The MusicianShip Washington Youth Choir is an astounding year-round performance ensemble, which provides an educational experience geared toward talented and driven young vocalists in the DC Metropolitan area. Our focus is to fulfill the educational needs of DC-area youth by utilizing music as a vehicle to impart core values, promote higher education, and instill the belief that excellence can be achieved despite disadvantages.

Our Vision

The MusicianShip Washington Youth Choir is dedicated to nurturing and enriching youth with meaningful experiences through vocal artistry and artistic development that will build character, boost confidence, and inspire them to lead purposeful lives.

Our Washington Youth Choir Staff

Greg Watkins

Artistic Director

Greg Watkins is a born and bred Washington, DC native. He is considered by many to be a well-respected artist and virtuoso of his generation. He is a proud graduate of The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and The Howard University (B.M. Music Education). Greg’s undeniably sharp skills in musical direction have landed him opportunities to perform in productions alongside such celebrated artists as Debbie Allen, Linda Eder, e’Marcus Harper, Lynda Gravatt, Clay Aiken, Brian McKnight, Jennifer Holiday, Hinton Battle, and Wendy Raquel Robinson. His gifts as a trained singer and pianist, have planted him on historic stages including DC’s Warner Theater, Lincoln Theater, Howard Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Music Center at Strathmore, Washington National Cathedral, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The White House, and the Grand Philharmonic Hall in St. Petersburg, Russia. Approaching his eighth year of musical service, Greg continues to serve as The MusicianShip Washington Youth Choir’s Music Director.

Jessica Teachey

Program Manager

For the past 12 years, Jessica Teachey's career has been immersed in youth outreach and empowerment. Surrounded and inspired by the sounds of Jazz, Rock, Hip-Hop, R&B and Pop all her life, though she would never learn to play an instrument, Jessica’s interest in business logistics and project planning turned her into a student of the music business and industry for the past 22 years. Her coaching experience spans across industries such as small business development, entertainment management, athletics & recreation and non-profit administration. As Executive Manager of GoldenChild Management, she would have the pleasure of organizing WYC's 2016 Spring Showcase Fundraiser alongside Artistic Director, Gregory J. Watkins. An Alum of Howard University’s School of Business, Jessica brought a fresh perspective of leadership to WYC, as the need to transition such a historic program to a new nonprofit home would present itself. Focused on increasing student enrollment, operational standards performance, global program visibility, and increased secondary education opportunities, Jessica currently serves as the Interim Program Manager for The MusicianShip Washington Youth Choir.

The Washington Youth Choir Legacy

A commitment to artistry and excellence

Our History

In May 2005, the historic Eastern Choral Society, based at Eastern Senior High School, broadened its mission to fulfill the educational needs of DC, Maryland and Virginia’s youth through the creation of the Washington Youth Choir (WYC). Rooted in the success of the Eastern High School Choir model, the Washington Youth Choir officially launched on January 9th, 2006. The choir’s primary mission is to enhance the educational experience of the Metropolitan Area’s youth through rigorous study and performance practice of music so as to facilitate successful transitions out of high school. Our curriculum, refined by Artistic Director Gregory Watkins, aids in producing “Scholartists”; intelligent, focused & driven young people who are determined to be excellent (without excuse) in both the worlds of academia and performing arts. Founded by Dr. Joyce Garrett, the choir continues to be “DC's Chorus of Choice”, performing for each US President since Ronald Reagan. Performances with notable artists such as Diana Ross, Demi Lovato, Linda Eder, Janelle Monae, Anthony Anderson, India Arie, as well as privately at the request of former Vice President Joe Biden line WYC’s resume.

Our Acclaim

Yes, We Can! Songs of Struggle, Resolve and Triumph (May 17, 2009)
Clergy Call hosted by HRC (May 4, 2009)
Washington Nationals Dream Gala (May 2, 2009)
Newseum Family Day (April 11, 2009)
Expressions of a People: A Gospel Celebration of African American Heritage & Achievement (February 8, 2009)
Celebrate Youth! Fourth Annual Combined High School Choir Festival (February 4, 2009)
DC Alliance of Youth Advocates Annual Meeting (January 22, 2009)
Inauguration Opening Ceremonies-We Are One Concert (January 18, 2009)
GLBT Arts Consortium's MLK Remembrance Day Program (January 13, 2009)
Christmas in Washington Televised Performance (December 14, 2008)

Our Future

In 2016, as WYC celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary, the ensemble also celebrated a new home under DC-based arts education non-profit: The MusicianShip. Under the leadership of Executive Director Jeffery Tribble Jr., The MusicianShip Washington Youth Choir will continue to dedicate itself to artistic excellence and will contribute to the fabric of the arts community, both domestically and abroad.

Take a listen

The Washington Youth Choir at Eastern High School (Washington, DC) performing for DC Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson and Central Office staff.

Artistic Director Greg Watkins shares his dream for The MusicianShip Washington Youth Choir.

Ready to Join the WYC?

To participate in our choir program, to donate support or services, to request a performance, or to inquire about anything related to The MusicianShip Washington Youth Choir, please contact us!