The Hamilton Phil Youth Orchestra 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, players are provided with robust enrichment activities as well as additional small performance opportunities as they arise throughout the season. Finally, players in the HPYO also receive sectional coaching and technical assistance with professional players from the Hamilton Phil.
In addition to full orchestra rehearsals, players in the Hamilton Phil Youth Orchestra get sectional coaching twice per term with professional players from the Hamilton Phil.
Dr. Armand Hall
Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor
Megan Benjafield
Concert Orchestra Conductor
HPYO Coaches
VISION AND VALUES
High Quality Training: The Hamilton Phil Youth Orchestra 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 Hamilton Phil Youth Orchestra 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 Hamilton Phil Youth Orchestra. We strive to eliminate barriers to participation wherever possible.
HISTORY
The Hamilton Phil Youth Orchestra 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 Phil Orchestra.
Founded by Glenn Mallory in 1965, the Hamilton Phil Youth Orchestra 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.