Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays (ages 8-10) and Thursdays (ages 11-14) from 4:30 - 6 pm at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St NE, Washington DC.

Established in 2008 as an education outreach program of the Congressional Chorus, the American Youth Chorus acheived a remarkable amount of artistic success in its inaugural season! The chorus, which has grown to more than 60 members, has performed at the dedication of the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center , at the Children’s Inaugural Ball in January 2009, for Secretary of State Hilary Rodhman Clinton at the US Dept of State, at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival with the Welsh National Opera, and has presented concerts at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, including community outreach performances with the Capitol City Symphony. The AYC also collaborated with the Congressional Chorus and Great Noise Ensemble in a joint concert at the Kennedy Center.

Founded on the premise that all children, regardless of socio-economic background, deserve a high-quality music education, AYC offers students a performance-based choral/music theatre program that encourages young people to develop their voices, creativity and self-esteem in a healthy, age-appropriate manner through active participation in rehearsals and performances.

This after-school program, which serves children ages 8-14 in DC, MD & VA, is divided into two divisions. The curriculum focuses on reading skills and music theory, proper breath support, singing in parts, stage presence and basic choral choreography. New members are accepted through a short audition process with the artistic director. Families are encouraged to help with rehearsals, productions and social activities.

Tuition for our program is based on a sliding scale determined by household income. Corporate support and grants from local organizations are being sought to help underwrite concert costs and tuition.   If you would like to make a personal contribution to support this effort, or if you are able to assist the chorus in obtaining corporate, foundation or other private support, please click here or on the “Support” button at the top of this page.