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 intermediate or advanced level. 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/meditation class led by Elizabeth Priestly; Principal Oboist of The Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera Orchestra.
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 10th through 14th; 9:15am to 1pm
Final performance and reception on June 15th; 10:30am
Intermediate and Advanced String Orchestra Program (2 separate leveled orchestras) (Please view recent videos on our YouTube site to see these levels)
Maximum 20 students/orchestra
All viola applicants that qualify for the program will receive a 50% tuition scholarship!
Led by Kurt Johnson and Michael Fahey
Location: Houston Saengerbund (1703 Heights Blvd 77008)
Deadline for all applications and supplementary materials: Saturday, April 6, 2024. Acceptance status notification will be e-mailed to all applicants no later than Sat. April 15, 2023.
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 2024 summer repertoire.
Requirements
Suzuki level books 2-4 (Intermediate level applicant) and Suzuki Level 5 and above (advanced applicant)
Ability to read music proficiently at an intermediate or 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.
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Please do not pay tuition until you’ve received formal acceptance into the Summer Institute program.
All payments are nonrefundable.
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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.