Want to learn an orchestral string instrument? Our Academy String Program is the place to start! Approximately 200 students from more than 70 schools participate in the Academy programs each year. Since 2010, the Academy has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii.
Spots are limited due to limited class sizes and evolving COVID-19 restrictions. Availability will be on a first come first served basis.
For the safety of our students, staff and faculty, all students 12 & older will be required to have received the COVID-19 vaccine to participate in the Academy Program.


Beginning String Ensemble (BSE)
Description
- NO AUDITION
- Students have NO experience OR less than 1 year of experience on their instrument.
- Students will be introduced to the instruments on the first day of class and then get to choose the instrument they would like to learn if they do not already play an instrument.
Class Times
Saturdays from 8:00 – 9:15 am (in-person)
Faculty
Instructor: Michael Lim
Registration
Registration Opens: Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, August 24
First Day of Class: Saturday, September 17, 2022
Tuition: $525.00
Registration: Please email HYS at admin@hiyouthsymphony.org for the BSE registration form.
Spots are limited due to limited class sizes and evolving COVID-19 restrictions. Availability will be on a first come first served basis.

Intermediate String Ensemble (ISE)
Description
- NO AUDITION
- Students should have at least 1 year of experience on their instrument OR have successfully completed the BSE class and have been recommended to move up to ISE from the BSE instructor.
- Performs music in the 0.5-2 level (out of 6 levels)
Class Times
Saturdays from 9:00 – 10:30 am (in-person)
Faculty
Instructor: Chad Uyehara
Registration
Registration Opens: Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, August 24
First Day of Class: Saturday, September 17, 2022
Tuition: $525.00
Registration Form: ISE is currently full. For violinists, we have an intermediate violin class called Super Strings held at Le Jardin Academy. Please email HYS at admin@hiyouthsymphony.org if you are interested in Super Strings and we will send you more information once it’s available.

String Orchestra Ensemble (SOE)
Description
- AUDITION REQUIRED and will determine if a student gets placed into this ensemble.
- It is suggested, but not required that students have at least 3 years of experience on their instrument
- Performs music in the 2-3.5 level (out of 6 levels)
Class Times
Saturdays from 9:30 – 11:00 am (in-person)
Faculty
Instructor: Michael Lim
SOE Audition Application and Music
Audition Application and Music available at the Academy audition page:
Audition Application Early Deadline:
- Monday, July 25, 2022
- $40.00
Audition Application Late Deadline/Auditions Videos Due:
- Sunday, July 31st
- $65.00 (late fee)
First Day of Class: TBA (beginning of September)
Tuition: $575.00

Concert String Orchestra (CSO)
Description
- AUDITION REQUIRED and will determine if a student gets placed into this ensemble.
- Most advanced ensemble for the Academy Program
- It is suggested, but not required that students have at least 3 years of experience on their instrument
- Performs music in the 2.5-4 level (out of 6 levels)
Class Times
Saturdays from 10:45 am – 12:45 pm (in-person)
Faculty
Instructor: Chad Uyehara
CSO Audition Application and Music
Audition Application and Music available at the Academy audition page:
Audition Application Early Deadline:
- Monday, July 25, 2022
- $40.00
Audition Application Late Deadline/Auditions Videos Due:
- Sunday, July 31st
- $65.00 (late fee)
First Day of Class: TBA
Tuition: $575.00
Location
Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii
Spalding Clubhouse, 2nd Floor
1704 Waiola Street
(Behind Washington Middle School, Corner of Waiola & Lokahi St.)
Schedule Overview
SATURDAYS from September 2022 through April/May 2023 (subject to change)
Mandatory Zoom Orientation: September 14 & 15 via Zoom at 5:30 pm. Parents/Students must attend one of these orientation sessions.
First Day of Class: Saturday, September 17, 2022
Winter Break: TBA
Spring Break: TBA
Tuition
Tuition for the 2022-2023 season:
- Beginning String Ensemble & Intermediate String Ensemble: $525.00
- String Orchestra Ensemble & Concert String Orchestra: $575.00
If finances are an issue, we encourage you to apply for financial aid. The financial aid application will be included in the registration form.
Age Eligibility
Age and grade requirement: 8 years old by August 1, 2022 (or older) and entering grade 3-12.
Audition Music
SOE and CSO audition music can be found on the Academy Audition Page starting on July 5, 2022
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
*COVID-19 policies are subject to change and will be based on policies determined by HYS and the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii.
Contact
Email: admin@hiyouthsymphony.org