Orchestras
Concert
Under the direction of Rachel Shepherd, the HYCO beginning orchestra (Concert Orchestra) is an entry-level orchestra for students with no orchestral ensemble experience and is comprised of students performing at Suzuki book level 2/3 and above. The ability to read music is required while playing in an ensemble setting are explored in this orchestra. Approximately 15 to 20 students are admitted to this ensemble each season. Enrollment is smaller to facilitate a closer student and teacher relationship. Concert Orchestra stresses concepts such as recognition of pitch, rhythmic accuracy, and basic ensemble skills. Concert Orchestra rehearses 5:45-7:15pm on Sundays. Tuition is $600/semester with a commitment to one academic year of enrollment ($1,200/year). Students that are accepted midyear, if space is available, will have a proration provided. All viola applicants receive a 50% discount on tuition!
Symphonia
Under the direction of Michael Fahey, the HYCO intermediate orchestra (Symphonia), is for applicants who have at least one year of orchestra experience and/or perform at a Suzuki book level 4 and above. Symphonia is HYCO’s top strings only orchestra program and contains approximately 20 students. Mr. Fahey stresses the importance of developing rhythmic, dynamic, and intonation skills in an ensemble and the ability to listen to others while performing. Symphonia rehearses 5:45-7:15pm on Sundays. Tuition is $600/semester with a commitment to one academic year of enrollment ($1,200/year). Students that are accepted midyear, if space is available, will have a proration provided. All qualified viola applicants receive a 50% discount on tuition! Talent scholarships are available to highly qualified cellists and double bassists.
Philharmonic
Under the direction of Kurt Johnson, the advanced orchestra (Philharmonic Orchestra) is for students with orchestra ensemble experience performing at a Suzuki book level 6 and above. The Philharmonic Orchestra has performed at prestigious venues such as Jones Hall, NASA, Bayou Bend, The Rienzi Museum, among others. With approximately 40 members, Philharmonic anticipates a full string section, winds, brass, and percussion. Repertoire to be performed in the 2024-2025 season include works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, among others. Students in the Philharmonic Orchestra continue to refine a deeper understanding of listening skills, blending of sound/colors, and dynamics among other skills. Philharmonic Orchestra students have the opportunity to participate in the HYCO chamber music program. Philharmonic Orchestra rehearses 5:45-7:45pm on Sundays. Tuition is $700/semester with a commitment to one academic year of enrollment ($1,400/year). Students that are accepted midyear, if space is available, will have a proration provided. All qualified viola applicants receive a 50% discount on tuition! Talent scholarships are available to highly qualified cellists and double bassists.
Additional Program Information
For all orchestral levels:
**ALL LEVELS OF APPLICATION OPEN ON FEBRUARY 12, 2024. DEADLINE OF APPLICATION IS SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024**
Winds, brass, and percussion Philharmonic applications accepted until positions are filled (rolling admissions).
$60 non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants.
All viola applicants receive a 50% tuition break in all HYCO programs!
Acceptance of a position in the orchestra requires a non-refundable payment.
Required rehearsal materials: Adjustable wire music stand, instrument in good playing condition, HYCO folder and music, pencil, water bottle, face masks are optional
Rehearsals: Sundays 5:45pm-7:15pm Concert and Symphonia; 5:45-7:45pm Philharmonic (possibly as early as 4pm occasionally pending The Houston Symphony/Ballet/Opera concert schedule)
Concert Orchestra (beginner):
Skills and knowledge: Three scales with two octaves ascending and descending, 1st and 3rd position knowledge, Suzuki Book 2 or higher, full-clear tone.
Letter of recommendation from private lesson instructor. (See tab below).
Approximately 15 positions are available.
If your child has studied privately for several years, you may prefer to go through the audition process for higher placement.
Symphonia Orchestra Audition Requirements (intermediate):
Auditions are required for participation in the Symphonia Orchestra. Live auditions only, no recordings or remote sessions will be accepted.
Scales: (quarter note is 90-120 bpm)
Violin, Viola, Cello: C, D and F Major two octaves ascending and descending, 1st and 3rd position, ability to use vibrato, full-clear tone
Bass: G and F Major scales- 2 octave-all at concert pitch
Orchestral excerpt(s) as requested by HYCO (see excerpt downloads near application for each instrument below).
Full-clear tone.
Two contrasting movements/works of your choice. One should demonstrate the student’s technical level and the other musical and tonal abilities. The chosen works should be complete movements/works.
Approximate technical level of Suzuki books 4-5
Spaces are limited to approximately 20 students. All Symphonia Orchestra applicants are automatically considered for The Concert Orchestra if they do not receive an offer of placement in Symphonia.
Philharmonic Orchestra Audition Requirements (advanced):
Auditions are required for participation in the Philharmonic Orchestra. Live auditions only, no recordings or remote sessions will be accepted.
Scales- (quarter note around 90-120 bpm):
Violin, Viola, Cello: G, Bb, and C Major scales- 3 octaves; Eb and F Major scales-2 octaves; 1st and 3rd position, ability to use vibrato, full-clear tone
Bass: A, Bb, C, and D Major scales-2 octaves-all at concert pitch
Winds, Brass, and Percussion Instruments: All Major scales-2 octaves
Percussionists applying for HYCO should use the following guidelines to prepare for their auditions:
Timpani: Rolls and general strokes at various dynamics: basic knowledge of intervals and tuning. One short solo or etude; 3-4 timpani preferred (Goodman, Vic Firth, Peters, Delecluse, Schinstine, etc…)
Two contrasting movements/works of your choice. One should demonstrate the student’s technical level and the other musical and tonal abilities. The chosen works should be complete movements/works.
Orchestral excerpt(s) as requested by HYCO (see excerpt downloads near application for each instrument below).
Proficiency in first and third position (strings).
Full-clear tone.
Approximate technical level of Suzuki books 6-8
Spaces are limited to approximately 40 students. All Philharmonic Orchestra applicants are automatically considered for The Symphonia Orchestra if they do not receive an offer of placement in The Philharmonic.
Application & Tuition
The applicant selection committee assigns auditions for potential acceptance (Philharmonic and Symphonia) based upon date of application (first come first serve). Concert Orchestra students are accepted based upon date of application and letter of recommendation. A letter of recommendation is optional for Symphonia and Philharmonic applications. Letters of recommendation are required for Concert Orchestra only.
Audition Excerpts
Symphonia
Cello (Measures 57 to 74 & Measures 75 to end from “Supernova” by Michael Hopkins)
Double Bass (Measures 57 to 74 & Measures 75 to end from “Supernova” by Michael Hopkins)
Viola (Measures 57 to 74 & Measures 75 to end from “Supernova” by Michael Hopkins)
Violin (Measures 57 to 74 & Measures 75 to end from “Supernova” by Michael Hopkins)
Philharmonic
Bassoon (Haydn, “Symphony No. 104” Mvt. 1)
Cello (Haydn, “Symphony No. 104” Mvt IV; Barber, “Adagio for Strings”
Clarinet (Haydn “Symphony No. 104” Mvt. IV)
Double Bass (Haydn, “Symphony No. 104” Mvt. IV; Beethoven, “Egmont Overture”
Flute (Haydn, “Symphony No. 104” Mvt. I)
French Horn (Haydn, “Symphony No. 104” Mvt. II)
Oboe (Haydn, “Symphony No. 104” Mvt. 1)
Percussion (Haydn, “Symphony No. 104” Mvt. I)
Trumpet (Haydn, “Symphony No. 104” Mvt. IV)
Viola (Haydn, “Symphony No. 104” Mvt. IV; Barber, “Adagio for Strings”)
Violin (Haydn, “Symphony No. 104” Mvt. I; Barber, “Adagio for Strings”)