About Our Program

“I’m in awe of what our kids are getting to experience. Getting an exposure to high quality musicians in an intimate setting is a real treat.”

— Parent of an HYSO participant

The Houston Youth Chamber Orchestra (formerly Houston Youth String Orchestra) is excited to continue it’s journey into it’s 7th season as the orchestra program of Houston for youth of all ages (5-19 year old). In the fall of 2024, we anticipate establishing our most advanced orchestra (Philharmonic) as a full chamber orchestra with strings, winds, brass, and percussion.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2024-2025 SEASON ARE NOW ROLLING ADMISSIONS FOR VIOLA, DOUBLE BASS, FLUTE, OBOE, CLARINET, FRENCH HORN, BASSOON, TRUMPET, AND PERCUSSION (TIMPANI). APPLYING EARLY IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED AS LIMITED POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE! PLEASE VISIT THE “ORCHESTRAS” TAB ABOVE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. WINDS, BRASS, PERCUSSION AUDITIONEES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITIONS ARE FULL.

SUMMER STRING INSTITUTE APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!! APPLYING EARLY IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. PLEASE VISIT THE “SUMMER INSTITUTE" TAB FOR MORE INFORMATION.

**All viola and double bass applicants will receive 50% off tuition if qualified for the HYCO program and Summer String Institute!!** Please visit “Orchestras” for further information regarding tuition.**

The HYCO program provides students from kindergarten through 12th grade an unparalleled music experience under the direction of Houston Symphony violinist, Kurt Johnson; Echo Orchestra conductor, Michael Fahey; and Houston Ballet Assistant Concertmaster, Rachel Shepherd. Masterclasses and sectionals occur regularly with musicians from The Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera and other fine professional musicians.

Students are exposed to orchestra literature at the earliest of ages and are able to grow through a comprehensive program. In addition to community outreach performances, students are given the opportunity to perform formal concerts twice per season. Past community outreach performances include: NASA Johnson Space Center, Jones Hall, The Rienzi Museum, The Heights Kids Day of Music, Bayou Bend Family Days, Houston Public Library, Houston Children’s Museum, and local retirement communities.

In addition to orchestral opportunities, students in Philharmonic can participate in a weekly chamber ensemble program led under the direction of Houston Youth Chamber Orchestra coach, Yvonne Smith. Please see the “Chamber Music Program” tab above for further information.

Many students in HYCO are excited to participate in the annual Solo Artist Competitions as well as the HYCO Summer Institute.

HYCO students enjoy social opportunities such as our annual student/family potlucks, cookie socials, and other community building events!

Top 5 Reasons to Apply to the Houston Youth Chamber Orchestra

HYCO is the only youth orchestra program in the Houston and Greater Houston area to be under the directorship of a musician who is a current member of a major symphony orchestra (Kurt Johnson; The Houston Symphony). This means that students can be confident in knowing they will be challenged at the highest level possible individually and as an ensemble.
Students participate in at least 1-3 outreach concerts/semester at venues such as NASA Johnson Space Center, Bayou Bend, The Rienzi Museum, among others to inspire and bring enjoyment to The Houston community.
Students receive sectional and masterclass guidance from professional musicians from The Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, among others.
HYCO intentionally accepts 15-40 student musicians per orchestra to allow for more personal growth in individual performance and enjoyment.
HYCO offers a chamber music ensemble program led under the direction of active chamber musician of L'Esperanza and frequent guest violist of The Houston Symphony, Yvonne Smith.