Hill Country Youth Chorus

Founded in 2005, by Dr. Lynn Brinkmeyer, The Hill Country Youth Chorus (HCYC) provides an accessible, comprehensive music education and performance program that serves children and adolescents from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. The curriculum equips these young artists with the musical skills that enable them to seek the highest artistic standards in performances of challenging music. It is hoped that the discipline and concentration learned by each student-artist in rehearsal and performance will instill in them the values necessary to succeed in music and life. HCYC’s emphasis on excellence spotlights the collective strength inherent in young people collaborating for a greater good. The potential for human achievement provided by this model merits a resonance throughout the wider sphere of community life.

The Hill Country Youth Chorus fosters a love for singing by providing youth with a choral music experience where successive levels of high artistic achievement and performance are nurtured in each participant. All HCYC faculty and staff are avid supporters of all school music programs and our youth outreach program is intended to supplement and enhance the music training students receive in school.

Dr. Thomas Rinn, Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at Texas State University, joined the staff of HCYC in August 2023. We plan to continue the rich tradition of the chorus while also envisioning and planning for a vibrant future. During the period of transition, we are delaying the start of rehearsals for the season until October 2023. Information regarding auditions and a calendar of events will be posted on this website soon. Please contact Dr. Rinn with any questions at Thomas.Rinn@txstate.edu. 

Vocal Assessment

Choristers participate in a vocal assessment with the staff to determine the most appropriate placement in our ensembles for their musical development. Singers do not need to prepare a solo for the audition. A member of our staff will vocalize the singer to assess range, pitch matching ability, and current musical development. Audition appointments take approximately 10-minutes. You may sign up for an audition time on Monday evening, September 25, October 2, or make an appointment by emailing thomas.rinn@txstate.edu.

Request an audition

Ensembles 

All choirs perform in one formal concert each semester. Bravo Chorale and Encore ensemble perform at various community events in the Hill Country Area throughout the year. 

Prelude Choir - Mondays 6:30 pm-7:15 pm

The Prelude Choir welcomes singers in grades 1-3 and focuses on developing fundamental musical skills through singing, movement, and active listening. 

Bravo Chorale - Mondays 6:30 – 7:45 pm 

The Bravo Chorale is comprised of treble singers in grades 4-12. Choristers work to develop singing skills and overall. musicianship through the performance of diverse choral music. 

Encore Ensemble - Mondays 7:50 - 8:15 pm 

The encore ensemble is an auditioned group of advanced singers from the Bravo Chorale. The ensemble performs advanced choral repertoire of various styles. 

Tentative 2023-2024 Calendar 

Oct 9 - HCYC Parent Meeting & Social 6pm-7pm, Texas State University 

Oct  16 - First Rehearsal 

Nov 18 - Concert with Texas State Aurora Voce

Dec 1-2 or 8-9 (San Marcos Sights & Sounds)

Jan 22 - Rehearsals Resume 

May 6 - Spring Concert 

Tuition 

• $100 per semester for singers in Bravo Chorale.
• $50 per semester for Prelude Choir students.
• Discounts available for children of TXST Faculty members, and multiple children from the same family

HCYC is committed to providing access to its programs to all interested members of the community. Please contact us should you have financial concerns about participating in our organization.