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.