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.

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! 

Eligibility

• Students in grades K-6 must be enrolled at St. Francis de Sales school to be eligible.  
• Students in grades 6-12 are eligible for our Chamber Music Program, which involves 1-2 days of travel per week to Roman Catholic High School.  

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 $115 required for each student. This payment can be broken into three installments if needed, with an installment due each of the first three months. 

Attendance Policy

• Students are allotted 10 unexcused absences for the entire regular program year, lasting from September to May. Acceptable excuses include sickness with a doctor’s note, medical appointment, etc.  

Students complete an average of 5-8 hours a week, with extra time throughout the year for combined rehearsals and concerts. 

SFDS 

• PCO – Pre-Children’s Orchestra (Beginner)
  • Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri
• CO1 – Children’s Orchestra 1 (Beginner through Intermediate)
  • Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri
• CO2 – Children’s Orchestra 2 (Advanced)
  • Tues/Thurs/Fri

For more a more detailed schedule, current families can log into the Family Portal. 

To keep our community safe from the threat of COVID-19, we have generated a set of protocols around the use of masks, social distancing, general hygiene, and sanitation. These have been written based on the most recent recommendations from the CDC as well as peer-reviewed empirical studies. They have also been made with the input from our partner schools that your children attend. 

Please find these protocols at the bottom of this page. 

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