HPYO’s 2023-2024 Season
This year, the HPYO season will run in three terms. Although players are encouraged to commit to the entire season, they do have the option to register for one term at a time. Late registration is available each term until the third rehearsal, depending on instrument needs within the orchestra.
2023-2024 Season Schedule
Rehearsals run on Saturday mornings. The Concert Orchestra rehearses from 8:30 – 9:45 and the Philharmonic Orchestra rehearses from 10:00 – 12:30. There are no rehearsals on long weekends.
Term 1 runs from September 16 – November 18
Term 2 runs from December 16 – March 2
Term 3 runs from March 23 – June 1
There is a holiday side-by-side concert where the Philharmonic Orchestra is invited to play with the HPO at FirstOntario Concert Hall. Rehearsals for that concert run during the month of December. Any musicians registered in Term 1 or 2 may participate.
Tuition
Tuition for the Philharmonic Orchestra is $275 per term or $750 for the full season. Tuition for the Concert Orchestra is $175 per term or $450 for the entire season. Unfortunately, tuition cannot be pro-rated for latecomers.
If you are enrolling multiple musicians from the same household, we offer a $25 sibling discount. (The sibling discount applies to an entire season, and cannot be applied per term.)
In addition, players who participated in Tune Up! will receive a $25 reduction in their tuition for the 23-24 season.
Financial Aid
The HPO and HPYO strongly believe in creating as few barriers to accessing our programming as possible. As such we offer several ways to alleviate the potential financial impact of tuition.
- Tuition Instalments: Families are more than welcome to pay their tuition in instalments. We can accommodate per term payments or monthly instalments. Contact Megan Benjafield to arrange for a payment instalment plan that works best for you.
- Student Work Program: A limited number of youth musicians will be able to get subsidized tuition by applying for one of our student librarian jobs. Depending on the number of applicants, these may be interviewed positions. Applications will be available after auditions results are released.
- Bursary Fund: We have a limited amount of funds available for players who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to the ensemble. Bursary applications are made available with the registration package sent to those with a successful audition. Please be prepared to make some financial contribution to the tuition fees.
Registration FAQ
Who can join?
Any musician 24 years of age or younger may audition.
Where are Rehearsals?
All rehearsals and concerts take place on campus at McMaster University.
What is the difference between the Concert Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra?
Designed for musicians in the earlier stages of their music education, the Concert Orchestra provides a supportive environment for musicians to learn about the orchestra and develop their musical and ensemble skills. The Philharmonic Orchestra is designed for more experienced musicians performing at a high musical level, and who have had past orchestral or ensemble experience. Placement in either of the orchestras is at the discretion of the coaching faculty and will be determined once auditions are completed.
If you have further questions, please email HPYO General Manager Megan Benjafield at mbenjafield@hpo.org
HPYO Season Support provided by:
