The Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra
Who are we?
Our 8 2025 JHYO graduates amassed $3,819,024 in collegiate scholarships from both conservatories and universities of which 67% will major in jazz studies.
What do we do?
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Educate
Our directors give the JHYO a variety of repertoire ensuring they have a deep and well rounded exposure to Jazz as a genre.
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Perform
The JHYO provides performance opportunities all over the world along side credible award-winning musicians.
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Release
By the time our students come through the JHYO they have all of the education, support, and tools they need to embark on a career in music if they choose to do so.
Directed by:
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FounderIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Design DirectorIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
Hire the JHYO
Note from the director
“It has been a great joy these last 4 years working beside Vincent with the Youth Orchestra. His teaching style and deep understanding of the music have been a big influence on me. I’m honored to take on this new role as Director of the JHYO. Shaping and mentoring young jazz musicians is a passion of mine, having two middle school kids of my own learning to play jazz. I’m excited for this new season!.”
— David Caceres
JHYO live performance
Listen to the JHYO play Koko on their 2025 NYC Tour.
What parents are saying
Hear what 2 time JHYO parent, Dan Fu, has to say about his children’s experience with the orchestra.
JHYO 2025 Residency Tour
From strolling the streets of NYC and unforgettable jazz club nights, to the sky-high meals and meeting the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra- every moment of the JHYO tour was pure magic!
Monday- Travel, meet and greet and rehearsal observation with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra musicians, Times Square
Tuesday- Juilliard tour, Staten Island Ferry ride, 9/11, West Village, Dinner and show at Dizzy’s Club
Wednesday- Broadway show, Dinner at Board Member residence, Robert Glasper Concert
Thursday- Jazz House Kids collab, Montclair Jazz Festival Soundcheck Series Performance
Friday- Manhattan School of Music Tour, Pre JLCO Concert Performance at Jazz at Lincoln Center Ertegun Atrium.
Saturday- Empire State Building tour, depart
“Reflecting on my summer, I am extremely grateful to have had an enriching experience on my final tour with the JAZZ HOUSTON Youth Orchestra!
Over the past two years, being a guitarist in this band has truly been one of the highlights of my high school journey. From national tours to performances across Houston, JHYO has profoundly deepened my connection to music.
On this year’s tour to New York City, we explored the city's diverse culture and collaborated with JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, a phenomenal youth orchestra based in New Jersey. During our interactive workshops, I was reminded that great music is always a product of intentional collaboration, a philosophy I aim to carry throughout my journey. Following our workshop, we ended with a performance at the Montclair Jazz Festival.
Later that week, I had the honor of performing at Jazz at Lincoln Center as the pre-show act for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's final concert of the season.
Having the chance to perform on such a stage, and the opportunity to connect with jazz icons like Wynton Marsalis was nothing short of surreal!
A huge thank you to our directors Vincent Gardner and David Caceras for their leadership, Belinda Munro for perfectly organizing the tour, Reggie Van Lee for your generous hospitality, Sara Speer Selber for being our honorary photographer and sponsor, and my bandmates for continuing to push me musically and personally.
JAZZ HOUSTON's support is opening so many doors for young musicians like myself, and I’m forever grateful for the impact this program has had on my journey through high school.”
— Ajani, Class of 2025
JHYO 2024 Residency Tour
In 2024 the JHYO toured San Francisco. The kids got a chance to meet musicians such as Kenny Garret and Etienne Charles, tour local sights, and performed at San Francisco Conservatory of music along side the SF Jazz All-Stars.
JHYO 2023 Residency Tour
In 2023 the JHYO spent a week in Washington D.C. filled with touring and performances.
JHYO 2022 Residency Tour
in 2022 the JHYO hit the streets of NY with touring, shows, and a masterclasses from world renowned Jazz Musicians!
Don’t miss a chance to be a 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.