Christopher Ramaekers conducting the Hyde Park Youth Symphony

The Hyde Park Youth Symphony is a community-based organization dedicated to providing a high-quality arts experience to youth on the south side of Chicago and nurturing in them a love for music that will last a lifetime. The Symphony serves a broad range of young people and families, from a variety of public, private, and home school programs, and from a diversity of racial, ethnic, educational, and economic backgrounds.

Download the latest version of the HPYS Handbook (pdf).

News & Announcements

2013 HPYS Spring Benefit

Featuring the performances of the Intermediate Orchestra, Senior Orchestra chamber ensembles and

Resident Artists

April 20, 2013 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm Concert Reception to follow

Hyde Park Union Church 5600 S. Woodlawn Avenue

Member Family Tickets $50 General Ticket $20 per person

Please purchase tickets at http://hpys.eventbrite.com

Download our January Newsletter (pdf).

Opportunities for Involvement

Parents: We operate, succeed and prosper with your help. Please download the Opportunities for Involvement form (PDF) and choose which area(s) would best benefit from your enthusiasm and talent(s).

Handbook Agreement

You may now download the HPYS Handbook agreement form (pdf). Please return a copy, signed by you and your parents or guardians, to Joyce Norman at rehearsal.

Christopher Ramaekers, Music Director, director@hpys.org

Chris Ramaekers. Photo by John Lacko

2012-2013 is Chris Ramaekers’ 5th season with the HPYS. A conductor with wide-ranging interests and experiences, Chris is conductor of the Orchestra of St. Vincents’s in Chicago and is Music Director at the Community Christian Church in Lincolnshire, IL and the New Music Project, a contemporary music ensemble in Kalamazoo, MI. He was Director of Bands at the Gagie School, in Kalamazoo, MI and has appeared as guest conductor with a variety of ensembles and organizations.

Chris holds a Masters Degree in Orchestral Conducting from Northwestern University and a Bachelors Degree in Trumpet Performance from Western Michigan University.

Upcoming Events

Auditions

Watch for our 2013-14 Season auditions in September, 2013 and January, 2014.

Upcoming Season

Please view the 2012-2013 Season Schedule (pdf).

Next Concert Date to Remember:
Spring Concert, Sunday, May 19th, 2013, 3:00 PM, at Hyde Park Union Church

Special Performance/Workshop:
Hyde Park Union Church, Dates TBA

Mission