Our Strategic Vision

PREAMBLE

Children who make music embody commitment, discipline, teamwork and persistence…
all proven to be vital to success in school and to joy in life.

VISION

Making music is a right, not a privilege.

MISSION

To help youth develop to their fullest potential through orchestral music, in the setting of our Islands’ unique culture.

PRIORITIES

1. Embrace Adaptability & Change.

2. Understanding and Fulfilling the Needs of Every Island.

3. Powerful Partnerships That Advance Music in Our Communities.

4. A Global Force in the Youth Orchestra Community.

NEW INITIATIVES

• Neighbor Island Programs, to add value to existing Neighbor Island musical communities

• Rural/Under-Resourced Community Programs, to serve communities in need of music

• Artistic Expansion Programs, to attract and inspire students local-and global-to HYS

OUR NEW LOGO

The story and philosophy behind it.

In an orchestra, all notes, instruments and musicians are unified by the conductor’s vision and leadership.

The heart of our new logo is an eye-catching, stylized version of the classic conducting pattern. Set to the brilliant colors of a Hawaiian rainbow, the logo channels the warmth of our Aloha Spirit, the youth and vitality of our brand, and the joy that music brings to children’s lives.

Hawaii Youth Symphony embraces the essence of the conductor’s role across our mission to help young people develop their fullest potential through orchestral music, in the setting of our Islands’ unique culture.

PREMISE

Why should making music be a right? While youth participate in music for many different reasons, their participation will result in similar outcomes: high attendance, high academics, high achievement, high self-awareness.

In the context of HYS, the word “orchestral,” refers to ensemble (large group) playing—not necessarily classical music. And, “the setting of our Islands’ unique culture” provides the cultural and geographic context for our work.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Embrace Adaptability & Change

We will create music programs that adapt to the changing needs of our youth.

We will stay agile as new opportunities present themselves, have a tolerance for risk, and be willing to experiment.

Understanding and Fulfilling the Needs of Every Island.

We will listen to the communities on each island, understanding that every community will have different needs.

Powerful Partnerships That Advance Music in Our Communities.

We will seek partners, in and beyond the arts, that will help us to achieve our vision of making music a right, not a privilege, for Hawaii’s youth.

A Global Force in the Youth Orchestra Community.

We will elevate Hawaii’s presence in the youth orchestra community through globallyattractive teaching and learning opportunities. We will seek outside participants, particularly from the Pacific Rim and Asia, to capitalize on Hawaii’s unique Island geography. We will share what we learn with other youth orchestras, while remaining humble and appreciative of what the youth orchestra community will teach us from their own experiences.

ORGANIZATIONAL CORE VALUES

Inspire

Play a vital role in bridging & uplifting our communities through music

Dream Courageously

Dream and dare with authenticity

Be Bold

Mistakes will happen…don’t waste a good mistake!

Have Fun

We celebrate creativity, curiosity, AND the joy that comes with making music

Communicate Openly

Encourage expression and viewpoints that foster mutual respect and inclusivity. Collaborate and work together to develop a culture of understanding and togetherness.