Orchestras
Concert
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 fluently is required while playing in an ensemble setting are explored in this orchestra. Approximately 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 $1,400/year with a commitment to one academic year of enrollment. Students that are accepted midyear, if space is available, will have a proration provided. All viola and double bass applicants receive a 50% discount on tuition!
Symphonia
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 contains approximately 25-30 students. It 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 $1,400/year with a commitment to one academic year of enrollment. Students that are accepted midyear, if space is available, will have a proration provided. All qualified viola and double bass applicants receive a 50% discount on tuition!
Philharmonic
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 Johnson Space Center, Bayou Bend, The Rienzi Museum, among others. With approximately 35-40 members, Philharmonic is a full string chamber orchestra. Repertoire to be performed in the 2026-2027 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 if available. Philharmonic Orchestra rehearses 5:45-7:45pm on Sundays. Tuition is $1,600/year with a commitment to one academic year of enrollment. Students that are accepted midyear, if space is available, will have a proration provided. All viola and double bass applicants receive a 50% discount on tuition!
Additional Program Information
For all orchestral levels:
**ALL LEVELS OF APPLICATION OPEN ON FEBRUARY 10, 2026. DEADLINE: April 25, 2026. Early application is strongly encouraged as audition slots are limited! Applications and LIVE in person auditions for Symphonia and Philharmonic and will occur on Sat. 5/2/26 and Sat. 5/9/26. Concert Orchestra is an application and letter of recommendation ONLY and no live audition is required.**
$60 non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants.
All viola and double bass applicants receive a 50% tuition break in all HYCO programs!
**Acceptance of a position in the orchestra requires a non-refundable payment. If a student withdraws from the program during the 2026-2027 season for reasons other than illness requiring medical attention (doctors note required) or relocation of 40 or more miles away from The Houston Center for the Performing Arts, payments will not be reimbursed.**
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 rehearsing 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 20 positions are available.
If you have 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. Recordings or remote sessions will not be accepted unless approved by HYCO staff in advance due to unusual circumstances..
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 25-30 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. Recordings or remote sessions will not be accepted unless approved in advance by HYCO staff due to unusual circumstances.
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
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”)