DCAC

Drum Corps Academy Cohort (DCAC) is a special program open to Freshman and Sophomores at Olney Charter High School in September 2019. With a maximum of 60 members and a partially cohorted schedule, DCAC will have a small-magnet feel. And with a Member Support Coordinator, ArtistYear fellow, and nationally recruited teachers, DCAC will prepare all students for college.

MANAGED BY ASPIRA

DCAC and Olney Charter High School is under ASPIRA management - and that's a good thing! ASPIRA has a reputation for good cafeteria food, clean hallways, and a great security team. Under ASPIRA, we have:

  • an expedited instrument repair process

  • an on-site health clinic

  • on-site child care & community outreach coordinators

  • more counselors and extra admin

POWERED BY MUSICOPIA

This year, DCAC has partnered with Musicopia for a complete Brass and Percussion program.

We will have access to Musicopia teaching artists, show design, and competition showcase opportunities!

STUDENTS ARE “MEMBERS”

Q: Who attends the Drum Corps Academy Cohort at OCHS?

A: Students, or as we call them, members.

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The main reason we call our students “members” is to honor Drum Corps tradition. Traditional corps members sign a contract and pay dues. DCAC students will sign a member contract, but the “dues” that our members pay are not measured in dollars and cents. Rather, in hard work and a dedication to improve every day.

COHORTED SCHEDULE

DCAC members meet together for Visual, Band, and Advisory. So, even though there are 1700 students at Olney Charter High School, the DCAC can feel like a small magnet school. Members do go their own way for Math, English, Science and Social Studies, but are always in reach of our Member Service Coordinator!

NO MUSIC AUDITION

If you love music, but do not currently know how to play an instrument, DCAC is the place for you. DCAC members will study an instrument for about 60 minutes each day with multiple extra-curricular opportunities!

NO MINIMUM GRADES

If you did not get all A’s & B’s in middle school, your chances for college are extremely limited. DCAC is a second chance at a college prep program. We do not have grade requirements for application.

MEMBER SUPPORT COORDINATOR

The Member Support Coordinator is there to make sure you succeed in the Drum Corps Academy Cohort. They will work with you to identify any thing that is a barrier to you and help you overcome it - whether that barrier is an IEP goal, learning English, or even something like your own attitude.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

DCAC is in Olney Charter High School near Front & Roosevelt Blvd making it easily accessible by:

  • Bus (J, R, 1, 8, 57 & 75)

  • The Fox Chase Regional Rail Line

  • Walking

    • DCAC is less than a mile from

    • Andrew J. Morrison

    • Thurgood Marshall

    • Lindley Academy

    • Olney Elementary

    • Feltonville Arts & Sciences

    • Grover Washington (Middle School)

  • Car

  • And of course, helicopter, jetpack, and teleportation

BIG SCHOOL SPORTS & CLUBS

Olney Charter High School is one of the largest high schools in Philadelphia making DCAC members eligible to participate in a full range of sports and clubs. We have a championship baseball team, our football team made the championship, and our dance program is one of the best in the city. The list of OCHS after school clubs is enormous.