Yo Yo Ma and Joshua Bell Perform Alonside DCYOP Students

Washington (February 8, 2017) For 18 DC elementary school students, Tuesday was a dream come true. After just five months of studying the violin, viola or cello, they had the opportunity to perform alongside renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Joshua Bell, first at their school and later at the Kennedy Center. The performances were a result of the collaboration between the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP), Bunker Hill Elementary School, the Kennedy Center, and Turnaround Arts.

The day began with a side-by-side rehearsal with Mr. Ma, Mr. Bell and the young musicians at Bunker Hill Elementary. The group jammed on a piece by DC's own Duke Ellington.“It was great to watch our students interact with Yo-Yo Ma and Joshua Bell. They will remember this forever; to play for their heroes teaches them to dream big and that's what music is all about - unleashing potential,” says DCYOP Executive Director Liz Schurgin. The rehearsal was then followed by two performances: one at Bunker Hill for their community and another at the Kennedy Center. Among those in the audience was Mayor Muriel Bowser, an alumna of DCYOP. After the first concert Mr. Ma commented on the importance of the arts in schools “...when there’s a lot of change in the world, which is scary, absolutely scary, there are ways to overcome that fear by actually using focus, passion, curiosity, empathy and collaboration, because then we are strong.”

Philip Espe, Manager and Conductor of DCYOP’s program at Bunker Hill, has seen "the power of music transform the students of Bunker Hill. Through this initiative our students have learned to work, play, and succeed together. Their passion and dedication to music is starting to spill into all parts of their lives. I'm so proud of what our kids have achieved!" DCYOP's program at Bunker Hill provides free instrumental instruction for up to 6 hours a week. Called "the Children's Orchestra," it operates at three title one elementary schools in DC. The initiative is inspired by El Sistema, Venezuela's national youth orchestra program that uses music as an agent for social change.

The DC Youth Orchestra Program was founded in 1960 at the request of the DC Public Schools distinguishing itself through its inclusivity. The program welcomes all students that wish to participate, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or ability. The only requirement to join is a desire to learn. Today over 600 students ages 4-18 from 200 different schools and 100 unique zip codes participate in DCYOP’s nationally recognized programs. For more information visit www.dcyop.org.