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.

Program Overview 

Summer participants have the opportunity to learn or deepen their skills on an instrument, play incredible music an ensemble or orchestra, and foster meaningful friendships. We offer the following classes:  

• Elementary and Middle School Classes:
  • Choir  
  • Instrumental Group Lessons   
  • Wind Ensemble  
  • String Ensemble  
  • Exploratory Class
      
• High School Classes  
  • Composition  
  • Music Theory  
  • Symphony Orchestra  
  • Chamber Ensemble  
  • Community Engagement 

Performances and Special Events 

A big part of the Play On Philly experience is performing for each other and our community. In addition to our concerts at the end of each session, past campers have taken field trips to perform at the Philadelphia Zoo, Cherry Street Pier with Orchestra2001, and the KenCrest childcare center. In 2019, the POP Summer Symphony Orchestra accompanied Shakespeare in Clark Park’s production of King Lear.  

Junior Teaching Artists 

Rising 9th graders through college freshman are eligible to participate in our Junior Teaching Artist (JTA) program which gives students a glimpse at music education as an instructor. As a JTA, students spend one period a day working with a cooperating Teaching Artist to guide a class of younger students in their learning. Students meet regularly to discuss their experience, talk about challenges and implement and practice teaching techniques. 

If your child is interested in this track, you’ll be able to indicate that when you enroll. 

Eligibility 

All students who participate in POP’s regular school year programming – including at St. Francis de Sales, St. Rose of Lima, Independence Charter School West, and our Chamber program – are eligible to enroll.  

New students to Play On Philly must meet the following criteria: 

• Rising 1st-4th graders – No instrumental experience required
    
• Rising 5th-8th graders – Must have at least 1 year of experience playing their instrument
    
• Rising 9th-12th graders – Must have at least 3-4 years of experience playing their instrument 

Location 

Our camp will be held at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music & Dance: 2001 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122. 

Instrument Offerings 

We offer programming on the following instruments: 

• Bassoon  
• Cello  
• Clarinet  
• Double Bass  
• Flute  
• French Horn  
• Harp  
• Oboe  
• Percussion  
• Trombone  
• Trumpet  
• Tuba  
• Viola  
• Violin  

Meals  

• Breakfast, lunch, and a light snack will be provided to campers.  
• Campers may bring their own meals, however we cannot refrigerate or reheat food items.  
• All food brought into camp facilities must be peanut-free.  

Students’ schedules will vary with their level and instrument.  

• 8:00 – 8:35am – Arrival and Breakfast 
    
• 8:45 – 11:00am – Instrument Studio Class 
    
• 11:00 – 12:00pm – Choir 
    
• 12:00 – 1:00pm – Lunch and Recess 
    
• 1:00 – 2:00pm – Ensemble 
    
• 2:00 – 3:00pm – Art 
    
• 3:30 – 4:00pm – Snack 
    
• 4:00 – 5:00pm – PE 
    
• 5:00 – 5:15pm – Dismissal 

Each session of the Summer is unique. Families are welcome to sign up for one or both sessions, but we’d love to have you for both! Both sessions are 3 weeks long, and students must commit to attend the entire duration of the sessions for which they register.  

• Session 1: June 20th – July 8th (no program on Monday, July 4)
    
• Session 2: July 11th – July 29th

• April 29th – Extended Enrollment Closes  
• June 10th – Tuition Payments are due  
• June 20th – Session 1 Begins  
• July 4th – No Summer Camp for Independence Day  
• July 8th – Last Day of Session 1 and Concert 
• July 11th – Session 2 Begins  
• July 29th – Last Day of Session 2and Concert

At the time of enrollment, all families must pay a non-refundable, $25 fee. Families who participated in our 2021-22 regular school year programming do not have to pay tuition.

Tuition 

• One session only (3 weeks) – $345 ($115 per week)  
• Two sessions (6 weeks)- $600 ($100 per week)  

Tuition must be paid in full by end of day on Friday, June 10.

Financial Aid  

• We do offer financial aid toward our tuition. To see if you qualify, please click here.  

To enroll your child:  

• Click on the ‘Start Your Enrollment’ button on the bottom of this page to request a slot.
• If we have an available slot for you, you’ll be invited to enroll.  
• If our slots are filled, you’ll be placed on our waiting list. 

If, after your child has been placed on our waiting list, a slot opens, we will contact you by email to see if you are still interested in enrolling.  

Per Temple University’s policy, students are not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to participate in POP summer camp. POP’s general policies around COVID include masking, social distancing, and general hygiene for everyone. Please see our COVID protocols document for more details. 

As COVID-19 is an emergent issue, policies may continue to shift based on the latest public health science and recommendations. We will continue to keep all families informed as policies change, both through email updates and updates to this page.

Orientation

In the weeks leading up to Summer Camp, we will share with you more information regarding drop off, pickup, and all other crucial details. We’ll also be hosting an orientation for students and families as we get closer to the start of program. You can always visit this page for major details.

If you have any questions, please email our Program Manager at michael@playonphilly.org