Strings Program
Overview
The comprehensive Strings Program offers all participating students the chance to perform in both a string quartet and large ensemble. Daily rehearsals, sectionals, and coaching sessions make for an intensive and immersive experience that will provide students with plenty of opportunities to hone their technique and musicianship.
All Strings Program students will participate in Solo & String Quartet. Led by program director and Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Ignace “Iggy” Jang, the students are encouraged to thrive under the guidance of an outstanding and inspiring faculty.
In addition to quartet coaching, SSQ includes a private lesson with a Strings Program faculty member and a performance at the end of the week.
Strings Program Large Ensembles
Strings Program students will also join one of three large ensembles based on their placement video. Students may also opt to be directly placed in the Freestyle String Ensemble.
The Symphony Orchestra is an advanced ensemble catering to students demonstrating exceptional ability. Led by PMI Artistic Director Joseph Stepec and instructed by our exceptional OLA faculty from the National Orchestral Institute + Festival, the Symphony Orchestra is composed of advanced students from both the Strings Program and Winds, Brass, and Percussion Program.
The String Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Kam, is a supportive environment for enthusiastic students to refine their skills in a strings-only ensemble.
The Freestyle String Ensemble is a multi-style creative orchestra led by Duane Padilla. In this ensemble, students will use a combination of critical listening skills, understanding of lead sheets, and creativity to create their own original arrangements of music in a wide variety of genres ranging from American bluegrass, Hawaiian, Jazz, Rock, Funk, K-pop, and everything in between.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass
Students entering 6th grade up until 1st year college. 19 and under.
Ideal candidates have at least 4 years of experience on their instrument and can successfully perform the placement video excerpts.
Directors
2026 Faculty
Violin: Kathy Hafner, Iggy Jang, Andrew Kam, Clara Kim, Michael Lim, Helen Liu, Sorah Myung
Viola: Zoë Martin-Doike, Sorah Myung, Alexander Peña
Cello: Aris Doike, Parry Karp, Vicky Wang
Bass: Sayuri Yamamoto
July 3-12, 2026
Details subject to change for 2027. Please sign up for emails to be notified when 2027 enrollment is available.
Strings Program
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Private lessons for individualized instruction and growth
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Full orchestra rehearsals to build ensemble skills and musicianship
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Small ensemble experience to develop leadership, listening, and confidence
PMI 2026 Placement Video Excerpts
Details subject to change for 2027.
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After registering, you will receive a placement video submission link. The purpose of the placement video is to help us determine which ensemble is the best fit for you. When recording, please make sure your face and instrument are clearly visible. High quality audio/video is not necessary. While this is NOT an audition, students may not be accepted if they don’t meet the general performance expectations.
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Questions?
Questions about SSQ? Contact Iggy Jang at ignace@hiyouthsymphony.org
Questions about Symphony Orchestra? Contact Joseph Stepec at joseph.stepec@hiyouthsymphony.org
Questions about Freestyle String Ensemble? Contact Duane Padilla at duane.padilla@pacificmusichi.org
