YOUTH ORCHESTRA

ABOUT THE YOUTH ORCHESTRA

DON’T MISS A CHANCE TO BE PART OF THE FOREMOST YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA IN HOUSTON!

This audition-only orchestra is made up of 22 of Houston's finest young musicians. The ensemble is directed by David Caceres, and assisted by Associate Director James Williams III (see below to learn more about our Directors). The orchestra will provide a comprehensive jazz experience for its participants, performing music from all eras of Jazz’s rich history along with contemporary works. 

Rehearsals will take place weekly on Sunday Afternoons from 3-5 P.M. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church from September through June along with multiple performances in the Houston Area throughout the year. 

The program culminates each June with a residency in a major National/International City. 

The program also includes periodic instruction in Jazz Improvisation, Music Theory, Composition, Music Etiquette, and how to function in the music business. Our goal is to create balanced, motivated student musicians that love Jazz, and desire excellence in Music and all of their other life endeavors.

There is no fee to audition. The participation fee for the school year is $500, due after acceptance into the Orchestra. Please do not let this deter anyone from auditioning. We will make scholarships available when appropriate in order to nurture and grow our young musicial talent.

THE 2025 JHYO LIVE AUDITIONS WILL TAKE PLACE ON AUGUST 2ND & 3RD AT ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. THE REGISTRATION LINK WILL OPEN ON JUNE 30TH.

PLEASE NOTE: New Auditionees MUST submit a Pre-Audition Video by JUNE 27th. Click the NEW AUDITIONEES button below for more information.

Returning JHYO members who wish to Re-audition DO NOT need to submit a video. Click the RETURNING AUDITIONEES button below.

About our Directors:

David Caceres, Director

James Williams III, Associate Director

Members of the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra in NYC 2022