Houston Youth Symphony

Established in 2015, The HYS Coda Music Program brings free, graduated string instruction and performance opportunities to 200+ 3rd-5th grade students in 7 elementary schools in under-resourced schools in Houston's Near Northside neighborhood and Fort Bend ISD. The Coda Program’s objectives are to equip students with the skills and knowledge to play a string instrument and to continue their musical studies into middle/high school; to create well-rounded musicians who not only read and play music but who appreciate music and incorporate it into their everyday lives and communities; to nurture each child’s creative spirit and support each young musician in better understanding their current life experiences through music; to incorporate and explore music traditions/influences from around the world, and that reflect our diverse communities; and to engage the entire family/community in the music-making process, creating social/cultural connections and change through music.

The HYS Melody Program provides free 30–60-minute, weekly individualized private music lessons to students in the YOP, Coda Music Program “graduates”, Marshall Middle School and Northside High School. Students learn violin, viola, cello, and bass from professional teaching artists, who develop and strengthen each student’s individual musical skills. Students are recommended to the program based on interest and economic need, with 25-30 selected through an audition based on talent and desire to learn. In addition to studying their instruments in a safe, after-school environment, these students build self-esteem, learn critical thinking, and the value of perseverance. Melody is designed to address inequities in access to private music lessons which are essential to pursue music at its highest level.

Houston Youth Symphony's Chamber Music Program was begun in 2009. Young musicians in the two most advanced orchestras, the Symphony and the Philharmonia, are invited to participate in the HYS Chamber Music Program. The program allows the participants to deepen their skills as musicians, creates outreach performing opportunities that enrich the community, and broadens and diversifies Houston Youth Symphony's audience. Musicians are formed into various chamber music ensembles, including string quartets, string trios, wind quintets and brass quintets. Each season, the ensembles receive approximately 25 private instruction sessions with an accomplished chamber musician/music instructor. During the year, each ensemble plays a minimum of six performances that include outreach performances, cultivation events and two formal recitals in December and May.