The Youth Mentorship Program (YMP) aims to contribute to students’ holistic growth through the vehicles of music and extramusical opportunities to connect with a diverse community of students and professional musicians. In 2023, our Lesson Bank and YMP were integrated to provide weekly private instrumental lessons for all participants. In collaboration with our 2022-2023 Sphinx Orchestral Futurist in Residence, Yasmine Bougacha, we introduced an additional component, the YMP Chamber Players. This program includes chamber group assignments, biweekly chamber music coachings, and various performance opportunities. This year we welcome our new OFIR, violinist Camille Jones who will bring a fresh perspective on mindfulness and creative expression to the program.

In addition to the performance aspect of the program, students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops focusing on life skills, college preparation and personal development. Studying an instrument requires and improves abilities such as time management, working efficiently alone and within a group, project management, etc. Within this program we discuss and work on these abilities, preparing students for future tasks and various professional paths after high school.

We are thrilled to provide a program of high-quality instruction and workshops for students who are passionate about improving their musical and personal skills. What makes this program powerful is the experience of being in a chamber group and the relationships built with highly regarded professionals from the NatPhil and DC community. These partnerships provide access to information, career-building connections and, most importantly, affirmations that these talented students are worthy to achieve any goal they desire, no matter their upbringing. Additionally, to provide easier access to all our engagements this season, we will offer each admitted student a small stipend to support their commute and transportation within the program.

• Consistent effort and practice
• Attendance at weekly 45-minute private lessons
• Attendance for selected NatPhil Concerts & Curated Concert
• Immersives at Strathmore & other NatPhil engagements as scheduled (see schedule below).
• Attendance for chamber coachings starting in early Spring
• Students must be in Middle or High School (grades 6-12) to participate. All instruments and vocalists are eligible.

• To share the resources and assets of the National Philharmonic with local young aspiring artists.
• To give students within historically resilient communities the opportunity to receive intensive, high-quality private instruction building musical skills & knowledge on their solo instrument and in a chamber group that can be carried through professional life beyond high school.
• To create a sense of community between YMP students, the NatPhil community and partners like the Washington National Opera.
• To inspire and grow the students’ passion for music in a supportive and joyful environment.
• To create a space that allows for collaboration by practicing teamwork and communication skills that will empower students to create and develop ideas freely.
• To provide seminars on topics like college preparation, musical/arts career development, and wellness.
• To include students in the Harmonic Justice Program by giving them a platform to start defining the orchestra of the future for themselves.

Saturday, February 10, 2024  • Dvořák Symphony No. 7
Saturday, March 9, 2024 • Musical Mediums: Pictures at an Exhibition
Saturday, April 6, 2024 • Mozart & Mahler
Saturday, May 11, 2024 • l’Éternel
Saturday, June 8, 2024 • Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 with Sarah Chang