About us

Mission
To inspire and challenge advanced young musicians in a dynamic orchestra focused on creating a musical experience of the highest artistic level.

History and Philosophy
The High Plains Youth Symphony (HPYS) was created as a training orchestra for technically advanced and musically mature young orchestral musicians. Students spend considerable time outside of rehearsals practicing, and are expected to be thoroughly prepared for the fast paced rehearsals. With the focus on creating an atmosphere which is similar to that found in professional and advanced university orchestras, students learn to sharpen sight reading and rehearsal skills, deepen their intellectual and musical understanding of the music that is performed, and develop a complete understanding of ensemble playing. Technical development of instrumental playing is also advanced, always stressing rich musical expression. HPYS performs the core repertoire of challenging classical orchestral literature, including concerti as well as operatic repertoire.

The High Plains Youth Sinfonietta is a string ensemble which was founded in spring 2007. This strings-only group was formed to support and nurture aspiring young string players. String technique, ensemble playing, and musicality will be deeply explored as players prepare for entry into the Symphony. Conductor Emily Bowman leads the Sinfonietta.

HPYS and the Community
HPYS leadership endorses and supports music education in public schools. All students in the HPYS Symphony and Sinfonietta are expected to actively participate in their school music programs and individual lessons. School music programs provide invaluable opportunities for students to participate in a multitude of musical experiences, such as All-State Orchestra, CU Honor Band, Colorado Music Educators Conference, outreach performances, and school sponsored theater productions. Public music programs also teach students important lessons about leadership and camaraderie, and instill in them the understanding of and respect for diversity. HPYS does not replace or function as a substitute for these experiences. Public music education, individual lessons from expert teachers and HPYS, in combination, provide young aspiring musicians with the comprehensive musical training that will help then discover, reach and realize their highest potential.

HPYS Personnel
Emily Anne Bowman is an active performing musician and teacher. Ms. Bowman is currently the Music Director for the Longmont Junior Youth Symphony and was a conductor with the Boulder Youth Symphony for the past five years. Ms. Bowman is a faculty member of Boulder Suzuki Strings, teaching violin, viola and fiddle. Ms. Bowman currently performs as violist with the Free Range Quartet, the Baroque Orchestra of Colorado, the Eldorado String Quartet and fiddler with the group Bogblossom. Ms. Bowman received her formal classical training from the New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida and the University of Colorado College of Music, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Viola Performance in 1997. She was awarded the Gabor Ormai Award for performance upon graduation.

HPYS also collaborates closely with distinguished music faculty at the CU College of Music, as well as with top area teachers and educators. A mentoring program has been developed that enables HPYS to rehearse and perform with outstanding CU music students from both the instrumental and vocal departments. HPYS offers the ultimate in-depth musical training environment for young orchestral musicians who seek a musical community that nurtures, supports and challenges their individual musical aspirations.

HPYS Support
The High Plains Youth Symphony and Sinfonietta, a registered 501(c)3 non profit organization, would not exist without the generous support of individuals and organizations. We welcome and greatly appreciate those individuals and organizations who may wish to contribute and become sponsors.

We are proud to acknowledge those who are helping with the 2008-2009 season!
Amy Andersson Bob Baker and Baker's Piano Center The Boulder Philharmonic Boulder Suzuki Strings Emily Bowman Obdulia Castro The Colorado Music Festival Colterra Restaurant CU College of Music Cynthia Wynkoop Crothers and Choice Ticketing Systems Dan Dane Eagle Gayle Hamlin Foundation The Fromholzer Family Yoshi and Brenda Ishikawa The Kranzdorf Family Joan Norman Jane Miliff The Mountain View Church The Smith Family Jack Walker
A big Thank You to our 2007-2008 donors!
Amy Andersson Cardinal Peak Charlotte M. Corbridge Dennis and Linda Fromholzer Stanley and Elissa Guralnick Timothy and Kimberly Hughes Tomiko Ishikawa Trust Glenn Korff Robert P and Patricia A Lisensky Steve and Jennifer Loper Marie Miksitz, Miksitz Trust Jane Milliff Joan Norman Mike and Christine Perkins Nancy Sheffield Brian and Ann-Marie Tewey

The HPYS Database

This online database contains contact information for all the current members of HPYS. To login, you need a username and password available only to HPYS members. If you forgot your login information, please contact Brian Jack.