By Jenny Yu (Founder and Chief Music Director)
Capital Youth Outreach Club BreezeWood Strings (formerly the CYOC Chamber Ensemble) is a group of middle and high school musicians from across the DMV area, including violinists, violists, cellists, and a bassist. Since our founding on September 1, 2025, we have been dedicated to bringing music into our community and sharing joy, creativity, and connection through every performance!
Inspiring Youth with Music
One of our main goals is to inspire young children through music. Just like our BreezeWood Strings logo shows, we want to plant “music seeds” in young minds and help them grow. We believe that being exposed to music early can have a big impact on a child’s development. Studies show that music can improve memory, focus, and coordination. When kids listen to or play music, they use different parts of their brain at the same time, like the parts for hearing, seeing, and movement. Over time, learning an instrument can help children build discipline, concentration, and a way to express their emotions. By introducing music at a young age, we hope to spark a lifelong love for music and healthy, positive habits!
Over the past few months, we have had the opportunity to perform at several local preschools, including CCACC Academy Daycare and Day Camp, Twinbrook Christian Daycare in Rockville, Rockville Child Development Center, and Little Genius Montessori School. These performances allow us to connect directly with young audiences and make music both fun and accessible!
At our preschool performances, we play a variety of pieces, including “Ode to Joy,” “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters, and several violin duets. We also include interactive activities such as sing-along songs and “guess the tune” games. These activities encourage participation and make the experience more engaging for young children! During these moments, the room often fills with laughter and excitement as children sing along to songs like “The Wheels on the Bus” and “Happy Birthday.”
One of the most popular parts of our program is the “instrument petting zoo,” where children are invited to explore, touch and try the instruments themselves. This hands-on experience allows them to physically connect with music, which can increase curiosity and interest. Many children become excited about how the instrument sounds. Seeing their enthusiasm reminds us of how powerful music can be in inspiring the next generation.
Culture Enrichment and Engagement in Community Service
We have participated in multiple community events such as the Little Sprout Cup Parent-Children Chinese Culture Event, So What Else Christmas Food Drive, CYOC Youth Spotlight Award Ceremony, Zhejiang University DMV Alumni New Year Gala, and Great Washington Youth New Year Gala. In total, we have reached more than 500 community members and inspired over 200 young children through music and interactive activities.
(12/06/2025, Little Dragon Parenting Club Chinese Culture Event)
(12/20/2025, So What Else Food Drive)
(01/19/2026, CYOC Youth Spotlight Award Ceremony)
(02/15/2026, Zhejiang University DMV Alumni New Year Gala)
(02/15/2026, Great Washington Youth New Year Gala)
These experiences are meaningful for us as performers as well. Connecting with young audiences and encouraging future musicians gives us a strong sense of purpose. They also remind us of how much our own parents have dedicated themselves to giving us the opportunity to grow up in a musical environment. Because of their support, we are able to experience the many benefits of music in our lives. Through our work, we are not only growing as musicians but also learning how to give back to our community in a meaningful way. At the same time, we have come to understand that music is not just a skill, but also a powerful social tool, as it brings people together and helps build friendships, sometimes even lifelong ones.
Ongoing and Future projects
BreezeWood Strings is currently partnering with two nonprofit organizations, NeuroMotion and SEEDS (Special Education Equal Development Society), to work with neurodivergent kids through hands-on music activities and instrument exploration.
This summer, we plan to offer beginner music theory classes, ear training and sight-reading lessons, as well as MCYO/PVYO/local youth orchestra audition prep classes through one-on-one or small group sessions for 7-12 year olds. More opportunities are coming soon, so stay tuned!
Join Us!
We are always happy to welcome new members to CYOC BreezeWood Strings. If you play a string instrument and want to share your love of music while making a positive impact to the community, we would love to have you join us. Please sign up here: https://forms.gle/LwgQvFvBBHvf7bXr7
Support Us
We are incredibly grateful for the support from our community. Donations help us continue our programs, expand our outreach, and bring music to even more people. If you would like to support BreezeWood Strings, please consider donating via Zelle to CYOC.NPO@gmail.com with the note “For BreezeWood Strings.”
With your generous support, we can keep sharing the joy of music and building meaningful connections in our community.
Website Editor: Sophie Xu
华府青年 CYOC 
You must be logged in to post a comment.