Our 9th Annual Young Composer Concert was performed on April 7, 2024 at the Draylen Mason Music Studio at KMFA 89.5. You can watch the concert HERE and follow along with the program HERE.
YCC fosters the growth of budding musicians into emerging composers with an emphasis on equity. We aim to change the perception about what classical music is, who writes it, and who consumes it. The program is entirely free for accepted youth.
In past years, the program's participants composed a brand new original work over six months for Pierrot ensemble, concluding with a concert in which a professional group performs and records their pieces. In the 2020-2021 season, students learned how to use various digital audio workstations (DAW) to mix their own recordings and add electronic elements to their pieces. This year, the students composed for flute, violin, cello, piano, and percussion.
The program is student-led, and they work together to collectively produce the concert, learning both the musical and non-musical skills necessary for promoting their works and sharing them with the public — all under the guidance of our staff and a network of professional mentors.
As a result of our Young Composers Collective program, participants can prepare for a variety of artistic pursuits.
Below are student works from last year’s concert:
Check out a few of our current mentors:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is YCC?
YCC or the Young Composers Collective is Golden Hornet’s extracurricular program for youth interested in composing. The program is currently in its tenth season and aims to provide participants with the skills they need not only to learn to express themselves creatively through music, but also to produce a successful concert. The concert production side of our program provides students with skills that are transferable to many diverse career paths.
How often does YCC meet?
Our full cohort meets once per month, however production groups may schedule separate meetings in addition to the large group activities.
Where does YCC take place?
YCC meets in person and on zoom. The in person meetings take place at Red House Studio, located in East Austin.
Do I have to have composition experience to join YCC?
No! No composition experience is necessary, but we prefer that participants have prior experience with music (like the ability to read music).
Do I need to have a notation software to participate?
Yes, but we can help you get set up if you do not have one. It isn’t a requirement to join the program.
What is the age range for YCC?
We are open to anyone who is 18 or younger and pre-college. 18 year old college freshmen are not eligible. Our participants are typically in middle and high school, though we’ve made exceptions to include younger participants in the past.
How much does YCC cost?
Nothing! Our program is free to all participants.
How does the application process work?
Our application consists of a google form, which is reviewed by the YCC staff. This is an opportunity for you to show us your personality and tell us why you are interested in the program. We only have a limited number of spots (typically, 15) and generally give them to participants who demonstrate that they are eager to participate to the fullest extent and that they will benefit a lot from the program. We are not looking for who is the best or most experienced musician.
If filling out the online application is a challenge for you, please reach out to sophie@goldenhornet.org for assistance. We can work with you to find an alternative that works best!
We also encourage all applicants to attend our info session on 7/28. Sign up at goldenhornet.org to receive additional details. Attending the info session gives you an additional change to demonstrate your interest and get to know the program staff.
I have a few conflicts with the meetings, can I still join?
Yes, however, we strongly encourage participants to attend all meetings. Three or more absences may result in a review of the participant’s status in the program and the possible forfeiture of their spot. Participants who normally attend in person are always welcome to attend via zoom for any reason.
I don’t live in Austin, can I still join?
Yes! While most of our cohort typically lives in Austin, we always have a small number of participants from other places who attend our meetings via zoom. The entire program may be done remotely.
How long can my piece be?
This year, we are limiting pieces to 4 minutes.
What instruments can I write for?
Each year, our participants vote on what instruments they would like to write for.
Do I have to write for all of the instruments?
No, subsets (even down to solos) are perfectly fine!
Can I use an instrument that’s not in the ensemble?
Generally, no, but there are certainly a few exceptions. For example, a basic auxiliary percussion part that can be played by a YCC staff member or fellow participant is okay with approval from the YCC staff. If you have an idea for a specific instrument, reach out to Sophie and we will see if we can make it work!
Can I use electronics?
Yes! Please keep the YCC staff looped in to what you are working on, so that we can be sure we have the gear you need.