HYCO Summer
String Institute

HYCO Summer Music Institute provides a fun summer learning experience for young musicians ages 5-19. Our institute program is designed for musicians who are interested in playing in a string orchestra at an advanced intermediate level (Approx. Suzuki book 4/5 and above but we will select more challenging repertoire depending on the general level of the student applicant pool). Our programs will keep students motivated and excited about music of the summer, and will build musical skills and confidence through our string orchestra program, music theory/history classes with Rice University composer; Nicky Sohn, and performance practice class with Houston Ballet Flutist, Colleen Matheu Johnson.

The institute concludes with student orchestra concerts for the entire family to enjoy! HYCO Summer Music Institute students work with Houston's finest music educators and performers, learn new repertoire, improve technique on their instrument and make friends!

Mission:

To inspire creative and educational summer orchestra performances for musicians of youth ages 5-19.

Dates: June 9th through 14th; 9:15am to 1pm
Final performance and reception on June 14th; 10:30am

Advanced Intermediate String Orchestra Program (Approx. Suzuki level book 4/5 and above)
All viola and double bass applicants that qualify for the program will receive a 50% tuition scholarship!
Led by Kurt Johnson, Philharmonic Director and Houston Symphony Section First Violinist of 23 years
Location: Houston Saengerbund (1703 Heights Blvd 77008)
Deadline for all applications and supplementary materials: Saturday, April 5, 2025. Acceptance status notification will be e-mailed to all applicants no later than Sat. April 12, 2025.
All payments are nonrefundable.
Chair Placement Auditions will occur on the first day of the institute. Excerpts will be provided in advance and from the 2025 summer repertoire.

Requirements

Suzuki level books 4+
Ability to read music proficiently at an intermediate/advanced level
Teacher letter of recommendation
Rehearsal/performance materials: Adjustable wire music stand, instrument in good playing condition, HYCO folder and music, and a pencil. A bottle of water and a daily snack are suggested.

Step 1.

Summer Institute Application

Student's Name

First Name

Last Name

Grade

Grade level in academic year 2025-2026

Student's Birthday

YYYY

Instrument

Home Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Current Academic School

Private Music Instructor

First Name

Last Name

Music Instructor's Phone

(###)

###

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Music Instructor's Email

Does the applicant have any allergies, chronic illness, or medical conditions? If so, please describe.

Parent Name (1)

First Name

Last Name

Parent Workplace (1)

Parent Work Phone (1)

(###)

###

####

Parent Name (2)

First Name

Last Name

Parent Workplace (2)

Parent Work Phone (2)

(###)

###

####

How did you learn about HYCO?

Referred by:

Medical Release and Authorization, Informed Consent & Acknowledgement, Confirmation

**Medical Release and Authorization** As Parent and/or Guardian of the named applicant, I hereby authorize the diagnosis and treatment by a qualified and licensed medical professional, of the minor child, in the event of a medical emergency, which in the opinion of the attending medical professional, requires immediate attention to prevent further endangerment of the minor’s life, physical disfigurement, physical impairment, or other undue pain, suffering or discomfort, if delayed. Permission is hereby granted to the attending physician to proceed with any medical or minor surgical treatment, x-ray examination and immunizations for the named applicant. In the event of an emergency arising out of serious illness, the need for major surgery, or significant accidental injury, I understand that every attempt will be made by the attending physician to contact me in the most expeditious way possible. This authorization is granted only after a reasonable effort has been made to reach me. Permission is also granted to HYCO and its affiliates including directors, faculty, and qualified personnel to provide the needed emergency treatment prior to the child’s admission to the medical facility. Release authorized on the dates and/or duration of the registered program. This release is authorized and executed of my own free will, with the sole purpose of authorizing medical treatment under emergency circumstances, for the protection of life and limb of the named minor child, in my absence. **Informed Consent and Acknowledgement** I hereby give my approval for my child’s participation in any and all activities prepared by HYCO during this summer program. In exchange for the acceptance of said child’s candidacy by HYCO, I assume all risk and hazards incidental to the conduct of the activities, and release, absolve and hold harmless HYCO and all its respective officers, agents, and representatives from any and all liability for injuries to said child arising out of traveling to, participating in, or returning from selected program sessions. In case of injury to said child, I hereby waive all claims against HYCO including all faculty and affiliates, all participants, sponsoring agencies, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event. I also give my consent for any photos, videos, or performance recordings of my child at this program to be used in future advertising efforts for the HYCO Summer Program. **Confirmation** BY ACKNOWLEDGING AND TYPING YOUR NAME BELOW, I AM DELIVERING AN ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE THAT WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS AN ORIGINAL MANUAL PAPER SIGNATURE. THE ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE WILL BE EQUALLY AS BINDING AS AN ORIGINAL MANUAL PAPER SIGNATURE.

Today's Date

YYYY

Step 2.

Summer Institute Application Fee

$60.00

Step 3.

Submit Recommendation Letters

Please do not pay tuition until you’ve received formal acceptance into the Summer Institute program.
All payments are nonrefundable.

Step 4.

Summer Institute Tuition

$600.00

Entrance into The Houston Youth Chamber Orchestra Summer Institute is open to all qualified applicants and does not/shall not discriminate on the basis of color, race, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
Entrance is based strictly on teachers letter of recommendation and date of student's application.
Acceptance of a position in the orchestra requires a non-refundable payment.
Questions? Please contact the summer institute director, Colleen Johnson at 713-423-5073 or submit your question using the form below.

HYCO SummerString Institute

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HYCO Summer
String Institute