HYS Melody Program

In the community, the Houston Youth Symphony Melody Program (formerly known as the HYS Star Program) provides free private lesson instruction for economically disadvantaged musicians in grades four through eight. The program is led by a roster of skilled musicians and is presented in targeted schools in the Jefferson Davis High School feeder system in partnership with Project GRAD’s Fine Arts Program and at KIPP Sharpstown College Preparatory. Thirty-six talented and motivated students recommended by their classroom music instructors receive weekly 30-minute instruction after school in violin/viola, cello and trumpet, culminating in a year-end recital. The goal of the program is to create access to private instruction so that these young musicians are equipped to audition for and join a youth symphony. Since 2005, the HYS Melody Program has provided lessons for 113 students, many of whom participate over several years. Of the 24 participants in 2010/11, five Melody students have been accepted into HYS for the 2011/12 season, receiving full tuition scholarships to participate.