Summer is just around the corner, and this year’s Pacific Music Institute promises to be our most exciting intensive yet! As we prepare to welcome talented young musicians to our 2025 program, we’re thrilled to share some incredible new initiatives and opportunities that await at PMI this summer.
New Venue: 'Iolani School
We’re excited to announce that PMI 2025 will take place at ‘Iolani School, providing our students with exceptional facilities for rehearsals, workshops, and performances. Mahalo to the team at ‘Iolani for hosting us!
“We are thrilled to partner with ʻIolani School in this next phase of the Pacific Music Institute’s development,” says HYS President & CEO Randy Wong, himself an ʻIolani alumnus. “PMI’s move to ‘Iolani School aligns two powerful visions: Hawai‘i Youth Symphony’s vision of a Hawaiʻi where music is a right, and ‘Iolani’s commitment to an inclusive, arts-rich education. Together, our organizations can create an inspiring, culturally diverse environment where young musicians of any background can thrive, collaborate, and shape the future of music in Hawai‘i and beyond.”
Breaking Down Financial Barriers to College
We believe that every young musician deserves access to higher education opportunities. That’s why we’re proud to announce our new workshop series, B# = C Success, generously supported by Hawai’i Community Foundation.
These FREE workshops provide music-focused (but not exclusive!) sessions that help prepare keiki for life beyond high school:
- For PMI 2025 Students: A dedicated PMI Seminar offering valuable insights about future life and career paths in the arts and beyond.
- For All Parents and Guardians: A comprehensive 60-minute session covering the FAFSA application process, scholarship opportunities, and more essential financial aid information. *You don’t need to be a PMI parent to benefit from this workshop! We encourage all interested families to register on our website for more details about these valuable sessions.
Two Symphonies, One Stage
History will be made this summer at PMI 2025! For the first time ever, we’re proud to present a special side-by-side performance featuring our talented students performing alongside professional musicians from the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra.
While Hawai’i Youth Symphony students have experienced side-by-side performances during the academic year, this summer marks an inspiring debut bringing local professionals and students from all over the world together on the PMI stage.
Even more exciting? This spectacular performance will take place at the iconic Waikiki Shell, marking PMI’s premiere at this beloved outdoor venue!
Diverse Ensembles: 3 Strings Program Pathways
Great news for string players! PMI 2025 offers Strings Program participants 3 large-ensemble options.
Symphony Orchestra
Through students’ placement videos, string players will be selected for Symphony Orchestra based on ability and instrument section size.
This is an advanced ensemble catering to students demonstrating exceptional ability. It is led by PMI Artistic Director, Joseph Stepec, and instructed by our exceptional OLA faculty from the National Orchestral Institute + Festival. This ensemble includes students from our Winds, Brass, and Percussion Program.
String Orchestra & Freestyle String Ensemble
Students not placed in Symphony Orchestra will be placed in either String Orchestra or Freestyle String Ensemble, based on placement video and student preference (preference does not guarantee placement).
String Orchestra offers a supportive environment for enthusiastic students to refine their skills in a string-only ensemble.
Freestyle String Ensemble is returning in 2025 and offers string players the opportunity to:
- Develop critical listening skills
- Understand and work with lead sheets
- Explore the creativity of improvisation
- And much more!
Register for PMI 2025
Did we mention…registration is now open! We can’t wait to see both returning and new faces this summer to enjoy the amazing programs and faculty we’ve always had, plus these exciting, new opportunities. What are you waiting for? Sign up today!