The Hawaii Youth Symphony is among the largest youth symphony programs in the country, serving 700 students annually from more than 100 schools across the state.  Incorporated in 1964 with a single 80-member orchestra, HYS has grown nearly 8-fold in the past  half century with 13 different programs. We offer a complete spectrum of out-of-school music programs organized under two sections: the HYS Academy and Symphony Program.

To ensure that no interested child is turned away from a quality music education because of financial need,  HYS distributes more than $35,000 a year through its  financial aid program.  HYS offers assistance  for registration fees, instrument rentals, private lessons and air and surface travel for neighbor island students.