Fostering collaboration

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Supporting young and emerging artists

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Inspiring students from DC’s public schools

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Creating new spaces for sharing music

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Uplifting DC’s art scene

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Welcoming all audiences

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Fostering collaboration • Supporting young and emerging artists • Inspiring students from DC’s public schools • Creating new spaces for sharing music • Uplifting DC’s art scene • Welcoming all audiences •

Mission

District Coalition supports young and emerging artists by creating opportunities for them to participate in creative projects and share their work with new audiences. We strive to be a safe and welcoming space for musicians and listeners from all backgrounds, with a special focus on inspiring children who are interested in learning about and performing music.

TEAM

Lucía
Story Weaver

Communications, narrative, grants, aligning the message with the mission

Holland
Guardian of the Groundwork

Operations, compliance, partnership agreements, and keeping us on solid ground

Pablo
Ring Leader

Sponsorships, production & relationship with musicians, school programs facilitator … probably more if we let him

Gerardo
Logistical Magician

Fundraising and grants management, school programs coordinator, keeping this ship afloat

Dennis
Artistic Maestro 

Artistic production, artist coordination, school programs, making the magic happen


Andrea
Strategic Renaissance

Strategy and evaluation, grant coordination, our strategic (and moral) compass

Mae

Number Whisperer

Accounting, budgets, making sure the math always adds up

Gerardo Martinez

(Chair)

Andrea Ortega

(Member)

BOARD

Fadrique Iglesias

(Member)

Mae Diaz Cabrol

(Treasurer)

Our Work

We work on two tracks:

  1. Collaborating with local public schools:

    We co-create projects with students who are interested in music, fostering meaningful connections between them and experienced artists. Through these collaborations, students and professionals work side by side, learning from and inspiring one another.

  2. Expanding access to art and music:

    We bring performances to new and unexpected spaces, such as inviting classical musicians into urban settings. A key part of this work involves facilitating concerts by renowned artists in schools, giving children the chance to witness discipline, passion, and artistry firsthand, sparking inspiration for their own creative journeys.

    We also encourage musicians to collaborate across boundaries: bringing together different genres, pairing seasoned performers with emerging talents, and opening space for experimentation and exchange.

District Sounds 2026

🏵️

District Sounds 2026 🏵️

April 18, 2026

The Wharf, DC

Last year, Swampoodle Terrace brought our community together through hip-hop, cumbia, flamenco, and house, and we left wanting more. This year, on April 18th, we're returning to The Wharf with kids from local public schools sharing the stage with world-class artists, a flamenco vs. tap battle, a shamanic Argentine orchestra, and a closing finale with ODDISEE and the Georgetown University Orchestra that's never been done before.

A festival that keeps reinventing what a live music experience can be for all ages, all tastes, all of us.

Presented by DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, The Wharf DC & Chuck Levins.

District Sounds 2026

🏵️

District Sounds 2026 🏵️

Projects: Where Music Meets Change

  • District Sounds 2025

    At Swampoodle Terrace, District Coalition’s most important annual event, District Sounds, featured performances by Oddisee, Sabrosonicos, Brooklyn the Kid, Aleyzza, DJ Frankie, and dancers Anna Menendez and Yiyi Francisco Orozco, with special participation from CHEC Public School students.

  • Oddisee + Columbia Heights Education Campus

    Oddisee collaborated with students from Mr. Pachment’s class at CHEC, one of DC’s largest public schools, to create a special performance for our District Sounds Festival. Oddisee is a DC rapper & producer with 15+ years in the hip hop scene. His sound merges elements of jazz, funk, and go-go with hip-hop-rooted production.

  • Guitar Concert at Oyster-Adams Bilingual School

    Luis Alejandro Garcia, one of the most acclaimed Spanish guitarists of his generation with 40 international awards, played for the students of Oyster-Adams school.

  • Carley Harvey + Columbia Heights Education Campus

    Carly Harvey is collaborating this year with CHEC students to create a performance for District Sounds 2026. She is a Washington, DC–based, award-winning singer—including a WAMMIE for Best Blues Artist—known for creating “Native Scat,” a fusion of Jazz improvisation and Indigenous American musical identity.

  • Rythyms Face-Off at Songbyrd

    An innovative sold-out show brought together the fiery Spanish flamenco and the vibrant American tap dance, with top tier performers from Spain and the United States.

  • Viola Concert at Powell Elementary School

    Albert Coronado Daza, award-winning principal viola of the Gran Teatro del Liceo Symphony Orchestra in Barcelona, gave a special performance for students.

  • Masterclass at Columbia Heights Education Campus

    Gee Lane, Barcelona-based Venezuelan DJ (Sónar, Toy Tonics), and Adrian Loving, DC-based music historian, visual artist, and DJ (Smithsonian), visited CHEC for a music and production class.

  • Guitar Concert at Marie Reed Elementary School

    Latin Grammy Nominee Ausiàs Parejo gave a classical guitar concert to students.

  • Park Party at Swampoodle

    The predecessor to District Sounds brought a vibrant mix of genres—from electronic and cumbia to blues, flamenco, jazz, and hip hop. The lineup featured performances by Cumbia Heights, Annya DJ, Carly Harvey, M. Gatto Duran, Kerim the DJ, Pamplo, Marina Alba, and more.

  • Jazz at Marie Reed Elementary School

    Musicians Marina Alba and José el Marqués visited award-winning teacher Mrs. Sandra Granobles’ class for a special concert.

  • Blend of Music Genres at Big Bear

    This sold-out event at Big Bear Cafe, a Shaw classic, was District Coalition’s first take at mixing music genres and motivating artists from different worlds to collaborate.

  • Violin Concert at Marie Reed Elementary School

    Guatemaltecan violinist Edwin Barreno Castillo made a special performance.

  • Flute Concert at Marie Reed Elementary School

    Spanish flutist Irene Mata Tejero, recognized for her award-winning performances and participation in prestigious youth orchestras and chamber music ensembles, performed for young students.

  • Vernal at Eaton Hotel

    Vernal featured an exciting mix and collaboration of genres at Wild Days, the Eaton Hotel’s terrace restaurant and bar.

Make a donation.

Donating to District Coalition means investing in the future of music education and community enrichment. Your contribution will directly support initiatives that empower musicians, nurture creativity, and foster a love for music among young learners. Together, we can build a world where music thrives as a cornerstone of education and cultural expression. Join us in making a difference.

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