Our Programs for
Advanced Musicians
The Full Symphonic Experience
DCYOP’s Advanced program is for students who are ready for the highest level of orchestral training we offer. Through an audition process, students are placed in one of three full orchestras — combining strings, winds, brass, and percussion. Here, students take on serious repertoire and real performance opportunities while developing confidence under pressure, leadership, and the ability to express themselves with clarity and purpose. We define excellence as preparation for life, not just performance. These students are working to achieve their goals and prepare for music beyond DCYOP.
WHO IT'S FOR
Our Advanced program is for students ages 5–18 from across the Washington metropolitan area who are ready for the full symphonic experience — the highest level of orchestral training DCYOP offers.
Students audition for placement in one of three full orchestras combining strings, winds, brass, and percussion, including our most advanced ensemble, the Youth Orchestra. Ensembles meet on Saturdays at Takoma Elementary School throughout the school year, with chamber music opportunities available during the year and summer.
Advanced students are accepted each semester through an audition process. Please see here for more information on how to audition.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We define excellence as preparation for life, not just performance. Yes, some of our students go on to pursue careers in music, but that is not the only goal, and it’s not the only measure of success.
We provide advanced students with high-quality instruction, serious repertoire, and real performance opportunities. Students also develop something deeper: emotional intelligence through music, confidence under pressure, leadership within an ensemble, and the ability to express themselves with clarity and purpose. Time and time again, we hear from students and families that DCYOP doesn’t just shape stronger musicians, it shapes stronger youth.
YOU BELONG HERE
Advanced students need a place to grow. DCYOP offers high-level ensemble work, performance opportunities, and a pathway that pushes musicians toward their next goal.
This level is not about performance alone, nor about technical mastery in isolation. DCYOP is about learning to be part of something larger, to listen, to contribute, and to take responsibility for a shared outcome.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Advanced Ensembles
Youth Orchestra
Most advanced ensemble.
Rehearsal time:
Saturday 9:00-11:45am
Youth Philharmonic
Advanced full orchestra.
Rehearsal time: Saturday 9:00-11:45am
Repertory Orchestra
Advanced full orchestra.
Rehearsal time: Saturday 12:45-3:30pm
Program Information
Please refer to the student handbook for complete information about the Advanced program at DCYOP.
Important Dates
- April 25, 2026: Registration for 2026-2027 Program Opens
- April 25 - July 25: Early Bird Registration Discount of 5% available
- September 10, 2026: Registration for 2026-2027 Program Closes
- September 12, 2026: Season Kickoff and Orientation at Takoma Elementary School
- September 19, 2026: First Day of Classes/Rehearsals at Takoma Elementary School
Age Requirements
We often get the question of “what is the right age to start a particular instrument?” DCYOP has developed age parameters to help guide parents in determining what is the best age to start an instrument. View minimum age requirements below.
Minimum Age Requirements
Violin
4.5
Viola
4.5
Cello
6
Bass
7
Flute
8
Clarinet
8
Oboe
8
Bassoon
8
Saxophone
8
Trumpet
8
Trombone
8
French Horn
8
Tuba
8
Percussion
8
Harp
7
Student Handbook
For all of the details on our Advanced program policies, timeline, and more, please refer to our student handbook.
Tuition & Financial Assistance
Tuition covers lessons/sectionals, rehearsals, concerts, evaluations and master classes. While the average cost per student is $3,000 per year, DCYOP subsidizes tuition to $1,200 for all students to ensure its programs remain affordable and accessible. We offer additional financial assistance on a sliding scale and have scholarship opportunities for intermediate and advanced students. Learn more.
Auditions
We will be holding Auditions for Intermediate and Advanced students who are new to DCYOP for the Advanced Fall Programs in August. In-person auditions will be held on August 15 and August 22, 2026 at Takoma Elementary School. Sign up for an audition time here. If you prefer to submit a video audition, more information is available here.
Students interested in participating in DCYOP should prepare the following:
- Any piece of music that you are currently practicing either at school or with your teacher
- Two scales of your choice
Additional Opportunities and Scholarships at DCYOP:
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