New philharmonic initiative fosters musical excellence among Big Island youth

The Big Island’s youth music scene is reaching a new crescendo with the creation of a community orchestra for high school students.

The Hummingbirds Youth Philharmonic, an initiative of the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum in Hilo, is aimed at fostering musical excellence among the island’s youth as part of the museum’s commitment to comprehensive science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics education.

The philharmonic is under the direction of maestro Conner Yoshimoto.

It brings together talented high school band and orchestra students from around the island, giving them platform to hone their instrumental skills.

The orchestra is designed to not only cultivate their musical abilities but also enhance their teamwork and leadership skills through collective performances.

“We are thrilled to offer the Hummingbirds Youth Philharmonic as a new avenue for our Hawaiʻi Island kids to express and explore their passion for music,” said Christian Wong, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum. “This orchestra is more than just a musical ensemble, it’s a community that brings together young musicians to learn, perform and grow.”

The Hummingbirds Youth Philharmonic is the latest addition to the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum’s diverse range of educational programs that include science days at local schools; tutoring services; professional development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for teachers; a traditional Hawaiian canoe carving program; and engineering workshops at the museum’s community robotics centers in Hilo and Nāʻālehu.

Registration for the Hummingbirds Youth Philharmonic is still open for this season. High school students with experience in band or orchestra are encouraged to apply.

Interested parties can find more information and registration instructions on the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum’s Instagram page or by emailing to [email protected].

The Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum, founded in 2015, is located at 64 Keawe St. A dedicated children’s science museum, it serves more than 20,000 students annually.

The museum’s mission is to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and artists, paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future.