Founded in 2005, by Deborah Perkins and Desiree Overree, the Texas Youth Orchestra & Choir (TYOC) is an organization made up of high school and college-aged music students from all over the state, together for the sole purpose of participating on a European concert tour. Each student is selected on the basis of their superior playing ability, their strong character, and a desire to learn more about the different cultures of the world.

The ensemble meets for an intensive “Home Camp” to become acquainted with their concert program and each other. Previous tours included Barcelona, Arles, Carcassonne, Dordogne, Normandy and Paris (2015); the British Isles (2012); Prague, Vienna and Budapest (2009); and Rome, Florence, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Vienna (2006).

The TYOC organization endeavors to provide travelers with a life-changing opportunity of a quality music education while reaching across international borders to learn about other cultures. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share the universal language of music with our European friends.