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 21 of Houston's finest young musicians. The ensemble is directed by Jazz Houston’s Artistic and Education Director Vincent Gardner, and assisted by Associate Director David Caceres (see below to learn more about our Directors). Mr. Gardner brings a wealth of experience and energy to the Youth Orchestra, having served as the Founding Director of the Jazz At Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra, guiding them to two Carnegie Hall appearances and also having served on the faculty of the Juilliard School among other institutions. 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(Includes one year student membership in the Musician’s Union AFM Local65-699), 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 2024 JHYO LIVE AUDITIONS WILL TAKE PLACE ON AUGUST 3RD & 4TH AT ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. THE REGISTRATION LINK WILL OPEN ON JULY 19TH.

PLEASE NOTE: New Auditionees MUST submit a Pre-Audition Video by July 15th. 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: