Be Different. Be seen. be you.
Find your voice with
The Onyx Project.
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.
Since its launch, The Onyx Project has supported the Prince William County NAACP ACT-SO Instrumental Performance Competition, presented a Summer Session for young musicians at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, and shared music, stories, and an instrument petting zoo at various libraries in the area.
On March 22, 2025, the Onyx Philharmonic will present its debut performance at the National Museum of the United States Army. On June 28, 2025, The Onyx Project will host The Cookout, an annual celebration of arts and togetherness. The application window for the 2025 Onyx Youth Orchestra Summer Session AND a new program designed for new instrumentalists between the age of three and five will open soon.
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, National Museum of the United States Army, the Potomac Shores community, Prince William County Chapter of NAACP, Prince William County Public Libraries, Prince William County Public Schools, 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.
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
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2025 SUMMER SESSION IS OPEN!
Formerly knows as "Youth Orchestras of Prince William," Onyx Youth Orchestras provides large and small ensemble opportunities for young instrumentalists. Middle and High School string, wind, brass, and percussion students interested in an invitation to the Summer Session should apply by 5:00 PM on May 16, 2025, at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YSMN8XV. Details about the Summer Session can be found below.
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.
An invitation to the cookout
Culture and Fellowship
Historically, the Cookout is a place to celebrate culture and fellowship, to pass down stories and make new memories, to enjoy family recipes and the latest line dances.
On June 28, 2025, at the Potomac Shores Social Barn from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM The O.P. Family will gather for its first annual Onyx Project Cookout. In addition to delicious eats from Blue Southern BBQ, there will be games, music, and a specially curated book fair presented by our event collaborator, Mahogany Books (mahoganybooks.com)..
Be There
Consider this your official invitation to the Cookout ... and yes, the potato salad will be raisin-free
onyx youth orchestra
Expression for Everyone
Formerly knows as "Youth Orchestras of Prince William," Onyx Youth Orchestras (“OYO”) provides opportunities for young instrumentalists.
Registration for the 2025 OYO Summer Session is now open! This year, students will perform as part of large and small ensembles, in addition to participating in daily seminars on the rich tapestry that is American Music. The camp takes place at the Hylton Performing Arts Center (10960 George Mason Cir, Manassas, VA 20110) from 8:00 AM until 12:30 PM July 7 through 11 and 14 through 16, with a reception and concert the evening of the 16th. Tuition for the eight-day program is $300; thanks to the generosity of the O.P. Family, need-based scholarships are available.
Interested Middle and High School string, wind, brass, and percussion students are encouraged to visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YSMN8XV and complete the registration form by 5:00 PM on May 16, 2025. Invitations to join the Summer Session will be delivered before the end of May.
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 2025 Summer Series including a very special collaboration with PWCPL that will invite guests to go back ... to the future ....
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.