
Find Your Groove with HYS Jazz
Join other serious music students and elevate your ability to play a variety of popular, commercial, and jazz styles.
Although no audition is required to participate in HYS Jazz, placement in the ensembles is at the discretion of the Jazz Director.
Interested in joining HYS Jazz? Contact Jazz Director, Dean Taba, at dean@hiyouthsymphony.org
Jazz Program | Minimum Age/Grade Requirement | Instruments | Schedule (subject to change) | Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Beginning Improvisation Group (BIG) | 12 years old & 8th grade | Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Drum Set, Keyboard, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone; other instruments with approval of the Jazz Director | Not offered in 2022/23 | |
Intermediate Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) | 12 years old & 8th grade | Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Drum Set, Keyboard, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone; other instruments with approval of the Jazz Director | In-Person Saturdays, 1:15 (call time) 1:30-3:30 pm (rehearsal) | Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii 1704 Waiola St. (may transition to online learning depending on COVID-19 guidelines) |
Advanced Contemporary Ensemble (ACE) | 12 years old & 8th grade | Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Drum Set, Keyboard, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone; other instruments with approval of the Jazz Director | In-Person Saturdays, 3:15 (call time) 3:30-5:00 pm (rehearsal) | Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii 1704 Waiola St. (may transition to online learning depending on COVID-19 guidelines) |
Jazz Faculty

Dean Taba
Director, HYS Jazz

Noel Okimoto
HYS Jazz - Instructor

Ryan Howe
HYS Jazz - Instructor
Registration
Contact Jazz Director, Dean Taba for the registration form dean@hiyouthsymphony.org
Tuition
Tuition for the 2022-2023 season is $995.00
If finances are an issue, we encourage you to apply for financial aid on the registration form.
Financial Aid
As part of our mission to make music a right, HYS financial aid program offers a variety of options that aim to make music affordable and available to all students. We are happy to announce that we will be offering the following financial aid opportunities for the 2022-2023 school year:
- Tuition Assistance (up to 50% off tuition)
- Aid for Private Lessons
- Instrument Rentals
The Financial Aid application is within each program’s registration form. Please email financialaid@hiyouthsymphony.org if you have any questions.
Neighbor Island Students
Neighbor Island Travel Assistance Available
Students from all islands are encouraged to participate in HYS. In addition to Financial Aid and Scholarships, HYS has funds to assist with neighbor island students with travel expenses (airfare and ground transportation) for rehearsals and concerts. All city and state emergency orders (including travel quarantines) must be followed when participating in HYS activities.
Health and Safety Requirements and Expectations
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- All students 12 & older will be required to be vaccinated to participate.
- Masks that cover the nose and mouth will be required at all times
- Students will remain socially distant