Hawai‘i Youth Symphony is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras: the national service organization representing orchestras of every size and scope across the country. Through our active participation in the League’s Youth Orchestra Division, HYS connects with nearly 200 peer youth orchestras nationwide, contributes to the national conversation on orchestral excellence, and brings what we learn back home to Hawai‘i for our keiki.
Leading at the National Level
HYS is a member of the League, and we are also a contributing voice. Our President & CEO Randy Wong serves as Vice Chair of the YOD Board and is Chair-Elect for FY28. COO Rachel Schultz chairs the YOD at 50 Committee, which is shaping the future of the Division as it marks a milestone anniversary. Both Randy and Rachel are alumni of the League’s Emerging Leaders Program, a competitive professional development fellowship for rising orchestra leaders nationwide.
Our reach extends to the next generation as well. PMI alumna Faith Youn serves on the League’s Student Leadership Council, a select body of advanced high school and college students helping to shape the future of orchestral music in America. We love seeing our young alumni involved with music and the arts in this capacity!
Recognized on a National Stage
On July 12, 2026, the League of American Orchestras will honor PMI co-founders Lance Jo and Henry Miyamura with its prestigious Betty Utter Community Impact Award. It’s one of the most meaningful recognitions the League bestows, and its only honor specific to youth orchestras and music education! Maestros Jo and Miyamura founded Pacific Music Institute in 1987, and this recognition is a testament to nearly four decades of transformative impact on music education in Hawai‘i and beyond.
Contributing to the Field
HYS actively contributes to the League’s national research, including the Orchestral Statistical Report, the Salary & Benefits Report, the Youth Orchestra Division Report, and the Education & Community Engagement Report. These surveys and publications help shape policy, funding conversations, and best practices for orchestras across the country. We’re honored that our data and perspective are part of that picture.
HYS students are also regularly featured in SYMPHONY Magazine, the League’s quarterly print publication, bringing the story of Hawaiʻi’s young musicians to a national audience. Mahalo to our students for representing our state and our organization and making us proud!
Sharing What We Know
HYS and PMI are frequently invited to participate in and lead League webinars, panel discussions, conference presentations, and plenary and keynote sessions to share our model of accessible, community-rooted music education with peers across the country. We attend the League’s semiannual national gatherings, including the Midwinter Managers Meeting for orchestra executive leaders and the National Conference open to administrators, board members, constituents, and supporters, ensuring that HYS remains connected to the evolving landscape of American orchestral life.
At HYS, we believe that Hawai‘i’s orchestras have something important to offer the national conversation. We’re grateful for this seat at the table to continue our work to Make Music A RIght.
Learn more about the League of American Orchestras and its service to youth orchestras nationwide.