AMERICAN YOUTH CHORUS

3/24 Concert "We Do"
AYC sang music about love, spanning 200+ years, from early US folk hymns and spirituals to the pop songs of today.

American Youth Chorus (AYC) provides music education, performance experience, and community for Washington, DC-area children in grades three to eight. Artistic Director Jonathon Hampton 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, 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

 

CAPITOL HILL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

Saturday, November 23 at 5:30pm
Eastern Market Metro Plaza
7th & D St SE, Washington, DC
Free

Join the community at the 18th Annual Capitol Hill Holiday Tree Lighting! The “Men in Blue” will serve hot chocolate and doughnuts while local musicians perform, featuring American Youth Chorus singing new versions of holiday favorites like Deck the Halls, God Rest Ye Merry, Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, plus a rarely-heard song by Mariah Carey. All festivities will be held at the tree known as "Sonny" in the Southwest Quadrant at 7th and D St SE. Members of the Didden family will flip the switch to illuminate the tree that was planted to honor the late George Didden III for his many contributions to the Capitol Hill community.

 

  • OPEN HOUSE

    Sign up for a free open rehearsal, Wednesdays Dec 11 & Jan 8 at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St SE, Washington, DC
    Students in grades 3-8 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 for the well-being of their child and to 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

    Wednesdays Aug 28—June 11, following the DC Public Schools schedule.
    Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St SE, Washington, DC.
    Reh 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. 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 basic 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) 4-5:30pm
    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) 4:45-6:15pm
    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. After that, if it’s not a good fit you’ll be refunded for that rehearsal.

    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.

 

  • SUBSCRIBE TO GOOGLE CALENDAR

    Nov 6, 13, 20 rehearsals

    • Nov 23, 5pm rehearsal for 5:30pm, Capitol Hill BID Tree Lighting, Eastern Market Metro Plaza, 7th & D St SE

    Dec 4, 11 rehearsals (12/11 Open House)

    • Dec 18, 5pm rehearsal for 6pm performance with Congressional Chorus, Willard InterContinental Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Winter banquet follows at Elephant & Castle, 12th & Penn NW.

    Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 rehearsals (1/8 Open House)

    Feb 1, 5, 12, 19, 26 rehearsals

    • Feb 1 retreat, time TBD, NorthEast Public Library, 330 7th St NE, Washington DC

    Mar 5, 12, 19, 26 rehearsals

    • Mar 29, 2pm rehearsal for 4pm concert with Congressional Chorus, Live! at 10th and G, 945 G ST NW, Washington DC

    Apr 2, 9, 23, 30 rehearsals

    May 7, 14, 21, 28 rehearsals

    Jun 4, 11 rehearsals

    • Jun 14, 2pm rehearsal for 4pm concert with Congressional Chorus, 4pm, Capital Turnaround, 700 M St SE, Washington DC

 

  • AMERICAN YOUTH CHORUS ANNOUNCES ECLECTIC SEASON AND NEW PIANIST
    DC Choristers Sing Halloween, Winter, and Theatrical Music from Medieval to Modern

    American Youth Chorus announces its 2024-2025 season with six eclectic performances. Halloween music haunts the halls of Northeast Neighborhood Library in a free performance, October 19 at 11:30am. Always learning the history of the music they sing, choristers resurrect hallowed Latin text from the requiem mass, Dies irae (Day of Wrath). On the lighter side, spooky songs from the likes of Harry Potter, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and celebrating Día de Muertos, Oscar-winning Recuérdame from Coco. Next, a full concert with their parent organization Congressional Chorus at Live! at 10th & G on October 26 at 4pm.

    Thanksgiving brings music celebrating the holidays and winter solstice. The young singers kick off the Christmas celebration on Capitol Hill where they’re based. Rehearsing weekly at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, AYC pops down the block for their local Business Improvement District’s tree lighting at Eastern Market Metro Park, November 23 at 5:30pm. December 18 at 6pm they’re joined by the Chamber Singers of their adult counterpart, singing holiday favorites touting the sweetness of the season as well as global Christmas classics composed and arranged by US musicians, reflecting the organization’s commitment to championing American artists.

    Spring brings film favorites from television and the silver screen. Throwbacks like Empire of the Sun and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory alongside new classics like Harriet and Barbie. Plus TV tunes you can’t stop singing, from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, The Big Bang Theory, Full House, and Friends. This concert, at Live! at 10th & G, March 29 at 4pm, is also combined with their Congressional Chorus family, as is their season finale–a choreographed extravaganza of modern musical theater masterpieces, showcasing dance, live band, and visuals that complement the brightness of the smiles and youthful vigor on stage at Capital Turnaround, June 14 at 4pm. 

    Artistic Director Jonathon Hampton welcomes Pianist Ginny Maddock to the team teaching choristers in grades 3-8. Having earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies and Vocal Performance from Ithaca College, Maddock is also Director and Preschool Music Teacher at St. David’s Episcopal Church and Preschool in Ashburn, VA and owner of Full Circle Music and Arts. She is passionate about music education and is an active member of Music Teacher National Association, Jazz Educators Network, and the Somatic Voicework™ community. 

    “My commitment is to support these young musicians in their musical growth and to help them experience the joy of making music together,” says Maddock. “I'm also looking forward to helping the choristers foster a strong mind-body connection, allowing them to fully embody their musicianship and carry these skills into their other endeavors. I know we’re going to have a blast and I can’t wait to get started!”

    AYC invites visitors to Open Houses at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop on Wednesdays, August 28 through September 18 at 4pm. These free, open rehearsals demonstrate AYC’s teaching methods which include music history, theory, ear-training, and promote confidence, teamwork, leadership, showmanship, and fun. Learn more and sign up at AmericanYouthChorus.org

    August 28, September 4, 11, 18 Open House, 4-5:30pm
    Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St SE, Washington, DC

    October 19 Concert, 11:30am
    Northeast Neighborhood Library, Free, 330 7th St NE, Washington, DC

    October 26 Concert, 4pm
    Live! at 10th & G, 945 G St NW, Washington, DC 

    November 23 Concert, 5:30pm
    Eastern Market Metro Park, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC

    December 7 Concert, 7:30pm
    St. Mary Mother of God, 727 5th St NW, Washington, DC

    March 29 Concert, 4pm
    Live! at 10th & G, 945 G St NW, Washington, DC 

    June 14 Concert, 4pm
    Capital Turnaround, 700 M St SE, Washington, DCDescription text goes here

 
 

Jonathon Hampton

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Jonathon Hampton is a unique and versatile singer and conductor with nearly 20 years teaching experience, specializing in spirituals, early classical music, and contemporary popular repertoire. He is Artistic Director of American Youth Chorus in Washington, DC and previously created choral programs at Washington International School; at Grace Church in Newark, New Jersey; at his alma mater Cornell University and with alumni in New York; and in California at East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, Richmond's King Elementary, Caliber Beta Academy, and San Francisco Early Music Society's Music Discovery Workshop and Youth Collegium.

Having spent his youth in The American Boychoir, Hampton became Associate Director of Music and Outreach for another rare choir school, the Grammy-winning Pacific Boychoir Academy. Over 14 years, he taught all ages, recorded several albums, conducted tours, camps, and orchestral collaborations, managed recruitment, community programs, marketing and communications administration, and was principal conductor of the training chorus for day-school grades 4-8 and the after-school a cappella group of high schoolers, Continuum.

Hampton has also been Artistic Director of the adult Renaissance ensemble, Tactus SF, and Associate Director of San Francisco Youth Chorus. Also in California, he’s been guest conductor of Piedmont East Bay Children's Chorus, Cantare’s Nova Choir, the Cathedral of Christ the Light, Lafayette Christian Church, and Enriching Lives Through Music. In New York he has guest conducted the Cornell University World Music Choir and at Trinity Wall Street and Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church; in New Jersey at Trinity Church, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and Trinity and St. Philip's Cathedral. 

In addition to business management for several of the aforementioned, Hampton spent five years in arts administration with Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute, and more recently with American Bach Soloists, Vocal Arts DC, and Strathmore. He is currently a board member of Experiments in Opera and Managing Director of Washington Men’s Camerata.

As a professional vocalist, Hampton sings alto, tenor, and baritone. He’s heard on 18 commercial recordings, including his solo album, Negro Spirituals: Songs of Trial & Triumph. In 2022 he was honored as a Heritage Keeper by Friends of Negro Spirituals. With guitar and piano, he also sings contemporary, popular music, including songs of his own. He performs regularly with the choir of Washington National Cathedral and has recently performed with the schola of St. John Paul II National Shrine, Washington Douglass Chorale, Cathedral Choral Society, Washington Master Chorale, National Philharmonic Chorale, and Washington Men’s Camerata. JonHampton.com

 

Ginny Maddock

PIANIST

Ginny Maddock (she/her) is a pianist, vocalist, and educator based in Northern Virginia. She hold a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies and Vocal Performance from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, where she lived and worked for over seven years. Ms. Maddock currently serves as Pianist of American Youth Chorus and is Music Director and Preschool Music Teacher at St. David’s Episcopal Church and Preschool in Ashburn, VA. She is the owner of Full Circle Music and Arts (formerly Ginny Maddock Music), where she teaches voice and piano lessons and group music classes. She is passionate about music education and is an active member of Music Teacher National Association, Jazz Educators Network, and the Somatic Voicework™ community. In her free time you can find her and her partner, Rachel, crafting, making music, or hanging out with their cats. She is thrilled to be working with AYC and supporting the musical growth of all the students! GinnyMaddockVoice.com

 

LeighAnne Markaity

ADMINISTRATOR & REHEARSAL ASSISTANT

LeighAnne Markaity holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Bowling Green State University. Originally from West Michigan, she has lived in DC and been part of Congressional Chorus for ten years. Ms. Markaity played a major role in the relaunch of American Youth Chorus and is their Rehearsal Assistant and Administrator for the entire Congressional Chorus organization. She is also the Congressional Chorus soprano section leader, is in their Chamber Ensemble, and a member of Board of Directors. She was previously a nanny and a flute and voice teacher. When not singing, she can be found lost in a book, on a run, cooking something new, and exploring the city with friends. 

 

  • For the 2024-25 school year, American Youth Chorus (AYC) seeks an experienced and ambitious choral artist as a rehearsal assistant to help teach and develop choristers in grades 3-8. Weekly rehearsals are Wednesdays 4:00-6:15pm at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop at 7th & G SE, DC.

    This growing ensemble will use your help managing two ensembles, rehearsing 4-5:30pm for beginners and 4:45-6:15 for intermediates. You will manage the break and music theory work for beginners 4:45-5pm during the intermediate ensemble warmups. Everyone then combines for a half hour, after which your help is needed overseeing Beginners dismissal before returning to help Intermediates.

    There are three major concerts and several short performances throughout the season, which mirrors the DCPS year. Part of the Congressional Chorus organization’s team, you will work closely with Artistic Director Jonathon Hampton in programming and vocal coaching intriguing, challenging music of diverse genres; teaching theory; creating a fun and disciplined performance culture; modeling good singing; and helping choristers stay on task and better understand basics. Other administrative staff is often available to chaperone performances, though your attendance is encouraged to cover additional artistic needs that may arise.

    Having just finished its first full season since a five-year hiatus—following the pandemic and retirement of the founder—AYC is still rebuilding and actively fundraising to build up the budget. At this time priority is being given to volunteers, with the organization eager to collaborate with those looking to serve their community and gain teaching experience or school credit. However, all candidates will be considered, and targeted advancement work is being pursued to potentially support this a paid position. Please include your preferred pay rate if desired.

    References, a background check, and provided child safety training will be required to complete onboarding. If you or a trusted colleague are interested, please email your resume to ayc@congressionalchorus.org

    American Youth Chorus (AYC) provides music education, performance experience, and community for Washington, DC-area children in grades three to eight. Artistic Director Jonathon Hampton 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, 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.