Join the HYCO program as a student intern! Interns are considered in grades 9-12 and assist with management, rehearsals/sectionals occasionally, operations, and performances. All instruments are considered that are involved with the current HYCO program. Priority is given to musicians who play viola, cello, or double bass.
1. HYCO is the only youth orchestra program in the Houston and Greater Houston area to be under the directorship of a musician who is a current member of a major symphony orchestra (Kurt Johnson; The Houston Symphony). This means that students can be confident in knowing they will be challenged at the highest level possible individually and as an ensemble.
2. Students participate in at least 1-3 outreach concerts/semester at venues such as NASA Johnson Space Center, Bayou Bend, The Rienzi Museum, among others to inspire and bring enjoyment to The Houston community.
3. Students receive sectional and masterclass guidance from professional musicians from The Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, among others.
4. HYCO intentionally accepts 15-40 student musicians per orchestra to allow for more personal growth in individual performance and enjoyment.
5. HYCO offers a chamber music ensemble program led under the direction of active chamber musician of L'Esperanza and frequent guest violist of The Houston Symphony, Yvonne Smith.
From Emily Gersema with USC News:
Within two years of the study, the neuroscientists found the auditory systems of children in the music program were maturing faster in them than in the other children. The fine-tuning of their auditory pathway could accelerate their development of language and reading, as well as other abilities – a potential effect which the scientists are continuing to study.
The enhanced maturity reflects an increase in neuroplasticity – a physiological change in the brain in response to its environment – in this case, exposure to music and music instruction.
“The auditory system is stimulated by music,” Habibi said. “This system is also engaged in general sound processing that is fundamental to language development, reading skills and successful communication.”