HYS Jazz 2026-2027
| Jazz Program | Minimum Age/Grade Requirement | Instruments | Schedule (subject to change) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jazz II (Beginning/Intermediate) | 12 years old & 8th grade | Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Drum Set, Keyboard, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone; other instruments with approval of the Jazz Director | In-Person Saturdays 12:30-2:00 pm Students expected to arrive by 12:10 pm to set up | Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii 1704 Waiola St. |
| Jazz I (Advanced) | 12 years old & 8th grade | Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Drum Set, Keyboard, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone; other instruments with approval of the Jazz Director | In-Person Saturdays 2:30-4:00 pm Students expected to arrive by 2:10 pm to set-up | Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii 1704 Waiola St. |
Find Your Groove with HYS Jazz
Join other serious music students and elevate your ability to play a variety of popular, commercial, and jazz styles.
Interested in joining HYS Jazz?
Steps to Joining the 2026-2027 Jazz Program:
| Step 1 | You will need to submit an audition video by July 31, 2026. Click the button below for the music and how to submit your video. |
|---|---|
| Step 2 | Mr. Taba will review the videos after the July 31, 2026, deadline and decide student placement. |
| Step 3 | You will receive an email with your placement and instructions on how to register for the program by Friday, August 7, 2026. |
| Step 4 | Register for the program! Registration Deadlines August 15, 2026 - Financial Aid Registration Deadline August 22, 2026 - Regular Registration Deadline |
Join the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi (BGCH) – All students must become BCGH members as our rehearsals happen in BGCH facilities. We will send you BGCH membership information after you fully register for the program. There will be a code for you to use so you DO NOT need to pay the BGCH membership fee as HYS covers this for our families. All BGCH memberships expire on August 1 so if you were in the Jazz Program last year, you will need to RENEW your membership after August 1.
Registration
Students must submit an audition video to participate in the Jazz Program.
Information for how to submit your audition video can be found if you CLICK HERE.
You will be placed into either Jazz I or Jazz II depending on your performance in the placement video. Please make sure BEFORE you register, that you are available for the times of both classes on Saturday.
Tuition
Jazz II – $1425.00 for the whole season
Jazz I – $1240.00 for the whole season
Need-Based Financial Aid is available, and we encourage all families to apply when they register! See information under “Financial Aid.”
Financial Aid
As part of our mission to make music a right, HYS financial aid program offers a variety of options that aim to make music affordable and available to all students. We are happy to announce that we will be offering the following financial aid opportunities this year:
- Tuition Assistance (up to 50% off tuition)
- Aid for Private Lessons
- Instrument Loans (limited availability – we may not have all instruments in our inventory)
The Financial Aid application is within each program’s registration form. Please email financialaid@hiyouthsymphony.org if you have any questions.
Neighbor Island Students
Neighbor Island Travel Assistance Available
Students from all islands are encouraged to participate in HYS. In addition to Financial Aid and Scholarships, HYS has funds to assist with neighbor island students with travel expenses (airfare and ground transportation) for rehearsals and concerts. Please contact us at (808) 941-9706 for more information if you are interested in participating. All city and state emergency orders (including travel quarantines) must be followed when participating in HYS activities.
Health and Safety Requirements and Expectations
*COVID-19 policies are subject to change and will be based on policies determined by HYS and the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii.
Jazz Faculty
Dean Taba
Jazz Program & PMI Jazz Intensive Director
Noel Okimoto
Jazz Program Instructor
