Application and Tuition
Application
HYCO’s 2024-2025 season applications are now available! **All viola and cello applicants receive half price tuition if accepted into the program!** Please review all details below.
Philharmonic Orchestra Requirements:
Application and $60 non-refundable application fee are due May 1, 2025. Applying before this deadline is strongly encouraged in order to obtain an audition time. If an applicant needs to reschedule their audition date or time, an additional $60 non-refundable fee is required after 48 hours of receiving their initial audition confirmation. Once a student has submit their application and fee, they will be informed of their specific audition time based upon their preferred audition date. Any specific time requests will be honored to the best of our ability. Apply early since auditions will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Audition dates are Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9:00am-3:00pm and Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 10:00am-4:00pm in person (FACE TO FACE) at the HYSO headquarters (1011 Heights Blvd.) with The Houston Youth String Orchestra administrative staff and Maestro Johnson.
All Philharmonic Orchestra applicants are automatically considered for The Symphonia Orchestra if they do not receive an offer of placement in The Philharmonic.
Approximately 25 positions will be available with The Philharmonic Orchestra for the 2025-2026 season. Once all positions have been filled, we will keep a waitlist on file.
All Philharmonic positions will be filled based upon LIVE audition. No video recordings or Zoom/Facetime auditions will be accepted.
Philharmonic Audition Requirements:
Scales- C, D, and G Major - 2 octaves and 3 if possible (slur 2 notes per bow at 90 bpm)
Two contrasting movements/works of your choice, complete movements
Prepared orchestral excerpts as requested by HYCO (see excerpt downloads on site for each instrument)
Proficiency in first and third position
Full-clear tone.
Orchestra excerpts (Overture to Semiramide by Rossini; Largo by Dvorak from the New World Symphony, Peer Gynt Suite by Grieg, Carnival Overture by Dvorak, Harry Potter’s Wondrous World by Williams) Please prepare sections within brackets.
Violin: Carnival Overture-Dvorak: mm. 1-33; Largo from New World Symphony-Dvorak: mm.26- downbeat of 36
Viola: Largo from New World Symphony-Dvorak: 3rd beat of measure 26-35; Carnival Overture-Dvorak: mm. 1-33
Cello: Peer Gynt: Mvt. 1 mm. 21-24; Peer Gynt: Mvt. 2 mm 1-16; Carnival Overture-Dvorak: mm.1-33
Double Bass: Overture to Semiramide mm 143-end; Harry Potter: pickup to 79-downbeat of 90
Excerpts: Cello, Double Bass, Viola, Violin
Students will receive notification status no later than May 27, 2025. Please contact the HYCO office at 713-423-5073 if you do not receive results by this date.
Please complete the application online and submit the music lesson instructor letter of recommendation (Concert/Symphonia Orchestra requirement and optional letter of recommendation for Philharmonic applicants) via button below or postal mail to:
Colleen Johnson
Executive Director
Houston Youth Chamber Orchestra
1011 Heights Blvd.
Houston, TX 77008
If you have questions, please contact the friendly HYCO staff at 713-423-5073 or use our contact form below.
Concert and Symphonia Orchestra Requirements:
Application, $60 non-refundable application fee, and private music lesson teacher letter of recommendation deadline is October 1, 2025. Applying early is strongly encouraged!
Approximately 15 positions will be available with the Concert Orchestra and 20 with Symphonia (2024 spring) for the 2025-2026 season. Once all positions have been filled, we will keep a waitlist on file.
The applicant selection committee plans to accept students based upon date of application (first come first serve) and letter of recommendation. If you do not receive any information regarding your acceptance status by October 1, 2025, please contact the HYCO office at 713-423-5073.
Please complete the application online and submit the music instructor letter of recommendation (required for Concert and Symphonia Orchestra and optional for Philharmonic Orchestra) via button below or postal mail to:
Colleen Johnson
Executive Director
Houston Youth Chamber Orchestra
1011 Heights Blvd.
Houston, TX 77008
If you have questions, please contact the friendly HYCO staff at 713-423-5073 or use our contact form below.
Tuition
2025-2026 season first semester payment is due in full by June 4, 2025. Second semester payment is due in full by October 1, 2025. $600/semester (12 services) for Concert and Symphonia Orchestra ($1,200 total) and $700/semester (12 services) for Philharmonic Orchestra ($1,400 total) respectively. Semester payments are to be made no later than dates specified or else student’s will incur a $50 late fee to their semester payment. All students are expected to participate in both semesters for the entire season.
Concert Orchestra : $1,200 total for 2024-2025 season
Symphonia Orchestra: $600 total for spring of 2025 season due by October 15, 2025
Philharmonic Orchestra: $1,400 total for 2025-2026 season
“This has been such a wonderful experience for Emily—and at just the right time. The opportunity to play with other kids and create music as part of an ensemble has been so motivating and rewarding for her...We couldn’t be happier with the experience we are all having. We are so grateful to have it happening right in our neighborhood!”