POP 2026 Summer Program
Make your summer POP!
Summer participants have the opportunity to learn or deepen their skills on an instrument, play incredible music in an orchestra or other ensemble, and foster meaningful friendships.
Make your summer POP!
Summer participants have the opportunity to learn or deepen their skills on an instrument, play incredible music in an orchestra or other ensemble, and foster meaningful friendships.
Enrollment and Documents
Eligibility, Tuition Fees, and all other information on this page must be reviewed before enrolling your student.
- Dates: July 6 – 31, 2026
- Times: Full-day programming from 8am – 5pm
- Location: Temple University’s Boyer College of Music, Presser Hall
Program Overview
Summers spent with Play On Philly are a chance to have fun, meet new friends, and grow as an artist! Through small studio classes, ensemble/orchestra rehearsals, choir, and performances, each student will improve their musicianship. In addition to music, students will have an opportunity to express themselves creatively through dance with our partnership with BalletX, through playwrighting and monologue writing with our partnership with Philly Young Playwrights, and through visual arts taught by local artists and educators.
Our program is open to students in the Philadelphia area who are in Kindergarten – 8th grade.
We provide a high-quality educational environment where students are challenged on and off their instruments through opportunities that cultivate independence and help students explore their own identities.
Performances and Special Events
A part of the Play On Philly experience is performing for each other and our community. At the end of Summer Program, we hold a celebration to showcase what our students have accomplished. Each summer presents different performance opportunities.
Eligibility
Current School Year POP Families (2025-26)
Students will be placed into a musical division based on their Children’s Orchestra (CO) level and any additional feedback from their Teaching Artists and Program staff.
| If your student is currently in… | Then for summer, they will be in… |
| PCO (Pre-Children’s Orchestra) | Exploratory Division |
| CO1 | Developing Division |
| CO2 | Developing Division |
Current School Year POP Families have students who attend one of the following programs: Impact Charter School West, St. Francis de Sales, Universal Alcorn Charter School, Chamber Program, Marian Anderson Young Artist Program
To see sample schedules for each division, please go to the Scheduling Section below
New or Summer-Only Families
We are excited to welcome students from across the Philadelphia area to join us for Summer! Please review the chart below to understand which division your child will be in based on their age and previous musical experience.
| Exploratory | Developing |
Developing |
| K-1st Grade |
2nd-5th Grade |
6th-8th Grade |
| No previous instrumental experience required | Students with 1+ years of experience on an instrument will be placed in classes that match their musical ability | At least 2 years experience playing an offered instrument |
To see sample schedules for each division, please go to the Scheduling Section below.
Attendance
Students who participate in POP Summer Program must be able to commit to consistent attendance and be able to stay for the duration of all class activities; this is to ensure all students and ensembles are adequately prepared for their end of summer performances. Students are allowed no more than 4 absences from Summer Program. Students must also be able to attend our final Summer Showcases, typically held the last week of Summer Program.
Students who cannot commit to the full Summer Program (the length of day, end of summer performances, and attendance policy) are unfortunately not eligible to enroll.
Please note that we build our summer schedule and hire Teaching Artists based on the specific students who enroll so we can ensure they have the best possible musical experience. We understand that summer plans change – if you know your student will no longer be able to attend Summer Program after enrolling you MUST notify us by April 15th. After this date, students who are enrolled for Summer Program but fail to attend or notify us may be ineligible to enroll in future POP programs.
Instrument Offerings
We offer programming on the following instruments*:
| Strings | Woodwinds | Brass | Percussion (Includes variety of instruments) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Flute | Trumpet | Xylophone, Marimba, Timpani, Snare drum, Bass drum, etc. |
| Viola | Oboe | Trombone | |
| Cello | Clarinet | Horn | |
| Bass | Bassoon | Euphonium/Tuba |
*Note: We do not offer classes for guitar or piano.
Required Summer Payments
Registration Fee
There is a non-refundable registration fee of $50 per student for all families. This includes families who participate in any POP Music Center programs during the school year.
NOTE: A spot is not guaranteed for your student until a complete enrollment form has been submitted and registration fee has been paid.
Tuition Fees
Tuition is waived for students who are actively enrolled in 2025-2026 POP programs at St. Francis de Sales, Impact Charter School West, Universal Alcorn Charter School, and Roman Catholic High School (Chamber).
Any student who is not actively enrolled in a POP program for the 2025-2026 school year must pay both the registration fee and tuition.
Tuition Amounts:
- $420 for Exploratory and Developing Divisions, full Summer session
All tuition payments must be paid in full by 5pm on April 24th.
Financial Aid
POP offers financial aid towards tuition for qualifying families. To see if you qualify, please click here.
Current School Year POP Families
Complete the enrollment form to reserve your student’s spot at Summer.
New or Summer-Only Families
Complete an application form for your student. Our team will review your information and reply within 1 week about enrollment.
Important Information For Summer
The following is an outline of key information about our programming. For more detailed information, please see our Summer Handbook.
Program Sessions
July 6 – 31, 2026
Exploratory and Developing Divisions: full day programming, 8am – 5pm
What do I need to complete the application?
Items To Have On Hand
If you are not currently enrolled in a POP Music Center program for 2025-2026:
- Contact information for yourself, alternate and emergency contacts (phone numbers and email address)
- Child’s health insurance info
- Medical/allergy info
- Physician info
- Placement video (for students who are in 2nd grade or above):
- Please provide a one-minute recording of the student playing a scale of their choice and an excerpt from the last piece they learned. This is to ensure your student is placed in the appropriate classes.
If you are currently enrolled in a POP Music Center program for 2025-2026:
- Any information (contact, medical, etc.) that needs to be updated
Location
POP Summer Program at Temple University: Boyer College of Music & Dance: 2001 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122
Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, and a light snack will be provided to participants who opt into the program.
- Participants may bring their own meals; however, we cannot refrigerate or reheat food items.
- Students should bring a labeled water bottle to program each day.
- All food brought into program facilities must be peanut-free.
Sample Schedules
NOTE: These are *sample* schedules
Students’ schedules will vary with their instrument, level, and interests
| Exploratory | Developing |
|
Breakfast Violin Studio Exploratory Music Class Lunch/Recess Choir Specials: Art, Dance Dismissal |
Breakfast Studio Class Specials: Dance, Writing, Choir Lunch/Recess Ensemble Specials: Dance, Writing, Choir Dismissal |
Attendance
Students who participate in POP Summer Program must be able to commit to consistent attendance and be able to stay for the duration of all class activities; this is to ensure all students and ensembles are adequately prepared for their end of summer performances. Students are allowed no more than 4 absences from Summer Program. Students must also be able to attend our final Summer Showcases, typically held the last week of Summer Program.
Students who cannot commit to the full Summer Program (the length of day, end of summer performances, and attendance policy) are unfortunately not eligible to enroll.
Please note that we build our summer schedule and hire Teaching Artists based on the specific students who enroll so we can ensure they have the best possible musical experience. We understand that summer plans change – if you know your student will no longer be able to attend Summer Program after enrolling you MUST notify us by April 15th. After this date, students who are enrolled for Summer Program but fail to attend or notify us may be ineligible to enroll in future POP programs.
If an absence is unavoidable, families should notify POP with as much heads-up as possible as a student’s absence will have an impact on their studio and ensembles performances, as well as impact their own ability to perform.
Late Fees
There is a grace period for pick-up until 15 minutes after dismissal time.
Late pick-ups past that window will result in a $1/minute late fee due by arrival the next day. If payment is not made, then the student cannot return to POP Summer Program until that fee is paid.
Any pick-ups more than 30 minutes late may lead to the students’ removal from the program.
Due within 3 POP days. Payable by check, money order, or online. We do not accept cash.
Questions?
Contact our Summer Staff: popsummer@playonphilly.org
Countdown to POP Summer Program!
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Countdown to the 2026 POP Summer Program!
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