HCYO Family Handbook

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Hill Country Youth Orchestras
HCYO Family Handbook
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Welcome to the Hill Country Youth Orchestras

Our goal: "Bringing the joy of the orchestra experience to the youth of the Hill Country."
We are grateful for your talented children and your support.

The information contained in this Family Handbook will assist students and their families maximize their experiences as members of the Hill Country Youth Orchestras (HCYO).

We are pleased to have an excellent and very qualified faculty working with our players. The different levels of orchestras and ensembles are intended to help each student grow at his or her own pace as a player and musician.

HCYO is an outreach ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Kerrville, Texas. Operating funds for the Orchestras come from grants and private donations. Private donations are vital to the existence of HCYO.

If you have questions concerning the HCYO, please contact Lynda Ables at 257 0809. Mrs. Ables is the Facilitator for HCYO and will be happy to assist you.

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Hill Country Youth Orchestras
321 Thompson Drive - Kerrville, TX 78028 - Phone (830) 257-0809 - FAX (830) 257-0835
Email info@hillcountryyouthorchestras.com
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HCYO Facts

The Hill Country Youth Orchestras are a result of the Suzuki String Program begun in Kerrville in 1987. The Suzuki Program was funded by Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Rohe through the Kerrville Performing Arts Society.

Hill Country Youth Orchestras, Inc. was organized in the Fall of 1995. In the summer of 1998, a board of directors was formed and now carries on the business of running the organization. As of February 1999, HCYO is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a permanent endowment to assure the future of the Orchestras. All funds are obtained from private donations and grants. Because of the generosity of our donors and the community, the orchestras are privileged to offer a very generous scholarship program for its players. Donations are always appreciated and vital to the organization.

Students in the orchestras come from Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, Center Point, Comfort, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bul Verde and San Antonio. There are four graded orchestras within the organization that allow students to progress at their own pace. String students all study privately and are recommended to the orchestras by their private teachers. Woodwind, brass and percussion players audition in the fall of each year.

Orchestra Assignment Policy

The following criteria is used to place musicians in the four orchestras:

• Vivace Orchestra is the beginning group. Students, with a minimum of instruction, may begin in this group for their first ensemble experience. Students will not have to audition if they have been taking private lessons for at least a month. They will be considered a part of HCYO and will be eligible for scholarships and instrument rental from HCYO.

• Con Moto Orchestra is comprised primarily of students of Suzuki Books One and Two. The majority of players will be elementary school age.

• Cavatina Orchestra is comprised primarily of students in Suzuki Books three and four. The majority of students will be junior high school age.

• Hill Country Youth Orchestra is comprised primarily of the most advance students in the orchestra program. The majority of students will be of high school age.

• General Information: Changes in orchestra placement are made at the start of each semester.

• Advancement to the Cavatina or Hill Country Youth Orchestra is at the teacher’s and conductor’s discretion and may include an audition. Auditions are not the sole determining factor for placement in any of the orchestras. Maturity, sight-reading ability, over-all musicianship, leadership ability, student preference and instrumentation needs of the orchestras are also taken into consideration.

• New students with previous experience are interviewed by the facilitator and audition for correct orchestra placement.

• It is vital the orchestra assignment policy be administered fairly and consistently to develop each student’s love of music through playing their instruments with other students.