, YA, RO  Black skirt or slacks  All black dress o Skirts must be knee length or longer  Black skirt or slacks when seated o Skirts must be knee length or longer  All white buttoned and collared blouse when seated o Clothing made of see-through material is  All black and collared blouse not permitted o Clothing made of see-through material is o Sleeves must be of mid-bicep length or not permitted longer o Sleeves must be of mid-bicep length or o Sleeveless, strapless, very short sleeved, longer and/or spaghetti straps are not permitted o Sleeveless, strapless, very short sleeved,  Black socks or stockings and/or spaghetti straps are not permitted o Tights/stockings must be black or  Black socks or stockings skin-colored o Tights/stockings must be black or  Black shoes skin-colored o Open toed shoes and sandals are not  Black shoes permitted o Open toed shoes and sandals are not  Black tie (optional) permitted  Sequins are not permitted  Sequins are not permitted

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2017 FALL SEMESTER CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 9 - FALL SEMESTER BEGINS 16 - REHEARSAL 23 - REHEARSAL 30 - REHEARSAL OCTOBER

3 - CONCERT: YO REOPENS TERRACE THEATER AT THE KENNEDY CENTER FREE 7 - REHEARSAL 14 - REHEARSAL 21 - REHEARSAL 28 - REHEARSAL NOVEMBER 4 - REHEARSAL 11 - NO REHEARSAL (VETERANS DAY) 18 - REHEARSAL 25 - NO REHEARSAL (THANKSGIVING) DECEMBER 2 - REHEARSAL 9 - BEGINNER CONCERT - EASTERN HIGH SCHOOL FREE 10 - YP & YO CONCERT – THEARC FREE 16 - ENSEMBLE SHOWCASE CONCERT - UDC THEATER OF THE ARTS FREE 23 - WINTER HOLIDAY 30 - WINTER HOLIDAY

Without music, life would be a mistake. Friedrich Nietzsche