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CAMPS & SCHOOLS Levine Music’s New Falls Church Campus Open for Discovery
by Courtney Musser
Jeffery Tribble, the President and CEO of Levine Music, which opened its newest campus in West Falls Church in mid-February, describes Levine as a “home for musical discovery.” Founded in 1976 by three women from New York City who decided Washington needed a music school, Levine’s mission was to welcome anyone with an interest in learning music, regardless of age, ability or means. Levine’s first home was in the basement of a church on Massachusetts Ave NW. Their flagship campus now sits on Upton Street in Northwest DC at the former Carnegie Geophysical Labs, which was bought in 1992 and subsequently transformed into a school, housing rooms for individual and group lessons, performance spaces and more. Levine also has a campus at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD, and another in downtown Silver Spring.
Its vision of, and commitment to, providing music education opportunities to all communities can be seen in its decision early on to establish a presence in Washington DC’s Wards 7 and 8. Levine has had a
presence there for the past 30 years.
Most recently, Levine was one of 13 founding partners of Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC), where, in addition to music lessons, children can participate in programs at The Boys and Girls Club, The Washington Ballet and DC Central Kitchen. Levine’s campus at THEARC is now celebrating 20 years.
Levine’s offerings include private and group music instruction for all ages and abilities, including a music program called First Music, designed to engage young children beginning at 4 months and their families/caregivers. While private lessons are at the heart of its programming, learning at Levine means joining a community of music professionals and music lovers. Says Tribble, Levine is dedicated to meeting its students where they are, opening their ears to a world of music and cultivating a love of all things musical.
From the outset, Levine has sought to cultivate and develop partnerships with professional musicians, such as the National Symphony Orchestra. These relationships have evolved over time so that Levine is now in a position to offer its students
masterclasses and performances with professional musicians.
While the vast majority of lessons at Levine take place in person, online classes are available when they meet the needs of the student. Levine also runs a summer camp for beginning music students from ages 4-11, which will be offered at their new Falls Church location this summer. Camp Levine has been recognized by Washington’s City Paper’s annual Best of DC awards as one of the best summer camps in DC for the last six years, winning the title of Best Summer Camp for the past four years.
When I asked Tribble what distinguishes the Levine experience from the many other music schools from which parents and children may choose, he emphasized the breadth of experiences available to students and the quality of instruction offered by its expert faculty. Levine provides a robust performance and jury program that gives students a chance to perform and be reviewed by subject matter experts. Levine also facilitates a communal musical experience, whether through playing together with other students in an orchestra, string quartet, jazz combo, or rock
band, under the guidance of a faculty coach, hearing your teacher perform in a concert, seeing world-class guest artists in masterclasses, learning about music theory alongside your lessons, or borrowing material from
“It was time for me to change my life and the lives of my family, so I went back and got my high school diploma.”
- Darlene
the musical library. The entrance to Levine Music is situated directly across from the Falls Church City’s Meridian High School and is currently welcoming
CAMPS & SCHOOLS Planning Your Summer Around Camp Schedules How to Budget for School & Camp Without Going Broke
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As we enter spring, parents across the region are turning their attention to a familiar question: how to keep kids engaged and active during the long summer break. For many families, the answer lies in summer camps — but finding the right balance between camp schedules and summer plans can be a juggling act.
From traditional day camps and sports clinics to STEM programs and art workshops, the options for kids are more diverse than ever. While this opens up exciting opportunities, it also means that planning needs to start early. Many popular camps fill up quickly, with registration deadlines as early as April.
Aligning overlapping camp weeks, vacation plans, and other commitments like sports leagues or family reunions requires a bit of strategy. A good first step is creating a calendar to map out all potential camps alongside family trips and work obligations. Some families stagger half-day camps with part-time childcare or combine multiple short camps to cover the full summer.
Cost is another key consideration. Weekly camp fees can vary significantly,
especially for specialty programs or overnight camps. It’s helpful to research earlybird discounts, multi-week savings, and scholarship opportunities, many of which are available to early planners.
Flexibility is important when building a summer schedule. Leaving one or two weeks unscheduled can provide muchneeded downtime and flexibility for spontaneous family outings or rest. Too many commitments can make summer feel as busy as the school year.
With thoughtful planning, it’s possible to strike a healthy balance between structure and freedom. The goal is to create a summer that’s enriching, enjoyable, and manageable for both kids and parents.
Tips for Summer Camp Planning:
• Register early to secure preferred dates
• Mix structured camps with free time
• Watch for early-bird rates and scholarships
• Use a visual calendar to avoid conflicts
• Leave space for family travel or downtime
With Summer coming soon, many families start preparing for the expenses of school and summer camp. From field trips and sports fees to camp registrations and supply lists, these costs can add up quickly. The good news? With a little planning, families can stay on budget and enjoy a stress-free season.
Start with a list. Write down all anticipated expenses for both school and camp. Include everything—supplies, uniforms, tuition, transportation, lunch money, and extra activities. Having a complete picture will help you understand the total cost and avoid surprise expenses later.
Set a spending limit. Once you have your list, decide how much you can realistically spend without dipping into emergency funds or taking on debt. Break that amount into categories so you know how much is available for each area.
Look for early bird discounts. Many camps offer lower rates if you register early. Some schools also provide payment plans or discounts for multiple children. The earlier you start looking, the more options you’ll have.
Buy used or swap supplies. School gear, sports equipment, and even camp essentials like sleeping bags and backpacks don’t always need to be brand new. Check out local thrift stores, neighborhood swap groups, or online marketplaces. You might be surprised what you can find for a fraction of the cost.
Pack smart. If your child’s camp requires packing meals or snacks, buying in bulk and prepping at home can save big money over time. The same goes for school lunches—skipping the cafeteria a few days a week can make a noticeable difference.
Involve your kids. Teaching children how to manage money early on is a bonus. Give older kids a say in how their activity money is spent—maybe they choose between a sports camp or an art class. Younger children can help compare prices and learn about saving.
Budgeting for school and camp may take a little time upfront, but the payoff is peace of mind all season long. With some smart planning and flexibility, families can keep finances on track while still giving their kids a memorable and enriching experience.
Falls Church News-Press
by Falls Church News-Press
CAMPS & SCHOOLS
The Benefits of Sports in Children’s Lives Tips for Navigating School Enrollment Deadlines
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Sports play a vital role in the overall development of children. Whether it’s a casual game of tag at recess or organized team sports after school, physical activity offers much more than just fun. It contributes to a child’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of sports in children’s lives:
1. Physical Health and Fitness
Regular participation in sports helps children build strong bones and muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight. It also encourages good habits like regular exercise and stretching, which can carry into adulthood. Active kids are less likely to suffer from chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
2. Mental and Emotional Well-being
Exercise releases endorphins—natural mood boosters—that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Sports also provide a healthy outlet for managing emotions. Over time, kids who play sports often develop better self-esteem and a more positive outlook on life.
3. Discipline and Responsibility
Being part of a sports team teaches kids about rules, responsibility, and the importance of practice. They learn to set goals, stay com-
mitted, and manage their time. These habits are essential for success both in and out of the classroom.
4. Teamwork and Communication
Team sports help children understand the value of working together. They learn how to cooperate, communicate, and support one another to achieve a common goal. These social skills are useful not only on the field but in school, future workplaces, and relationships.
5. Resilience and Dealing with Challenges
Sports teach kids how to cope with wins and losses. Learning to handle defeat gracefully and bounce back with determination builds resilience—a trait that helps them face life’s many challenges with confidence.
6. Leadership Skills
Through sports, children often have the chance to take on leadership roles, whether it’s as a team captain or simply leading by example. These early experiences help shape confident and responsible individuals.
7. Lifelong Friendships
Sports often bring together children from diverse backgrounds, creating opportunities to form lasting friendships. The bond built through shared experiences, teamwork, and mutual support can last well beyond childhood.
It’s never too early to think about your child’s education next year. Whether you’re enrolling a child for kindergarten or transferring schools, navigating enrollment deadlines can be overwhelming. Missing key dates can mean losing a spot at your preferred school or facing delays in services. Here are some essential tips to stay ahead of the game.
1. Know Your District’s Timeline
Each school district sets its own enrollment period, often beginning as early as January and closing by late spring. Visit your district’s website or call the central office to get exact dates. Some schools, especially charter or magnet programs, may have earlier application deadlines.
2. Gather Necessary Documents Early
Enrollment typically requires proof of residency, immunization records, birth certificates, and possibly previous school records. Gathering these early helps avoid last-minute scrambling and ensures a smoother process.
3. Understand School Choice Options
Many districts now offer open enrollment, allowing students to attend schools outside their neighborhood. These pro-
grams usually have strict deadlines and may require a separate application process. Research your options well in advance to see if a different school might better suit your child’s needs.
4. Attend Information Sessions
Many schools offer virtual or in-person enrollment nights or open houses. These events provide a chance to ask questions, understand curriculum offerings, and meet staff. They also often include registration help.
5. Use Online Tools
Districts increasingly offer online enrollment systems, which can speed up the process and keep all documents in one place. Create an account early and explore the platform to avoid technical difficulties close to deadlines.
6. Plan for Special Services
If your child needs special education, ESL, or other services, notify the district as soon as possible. These programs may have additional paperwork or assessments.
In short, preparation and awareness are your best tools. Mark calendars, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to follow up with school offices. A little planning now can set the stage for a successful school year ahead. APRIL 3 - 9,
Falls Church News-Press
by Falls Church News-Press