Be Different. Be seen. be you.
Find your voice with
The Onyx Project.
the onyx philharmonic yacht rock and soul audition form
Instrumentalists and Singers Apply Here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8LSWJZ6
The O.P.'s flagship ensemble is The Onyx Philharmonic, and in the spring of 2026, it will present "Yacht Rock and Soul" a fun (and funny) concert featuring our favorite throwback musical guilty pleasures. To audition for our all-volunteer orchestra, complete this form, including delivery of the recording requested at the end of the survey. If you previously have been invited to perform with The Onyx Philharmonic, no need to reaudition, but consider sharing this application with your musician colleagues!
About the Onyx Project
Our Mission and Initiatives
The Onyx Project was founded by sisters Sheyna, Iysha, and Deja Burt in December of 2023. It exists to support and develop artistic presentations focused on diversity, inclusivity, and the intersectionality of performing, visual, literary, culinary, and cosmetology arts in the greater Prince William County, Virginia region.
2025 Highlights:
November 22, 2025 - A Visit to the Town of Occoquan Tree Lighting
December 6 and 7, 2025 - Onyx Philharmonic Accompanies the 29th Annual Holiday Concert of New Dominion Choraliers at First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City (tickets available here: https://www.newdominionchoraliers.org/get-tickets.html)
December 13, 2025 - Onyx Philharmonic Accompanies New Dominion Choraliers at Bruton Parish Church in Colonial Williamsburg
Coming in 2026:
The Inaugural Onyx Project Family Cooking Class
Onyx Youth Orchestra Spring Session
Onyx Philharmonic Yacht Rock and Soul Concert
Onyx Youth Orchestra Summer Session
Onyx Philharmonic Library Music and Storytime with Instrument Petting Zoo
A NOTE OF THANKS:
The Onyx Project is only as strong as its family and friends. We are especially grateful to: Blue Southern BBQ, Day Violins, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Mahogany Books, the Potomac Shores community, and Prince William County Public Libraries, and each and every educator who shaped us.
Above all, we thank and dedicate The Onyx Project to Barbara and Michael Burt -
our inspiration, our motivation, our parents. For a lovely write up about the family and its role in creating The Onyx Project, please visit https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AwfFmtmpb/.
the Onyx Project at a glance
Onyx Philharmonic
At The Onyx Project, we believe in the power of the arts to transform lives - and we believe in removing obstacles to that power. Our flagship ensemble, Onyx Philharmonic, includes musicians from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Inspired and inspiring, Onyx Philharmonic presents arts events that cross genres and defy expectations. Interested in auditioning or proposing a collaboration? Contact us at onyxprojectsburt@gmail.com.
Onyx Youth Orchestras
Formerly knows as "Youth Orchestras of Prince William," Onyx Youth Orchestras provides large and small ensemble opportunities for young instrumentalists. New in 2026, OYO will offer a Spring Session and a Sleep-Away Summer Session. Audition information will be available soon.
Inclusivity as a Path to Creativity
The Onyx Project subscribes to the notion that inclusivity is a path to creativity. By pursuing diversity with intentionality, The Onyx Project hopes to instill in artists and audience an appreciation for the complexities of this world, promote tolerance, challenge stereotypes, and empower marginalized communities. The art that results from diversity is impactful ... and maybe even a little magical.
Onyx Project library summer series
Because Reading and Music Are Fundamental
Far from taking it easy during the summer, in June and July of 2024 The Onyx Project joined forces with our friends at Day Violins to bring music, stories, and an instrument petting zoo to branches of the Prince William County Public Libraries (“PWCPL”). The Onyx Project Library Summer Series reached hundreds of families in eight libraries and the SERVE Shelter. These events celebrate literary and performing arts, encouraging children to express themselves.
Stay tuned for details about dates and locations for the 2026 Music and Storytime Including Instrument Petting Zoo!
Support Our Cause
As a charitable nonprofit, The Onyx Project's success is directly tied to the support of the community. We do what we do for you and because of you.