Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra (HYSO)

Forms/Applications

HYSO Videos

For the 2021-22 school year, HYSO concerts were live in our Performance Hall and live-streamed on our YouTube channel for those that cannot attend. Enjoy these videos of HYSO's most recent concerts.

HYSO/Philharmonia Winter Concert - February 13, 2022

HYSO Fall Concert - November 14, 2021

Literature History

Click here for a searchable PDF document listing the HYSO's past literature as of May 2022.

We still need the titles prior to the Fall of 2005 as well as for the May 2007 concert. If you have this or any other information that may be helpful to include here, please email casey.springstead@hochstein.org. Thank you!

"Mr. Springstead is an amazing instructor! He keeps musicians and families informed with his newsy weekly communications, which include a detailed rehearsal schedule. He is very knowledgeable about all literature performed by HYSO, and treats everyone with respect. He is a terrific educator and conductor, and patiently guides all musicians to work within their section groups, and deliver high level performances."

Photo: Brooke Nance Photography
Click here for online bio.

HYSO Director's Welcome

Thank you for visiting the Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra (HYSO) web page! Using the links, I hope that you will take a moment to familiarize yourself with the HYSO as well as with all of our comprehensive offerings at Hochstein.

The HYSO is an advanced youth orchestra comprised of grade 7-12 students from all over the Rochester region. Our primary goal is to create a community of talented young musicians through the rigorous study of classical symphony orchestra literature. We pride ourselves on the excellence of our performances, and we work diligently to foster a learning environment that nurtures and encourages students as they develop their musicianship.

All are welcome to visit our rehearsals, occurring most Saturday mornings at Hochstein from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. We are looking forward to an exciting season, and I hope to see you at one or more of our concerts this year!

Casey Springstead
Director, Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra
casey.springstead@hochstein.org

Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra (HYSO)

Casey Springstead, Director

Suggested grades 7-12, NYSSMA Level 6, audition required

Saturdays, 9:00-11:30 am

Please note: Students will be asked to follow any COVID-19 safety guidelines that are in place by the time rehearsals begin.

A full orchestra (strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion) for advanced musicians. The Youth Symphony Orchestra promotes musical experience through the study and performance of standard orchestral repertoire, contemporary works, small ensembles, and student concerto performances. Season repertoire includes Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary music.

The HYSO toured Italy in Spring 2009, Ireland in Spring 2011, France in Spring 2014, Austria/Germany in Spring 2016, and Spain & Portugal in the spring of 2018. The HYSO toured Germany and the Czech Republic during the spring break of 2022.

Audition information for the 2022-2023 school year can be accessed by clicking here.

Fees for the 2022-23 school year: $10 registration fee; $550* yearly tuition, payable in quarterly installments of $137.50. For students enrolled in individual lessons at Hochstein, yearly tuition is $484, payable in quarterly installments of $121. (Fees as of Fall 2022.)

* Learn more about our Tuition Assistance by clicking here.

HYSO Conducting Apprenticeship

Special Opportunity!
age 15 and older

One student conductor apprenticeship position is available in the Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra, and selected by an interview process. This apprentice is chosen from the current membership of the Hochstein Youth Symphony. The student apprentice will conduct sectional rehearsals, play in the orchestra, and work individually with conductor Casey Springstead.

FEE: Apprentice is awarded as an honor; no charge.