Youth Orchestra Program
Overview
With three Full Orchestras, a String Orchestra, and Debut String Orchestra, HYS offers a comprehensive musical experience for young musicians of any skill level between the ages of 7 and 19.
Weekly rehearsals prepare the musicians for three public concerts held at different venues across Greater Houston each season. Rehearsals are supplemented by sectionals for each orchestra, conducted by leading professional musicians from the Houston area, with additional workshop and masterclass opportunities by visiting artists. Advanced performance opportunities are available, including the HYS annual Concerto Competition, and the Chamber Music Program.
Tuition for each orchestra is $1075 for the season, which breaks down to $12.9 per hour of instruction.
No one is turned away from Houston Youth Symphony because of an inability to pay the tuition. Tuition assistance is available in the form of payment plans and full or partial tuition waivers for qualified Financial Aid applicants through a work-study program. Additional information on how to apply for Financial Aid is available in the Members’ Handbook.
HYS Orchestras
Symphony
The Symphony is the most advanced ensemble, performing full orchestra repertoire on the university and professional level. In 2012, the Symphony was featured on National Public Radio’s From the Top, a rare appearance by a youth orchestra on this nationally syndicated program. In recent seasons, the HYS Symphony and its artistic director and conductor Dr Michael Webster have been frequent winners of prestigious national competitions, including The American Prize and the Mark of Excellence. Recent HYS seasons have featured works such as Richard Strauss’s Don Juan, Debussy’s La Mer, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10.
Philharmonia
The Philharmonia is a full-sized orchestra for the advanced player and is comparable to an all-state orchestra experience. Literature choices are designed to expose students to a diversified selection of orchestral music. Recent repertoire has included Malcolm Arnold’s Tam O’Shanter Overture and Gustav Holst’s “Mars” from The Planets. The Philharmonia is conducted by Michael Isadore, recipient of the American Prize’s Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music for the Philharmonia’s 2018/19 performance of John Mackey’s Red Line Tango.
Sinfonia
The Sinfonia is a full-sized intermediate level orchestra that allows string players to build upon techniques learned in the String Orchestra and offers woodwind, brass and percussion players a full orchestra experience. The Sinfonia is conducted by Dr. Brad Smith. Recent repertoire performed includes Bizet’s Carmen Suite, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite and Howard Hanson’s “Love Duet” from Merry Mount.
String Orchestra
The String Orchestra provides a comprehensive ensemble experience for maturing string players. The String Orchestra is conducted by Mrs. Angela Peugnet. Recent repertoire performed by the String Orchestra includes Iditarod by Soon Hee Newbold, Harold Arlen’s The Wizard of Oz and Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony.
Debut String Orchestra
The Debut String Orchestra provides a foundational ensemble experience for developing string players. Under the direction of Dr. Jackson Guillen the Debut String Orchestra performs repertoire in a wide variety of musical styles, both traditional and contemporary. Recent performances have included arrangements of works by Aaron Copland, Isaac Albéniz, Sergei Prokofiev and popular music by Queen and Michael Jackson.
What YOP Means to Our Students
“HYS has given me the opportunity to further develop my orchestra skills outside of school. As someone who’s family has little connection to the musical world and opportunities, this has given me the chance to play more music, have more opportunities, and meet more people than I ever would have without it.”
“HYS has been a place that nurtured my love for orchestral music and place where I really feel we are putting to use the amazing talent and diverse perspective of young houston musicians and creating something miraculous.”
– 2023 Musicians