OrchKids is excited to offer TWO tracks within our after-school program for the 2025-26 school year. In addition to our instrumental program, we will also be offering a choir program! This page provides information about the after-school choir program. This is an application and not a confirmation of enrollment. Parents/guardians will receive the enrollment decision for the 2025-26 after-school program in the fall (notification dates are outlined below). There are limited spaces for the 2025-2026 after-school program and enrollment will largely be based on a first-come, first-enrolled basis. If you are interested in learning more about the after-school instrumental program, click here.
The choral music program is a NEW and exciting initiative launching in the 2025-2026 academic school year! For the beginning of this new and exciting journey, we are only inviting new students in 1st through 4th grade to apply. Similar to the instrumental program, this model is designed to enhance musical education, foster community, and provide performance opportunities for students in Baltimore City.
The choral/vocal program is also designed to develop young singers for advanced musical opportunities, focusing on strong technical skills and artistic development through music theory, ear training, and ensemble singing.
Dates
September 29, 2025 - May 14, 2026
Program Days, Times, & Locations
Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School
220 N Bentalou St, Baltimore, MD 21223
Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5PM
Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School #237
231 S Eaton St, Baltimore, MD 21224
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 - 5PM
Enrollment Dates
Open Enrollment: March 1 - September 6
Notification of enrollment by September.
New students can apply at any time. Please note that students who enroll after September 6 will be put on the waitlist and will be contacted if and when slots become available. If accepted into the program, an individualized plan will be created in order for your student to start programming. We will send out a detailed program calendar to accepted families prior to the start of programming. We will discuss the program overview, student schedules, and other important details at Family orientations in the Fall.
Which site should I enroll my student at?
The following schools should enroll at "MAWES-Mary Ann Winterling":
- Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School (MAWES)
- Dorothy Height Elementary School (DH)
- Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School (MTR)
- Any other school on the WEST SIDE of Baltimore City (BCPSS)
The following schools should enroll at "HEMS-Highlandtown #237":
- Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School #237 (HEMS #237)
- The Belair-Edison School (BES)
- Clay Hill Public Charter School (CH)
- Patterson Park Public Charter School (PPPCS)
- Henderson Hopkins School (HH)
- Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School #215 (HEMS #215)
- Any other school on the EAST SIDE of Baltimore City (BCPSS)
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled OrchKids classes, rehearsals, ensemble days, and private or small group lessons. To fully benefit from the OrchKids program, students must attend every session on their assigned days. Consistent participation is essential for skill development, group cohesion, and overall success in the program. All students are required to come a minimum of two days per week to receive OrchKids programming. Thank you for your commitment to regular attendance. More information on the attendance policy will be shared at orientation.
Transportation
Students enrolled in after-school programming who attend school at one of the OrchKids satellite sites listed below will receive transportation to their hubsite (MAWES or HEMS #237) on their scheduled programming days.
OrchKids Satellite sites:
- The Belair-Edison School (BES)
- Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School (MTR)
- Dorothy Height Elementary School (DH)
- Clay Hill Public Charter School (CH)
- Patterson Park Public Charter School (PPPCS)
- Henderson Hopkins School (HH)
- Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School #215 (HEMS #215)
Students who do not attend one of the schools listed above will be responsible for getting to their site on their programming days. If there are any challenges regarding transportation, please reach out to the site's Program Manager (whose contact information is on the enrollment form).
Important Dates
Family Interest Meeting
Dates/times TBA.
Family Orientation Meeting
Dates/times TBA.
NOTE: ALL parents/guardians of accepted students are required to attend a family orientation meeting. More information about family orientations will be included in the enrollment notification.
If your family is unable to attend a family orientation meeting please reach out to the site's Program Manager ASAP (contact information included in the enrollment form).
