In the age of iPods, music downloads and XM radio, the D.C. Youth Orchestra is ushering in diversity of another kind.
For the musically inclined, the D.C. Youth Orchestra is one of the city's most valuable assets.
"The program started with the D.C. Public School system and we still work closely with it. Michelle Rhee has indicated the importance of music education in every school's curriculum," Gary Carleton, the president of the DC Youth Orchestra program said.
Consisting of wind ensemble and orchestra instruments, the program offers beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Since its inception in the 1960s, membership has grown from 60 to more than 700 students.
Beginner students perform twice a year while all other students give performances four times a year.
In its mission statement, the program states its purpose as a means to provide a center for affordable music instruction and performance opportunities for young people ages 4 to 19.
The program attracts culturally and socio-economically diverse students with its low cost fee and available financial assistance.
"We try to make accommodations and provide [financial] assistance to those who may need help," Carleton said.
According to the D.C. Youth Orchestra Program Web site, all students are accepted into the program. There are no auditions to join. Those who do have previous experience may audition in order to be placed into the appropriate level orchestra/ensemble group.
"To me, that's one of the most heart warming aspects of this program," Carleton said, in reference to the cultural and economic differences of the students. "It's blind to all those things. When the instructor raises the baton, none of that matters."
As students improve their skills, they have a chance to advance through a series of 12 levels. In order to reach the next level, students give a scheduled performance to an audience of three judges.
Youth Orchestra is the ultimate goal, as it is the highest level of placement and proficiency in the Program.
"It takes a lot of focus and discipline, as well as love and appreciation of music" Carleton said.
90 percent of program graduates go on to attend college. More than 1,500 of the alumni went on to participate in professional and community orchestras around the country, according to the D.C. Youth Orchestra Web site.
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