Play On Philly 2024-25 School Year

St. Francis de Sales School

Countdown to Start of 24-25 Program!

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Important Enrollment Dates

  • July 19 – Returning student enrollment begins.
    • Once enrollment is open to the wider SFDS community, we cannot guarantee a spot for returning students.
  • August 12 – New student enrollment begins. 
    • Anyone from SFDS can submit a POP enrollment form!
    • NOTE: This year there is no lottery and spots are assigned as student enroll. You will be notified if you are placed on waitlist. 
  • September 13 – Enrollment closes for everyone.
    • Once enrollment closes, students will not be able to enroll for session 1 and must wait until December to possibly enroll for the last two sessions of the year.   
  • Week of September 14-17 – Attend one mandatory Back to POP meeting

Back to POP!

We are excited for another fun year filled with music making!

POP starts the year by coming together for Back to POP meetings as a POP-wide community. This meeting is crucial for setting expectations for students and families.

All students and a parent or guardian are REQUIRED to attend one Back to POP meeting being held at our various Music Centers. It does not matter which one you attend, the content is the same so please choose a time that works for you.

Students who do not attend a Back to POP meeting will be unable to participate in POP for Session 1 (September-December) and are eligible to re-enroll after winter break.

You and your child must attend any one of the following:

    • Saturday, September 14, 11-12pm @ Impact Charter School West (5600 Chester Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143)
    • Tuesday, September 17, 2:45-3:45pm @ St. Francis de Sales School (917 S 47th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143)
    • Tuesday, September 17, 5:30-6:30pm @ St. Francis de Sales School (917 S 47th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143)

Current Families, click HERE to get to the Family Portal, where you can have early access to the Enrollment Form!

The password is in the enrollment email from your PC!

Basic Information

The following is general information about our SFDS programming.

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

  • 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 $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 23 – $50; October 21 – $40; December 2 – $40)​

 

 

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.  

General SFDS Schedule

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

There is no program on Fridays (unless specifically indicated by the Program Coordinator)

 

SFDS 

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

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 SFDS Program Coordinator at alex@playonphilly.org

Alex Nguyễn

Alex’s excitement for POP is based on his service and dedication to the Philadelphia community.

Alex Nguyễn is a strong advocate for DEI initiatives in the musical rehearsal room and performing stage. As a musician of Vietnamese descent, he has spent time working with diaspora communities through research, presentation, and repertoire diversification to tackle issues of representation in the music education ecosystem. Alex earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Cal State Los Angeles and his master’s degree in choral conducting from Temple University.

His commitment to equitable practices has led him to work closely with many nonprofit organizations such as the Academy of Special Dreams – dedicated to increasing support and appreciation for artists with special needs, the Singing City Choir of Philadelphia – dedicated to social justice through choral artistry, and Elevate Vocal Arts – dedicated to elevating performance and education opportunities for historically marginalized vocal artists. 

Important Documents

Family Handbook 24-25
Commitment to Cultural Equity and Anti-Racism
Staff
Our Programs
Our Impact