Hawaii Youth Symphony (HYS) is a nonprofit, statewide youth orchestra organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Founded in 1964, it serves students from across the Hawaiian Islands through orchestral and community music education programs and presents multiple concerts each season. [1] [2]
HYS was established in 1964 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; its EIN is 99-0119771. [3] By the late 2000s the organization was drawing participants from multiple islands and staging seasonal concerts in major Honolulu venues. [4] Civil Beat reported in 2016 that the organization worked with youth ages 7–18 and staged about 24 concerts annually. [1]
HYS organizes its offerings into several program areas that support students at different stages of musical development.
Entry-level and early-stage music instruction focused on fundamentals and ensemble skills. The Academy operates in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. [5]
Beginning, intermediate, and advanced string orchestras preparing students for full symphonic ensembles. [6]
The organization’s advanced full orchestras — including Youth Symphony I, Youth Symphony II, and Concert Orchestra — rehearse during the academic year and perform a range of orchestral repertoire. [1]
HYS’s summer initiative that brings together students for masterclasses and performances led by faculty and guest artists. Past PMI events have included side-by-side concerts with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. [7]
Community access classes run with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, providing entry-level instrumental instruction and instrument loans. [8] [9]
As of 2025, the Music Director is Henry Miyamura, who conducts Youth Symphony I; he has been cited in concert coverage as the program’s music director. [10]
Youth Symphony II is conducted by Susan Ochi-Onishi. [11]
Former conductors of Youth Symphony II include Derrick Yamane. [12]
Since 2012, the organization’s chief executive has been Randy Wong; nonprofit filings list him as President / CEO. [13]
HYS ensembles perform concerts throughout the academic year, often collaborating with professional artists and organizations. The program has partnered with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra for joint performances in the Blaisdell Concert Hall [14] and has presented statewide performances including free community concerts at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. [2]
In 2013, HYS released the concert album He Makana O Nā Mele (The Gift of Music); the recording was a finalist for a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award in 2014. [15] [16]
Over the years many have coached participants in Hawaii Youth Symphony programs, which works with kids between the ages of 7 and 18. With an annual budget of $750,000, the independent organization stages 24 concerts annually.
Established as a non-profit organization in 1964, HYS provides enriching opportunities for orchestral music education, performances, and community engagement.
More than 400 students from around the state will perform in the Hawaii Youth Symphony's winter concerts tomorrow and Dec. 12.
A Special Honor: HYS named Finalist in the 2014 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.