Play On Philly 2026-27 School Year
POP Chamber Program
Chamber – POP Music Center
We’re glad you’re interested in Play On Philly! POP’s Chamber Program serves high school musicians and advanced middle schoolers who want to supplement their music studies with after-school ensembles.
Enrollment is open for Session 1: September 21 to December 11, 2026. Submit your form today.
If you would like to express interest without enrolling, please click the Interest button below.
Chamber – POP Music Center
We’re glad you’re interested in Play On Philly!
Enrollment is open for Session 2: January – May, 2026. Submit your form today.
Important Enrollment Dates
- August 21st – Student enrollment opens.
- Anyone from SFDS can submit a POP enrollment form!
- NOTE: There is no lottery and spots are assigned as students enroll. You will be notified if your student is placed on a waitlist.
- September 16th – Enrollment closes.
- Once enrollment closes, students will not be able to enroll for Fall session. If your student is placed on a waitlist, staff may contact you in if spots become available for the last two sessions of the year.
- Once your child is enrolled, schedule an Enrollment Meeting with Ian Taylor, Program Manager. These meetings are mandatory and are key to starting the year off successfully.
- September 22nd – First day of POP for Percussion and Intermediate Strings Chamber students.
- September 23rd – POP for all Chamber students
Basic Information
The following is general information about our Chamber programming.
The program is hosted in Center City at the Howard Center for the Arts, and is open to any musically qualified student from the area. Each student spends one afternoon with the full Chamber Orchestra, and a second with a smaller chamber group (string ensemble, brass ensemble, etc.). There are four major concerts throughout the year, with recent venues including Temple University’s Rock Hall, the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. Select students may also be invited to additional performance and travel opportunities that arise throughout the year.
If you are a current POP Family, please log into our Family Portal page.
POP's Mission
Play On Philly (POP) provides underserved children in Philadelphia a transformative music education experience that develops and inspires the behaviors and personal skills needed for a successful life.
Programmatic Continuum
POP is happy to offer programming for eligible students from K-12. Throughout that time, their experience transforms and expands, moving from simpler musical experiences to playing with a whole orchestra!
General Eligibility, Fees, & Attendance Expectations
Eligibility
- Grades 8-12 with at least 2 years of playing experiences.
- Students can come from any school in the region as long as they meet the music requirement.
If your student does not meet this criteria, please see our Summer Program page or our MAYAP page for other possible options.
Enrollment Fee
- There is an annual enrollment fee of $130 required for each student.
- This payment can be broken into three installments if needed, with an installment due each of the first three months (September 25 – $50; October 30 – $40; December 4 – $40)
Attendance Policy
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A maximum of 5 absences per session (excused or otherwise); A maximum of 3 on the same weekday (i.e. you can miss 3 Tuesdays and 2 Thursdays, but not 4 Tuesdays).
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Consequence is lost privilege to participate in the concert that session, and reevaluation of eligibility and/or ensemble placement for the following session.
General Chamber Schedule
Students complete an average of 4 hours a week, with extra time throughout the year for combined rehearsals and concerts.
Chamber
Tuesday
- Percussion Ensemble
- Intermediate String Ensemble
Wednesday
- Chamber Orchestra (all students)
Thursday
- Woodwind Ensemble
- Brass Ensemble
- Advanced String Ensemble
All Chamber students are required to participate two days per week.
For more a more detailed schedule, current families can log into the Family Portal.
Other POP Opportunities
Marian Anderson Young Artist Program (MAYAP)
The Marian Anderson Young Artist Program supports students, also known as Anderson Artists, in their musical studies through private lessons, individual advisement, instrument loans, and college and career counseling.
To learn more, click HERE
POP Summer Program
Summers at POP are an opportunity for musical and social-emotional growth through ensemble playing and intensive group lessons, as well as other forms of creativity and expression including dance, physical fitness, and art. This is open to rising grades 1-12 and rising college freshman.
To learn more, click HERE
Questions?
Please email our Chamber Program Manager at itaylor@playonphilly.org
Program Manager:
Ian Taylor
After spending formative years immersed in a robust public school music program, Ian has built his career around bringing rich musical experiences to students in spaces that have historically had fewer such opportunities. He has taught instrumental music at various schools in New York, Connecticut, and the US Virgin Islands. Most recently, he was a founding member and eventually rose to the role of Executive Director of Project Music, an organization that brings out-of-school-time music education programs to underserved communities in Stamford, CT.
He received his B.M. and M.M. in Music Education from the State University of New York College at Fredonia and Boston University, respectively. Ian also holds a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University as well as an executive certificate in social leadership and teaching artistry from the Global Leaders Program of Youth Orchestra of the Americas. Ian has had the great pleasure of working alongside likeminded educators across the United States and internationally, including partnerships with music programs in Chile, Honduras, Bolivia, and Mexico.
