“HYS taught me to not just think about myself, but to dedicate myself to something bigger and think about what’s best for the group. I’ll be able to apply the lessons I learned in this program to the real world, wherever I go. I am forever thankful and grateful for the opportunities HYS has given me.”
CALEB, HORN, KALANI HIGH SCHOOL
WHO WE ARE
Hawaii Youth Symphony is a non-profit organization that offers statewide programs from beginning to advanced levels for kids ages 7-18. The effects of music on a young person’s life are countless and everlasting. Through participating in Hawaii Youth Symphony, students develop skills that they carry with them forever and are given the ability to create opportunities for themselves that they may not have had otherwise.
MISSION
Our mission at Hawaii Youth Symphony is to foster fun and creative experiences for youth that inspire a deep appreciation for music and lifelong relationships within the culture of our islands.
VISION
We envision a Hawaii where music is a right. We believe every child should have the opportunity to learn and grow through music.
CORE VALUES
INSPIRE . We connect and uplift our communities through music.
HAVE FUN. We celebrate creativity, curiosity and the joy that comes with making music.
DREAM COURAGEOUSLY. We dream and act with authenticity, encouraging all to be bold!
GROW TOGETHER. We play, listen and learn with kindness and respect.
“HYS has truly impacted my life in many ways, not just musically. As a neighbor-island student, I have to fly regularly to Oahu for rehearsals. This has taught me time management and independence. It means a lot being able to perform with YSII because it’s a very collaborative experience and a high level of performance. HYS provides the resources that help my siblings and I to become the best musicians we can be.”
NAOMI, VIOLIN, KAUAI HIGH SCHOOL
MUSIC ACROSS HAWAII
In order to make our vision a reality, we continually take steps to increase access to music education across the state. To ensure no child is turned away from a quality music education because of financial needs, HYS distributes more than $50,000 a year through its financial aid program. HYS offers assistance for:
• Registration fees
• Instrument loans
• Private lessons
• Air and surface travel for neighbor island students
Please contact us if you or a young person you know may be interested in participating.
hiyouthsymphony.org
(808) 941-9706
1350 South King St, Suite 201 Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
admin@hiyouthsymphony.org
EIN 99-0119771
@hiyouthsymphony
Hawaii Youth Symphony
@hiyouthsymphony
/hawaii-youth-symphony/
WHAT WE DO
HYS offers a complete spectrum of out-of-school music programs including its Symphony Program, Jazz Program and Academy Strings Program. Through these programs, HYS serves 700 students annually from more than 100 public, charter, independent and home schools across the state.
THE SYMPHONY PROGRAM
woodwind, brass and percussion students from all islands to audition.
“We’re working with students from across the state. Students are making friendships with people they would never have met in their daily lives. They’re finding a community. They’re finding a way to have fun with their instruments, with their new friendships and this is what HYS stands for: to foster growth through music and to have a good time doing it.”
MAESTRO JOSEPH STEPECTHE JAZZ PROGRAM invites students who are looking to learn, improve and elevate their ability to play popular, commercial and jazz styles.
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
MUSIC IN THE CLUBHOUSE & BEYOND
These entry-level programs, in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai’i and other community partners, spark students’ curiosity and provide free or low-cost access to music. HYS provides instruments and materials, and no musical experience is required. Classes available at:
• Spalding Clubhouse (Mōʻiliʻili, McCully, Ala Wai)
• Nānākuli Clubhouse
• Pālolo Elementary
• Kaunakakai Elementary
PACIFIC MUSIC INSTITUTE
For over 30 years, PMI has been the defining summer musical experience for nearly 4,000 aspiring young musicians from across the Hawaiian Islands, the continental U.S., Asia and beyond. Each July, the 10-day intensive brings together a core of world-renowned professionals to provide sectionals, rehearsals, master classes, and private lessons for string, wind, brass, and percussion students. PMI also provides a Middle School All-State Band, ukulele workshops, a jazz intensive, and performance opportunities for all students.
WHY SUPPORT HYS?
Music is a fundamental right that every child deserves to access and explore. It has the power to transform lives, providing not only artistic expression but also encouraging creativity, discipline, and resilience. However, many children lack the opportunity to experience the benefits of music education due to financial barriers and limited access to resources.
At Hawaii Youth Symphony, we are committed to breaking down these barriers and ensuring that all keiki in our state, regardless of their background, have the chance to discover and cultivate their musical excellence. By creating a supportive environment that fosters artistic and personal excellence, we empower our students to reach their full potential and become leaders in the world of music and beyond.
THE ACADEMY STRING PROGRAM offers students an opportunity to grow together and sharpen their orchestra string skills.
LISTEN & LEARN
These 45-minute educational concerts, for youth by youth, expose keiki to a variety of musical instruments and styles. Public, private and home schools, and senior care homes, are invited to attend free of charge. Concerts teach students basic concert etiquette, while helping to foster intergenerational interest in the arts.
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors to fund our programs and make a meaningful impact in the lives of young musicians. That’s why we are reaching out to you today to ask for your support. Your donation will make a significant difference in the lives of underserved children and passionate young musicians.
WAYS TO SUPPORT
To make a donation, scan the QR code or visit hiyouthsymphony.org/giving
welcomes string,