The HPYO has an admissions process in place to ensure that players are ready for this stage of their training, and to determine their placement and seating in one of the two orchestras. Both orchestras require an audition, with different requirements for each. Those audition requirements can be found on our auditions page. For those wishing to try orchestral playing without an audition, consider our summer program TuneUp!
All of our players perform for the public in one full-length concert per term. In addition, members of the Philharmonic Orchestra participate in the HPO Side-by-Side holiday concert at FirstOntario Concert Hall. In this side-by-side concert, our players are seated alongside the professional players of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and have an opportunity to experience the professional side of the art form. In addition, we work hard to find additional enriching performance opportunities for our players throughout the year.
In addition to full orchestra rehearsals, players in the HPYO get sectional coaching twice per term with professional players from the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
HPYO Faculty
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David Willms
Music Director
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Megan Benjafield
General Manager
VISION AND VALUES
HPYO Coaches
High Quality Training: The HPYO is committed to providing high-quality orchestral training from professional musicians and educators. Orchestral training not only provides musical enrichment, but transferable skills – responsibility and reliability, team work, listening, adaptability, perseverance – that will continue to help our players thrive in all aspects of their lives long after they have left the program.
A Commitment to Community Building: Above all else, the HPYO strives to be a welcoming and safe space for all members of our community. We foster teamwork, developing relationships, and a shared responsibility for the success of the ensemble.
Inclusion and Accessibility: Providing an experience that is accessible and inclusive for all youth players is of utmost importance for the HPYO. We strive to eliminate barriers to participation wherever possible.
HISTORY
The Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (HPYO) has been a consistent presence in the Greater Hamilton Region for decades. This student-based symphony orchestra is the flagship education program of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Founded by Glenn Mallory in 1965, the HPYO has given the joy of orchestral music to generations of young people and has delighted thousands of audience members. Graduates of the orchestra are involved in professional and community orchestras across Canada, in the United States and in Europe.
In addition to performing regular local concerts, the orchestra has performed as far afield as Banff, Moosonee, New York City’s Carnegie Hall, Huntsville, Alabama and Northampton, England. The HPYO continues Dr. Mallory’s legacy of extraordinary music education.