CONROE, Texas – Feb. 21, 2017 – After applicants celebrate hearing the good news that they have been selected to compete in the Young Texas Artists Music Competition, they have another important task – finding a place to stay.

The three-day event brings the best emerging classical musicians to the city of Conroe, and most of the competitors are university students who appreciate a little help with their expenses.

Luckily, event organizers have a tradition of finding volunteers who will open their homes and offer up some downhome hospitality to these talented guests.

David Hwa, a resident of The Woodlands, is leading the effort to match all of the competitors requesting housing with local families willing to host them – saving money on hotel bills and providing practice space.

“I’m organized, and this requires organization,” he said. “Once I get a list of the competitors needing a place to stay and a list of the homes that are available it’s just a matter of playing Tetris.”

Last year, 10 homes were able to accommodate 20 musicians, Hwa said, but this year the challenge is much greater, as he needs accommodations for 35 competitors. He hopes to find several more host families willing to share their homes with the musicians for a few nights. All that is required of the host family, Hwa said, is to provide a comfortable place to sleep and a simple breakfast; the competitors take care of their own transportation and dining expenses. For more information on becoming a host family contact Hwa at housing@ytamc.com.

Hwa and his family have hosted a number of musicians in their home. “The students are always so much fun,” he said. “We are able to learn about their background and love to hear all about their lives and their aspirations – and listen to the music they play as they practice.”

Many of the families build lasting relationships with the young rising stars – and a number continue to offer their homes year after year.

“These young musicians are wonderful, and they have the whole world ahead of them,” Hwa said. “It’s great to see this mix, this diverse pool of talent, come to Conroe to compete and perform in this world-class competition.”

The 33rd annual YTA Music Competition runs Thursday, March 9 through Saturday, March 11. The three-day event is open to artists ages 18 to 30, who live in Texas or are students at a Texas college, university or music school. Preliminary judging rounds, held at the Crighton Theatre, 234 North Main St., at 9 a.m. all three days of the competition, are free and open to the public.

Saturday evening at 5:15 the Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue gala, YTA’s major fundraiser for the year, kicks off the festivities. The event, to be held at Martin’s Hall, 219 Simonton St., includes a full barbecue dinner, live entertainment by Bill Mock and the Highway 105 Band, and an auction. The gala is followed by the competition’s highly anticipated Finalists’ Concert & Awards at the nearby Crighton Theatre at 7:30 p.m., presenting two finalists from four divisions -- Voice; Piano; Strings; and Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Guitar.

“We are so grateful for all of the volunteers who make up the many committees of YTA,” Susie Pokorski, YTA chairman, said. “For many of them, the yearlong labor of love provides a chance to meet new people of a like-mind and have fun while knowing their work has a direct impact on the success of such an important Texas event.”

Of course, it all begins with assistance from the event’s sponsors, she said. “We really appreciate all those whose generous donations help keep the competition the stellar event it is. Our deepest thanks to: Conroe Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sandra and Jerry Streater, Carol and Dr. Douglas Aycock, Spirit of Texas Bank, Conroe Service League and UBS Financial Services.”

For more information about the evening, how to volunteer for a committee, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Pokorski at susiepokorski@gmail.com or 936-756-7017.

Tickets to Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue are $150 – $125 for YTA members – and include the barbecue, Finalists' Concert & Awards, and the after-party. Concert-only tickets are available at $28 for adults and $16 for students. To purchase tickets visit youngtexasartists.org.

About the Young Texas Artists Music Competition

An official music competition of the State of Texas, Young Texas Artists, Inc. has, since its founding in 1983, encouraged excellence in young musicians, inspired their audiences and helped further the careers of thousands of classical musicians. It is one of the few competitions in the country that features four divisions: Voice; Piano; Strings; and Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Guitar. This Texas competition for Texas artists has helped produce many distinguished professionals who have gone on to join orchestras, opera companies, universities and music schools around the world. The Young Texas Artists Music Competition is a member of the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance.

Families in the greater Conroe area who open their homes to the Young Texas Artists Music Competition’s emerging classical musicians report an experience of learning, laughter and, of course, great classical music. For more information on becoming a host family contact David Hwa at housing@ytamc.com.