AMERICAN YOUTH CHORUS

Streaming Sitcoms, arr. Jack Zaino • March 2025
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American Youth Chorus (AYC) provides music education, performance experience, and community for Washington, DC-area children in grades three to eight. AYC teaches music theory and history, plus reading and writing of diverse music of all genres, centered on U.S. composers spanning centuries. AYC was founded in 2008 as part of a multigenerational family of choruses who they sing with and learn from—NorthEast Senior Singers and parent organization Congressional Chorus. Performance highlights include The White House, Capital One Arena, The Kennedy Center, The National Archives Museum, Library of Congress, and the U.S. Department of State. Several performances and collaborations throughout the school year give students experience showcasing their artistry, developing teamwork, independence, and confidence, engaging with professional musicians, and having fun. AYC also contributes to more inclusive and accessible arts by performing at civic events and community venues, singing for diverse audiences with dynamic, varied, impactful choral music. AmericanYouthChorus.org

Please select 3. American Youth Chorus under Donation Details (select an appeal)

 

PERFORMANCES

 
 

  • OPEN HOUSE

    Sign up this summer for a free open rehearsal. Dates & locations TBD. Students in grades 3-9 are invited to visit for a fun, free, open rehearsal as we learn and explore music together. Sing along or just watch until comfortable joining in. Parents attend this first rehearsal and will get to know the staff and chorus culture. Meet other students and families, ask questions, and learn some basics about singing through simple songs and musical games. No preparation or experience needed.

    REHEARSALS

    Fall 2026 dates & location TBD, likely Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Schedule includes DC Public Schools calendar year and breaks.

    Hour and forty five minute rehearsals begins with physical warm ups, vocal exercises, and musical games and lessons teaching music theory and ear training. Next we learn how to read music through newer songs before a break. Ensembles then combine as we go deeper with music that has previously been taught, getting ready for performance. It’s recommend everyone start in Beginners unless they've already been in an actively performing chorus for at least a year. It's recommended that every chorister in elementary school start with our basics in Beginners, to discover how we learn and sound. After after a visit, if staff, chorister, and parents all see that a student is more advanced, they'd be invited to try Intermediates. 

    Beginners (Juniors)
    Skills learned: unison singing, melodic ear-training, confidence, expression, teamwork and performance culture development, introduction to score reading, music history, and theory book one.

    Intermediates & Seniors
    For returning and older or experienced singers. Additional skills learned: harmony singing, harmonic ear-training, leadership, showmanship, sightreading, and theory book two.

    TUITION

    Your open rehearsal visit (with parent) is free. Assuming all goes well, you’ll be invited to enroll, set up payment or apply for financial aid, then your child may attend the next rehearsal (without parent) on a trial basis.

    Monthly tuition covers the cost of staff, venues, music, workbooks, and supplies. Additional costs include concert attire ~$100, provided free for those receiving financial aid. Your first month is prorated depending on when you join. Thereafter payment is due at the beginning of each month with automatic billing through Chorus Connection.

    $180 monthly standard rate
    $126 monthly sibling discount—30% off
    $90 monthly 2+ siblings discount—50% off

    FINANCIAL AID

    Available based on needs, at full, half, and quarter tuition coverage, based on household income, dependents, and DC community eligibility. Full assistance is highly likely among Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school attendees and SNAP, TANF, FARM and Head Start participants. After your visit, before you enroll you’ll receive a form to determine your eligibility.