Youth Orchestra Waikato

GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE A SENSE OF BELONGING & ACHIEVEMENT, AND BUILDING PATHWAYS TO FUTURE MUSICAL SUCCESS

About Youth Orchestra Waikato

Youth Orchestra Waikato (YOW) draws upon young musicians from throughout the Waikato. The orchestra caters for young people in the 13-25 age range, although exceptions will be made in certain circumstances. The orchestra rehearses on Friday nights 6.30 - 9pm during the secondary school term at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, University of Waikato. The orchestra works on four programmes a year.

The YOW Conductors are Athena Shiu, with Associate Conductor Catherine Polglase. They are assisted by an expert team of tutors who are involved in rehearsals and sectional workshops. Catherine is also the YOW manager.

Youth orchestra musicians have the opportunity to take part in other Orchestras Central activities as appropriate, and attend other Orchestras Central events.

How to join YOW

We hold auditions at the end of each year for the following year. Auditions are welcomed throughout the year for certain instruments. We are currently welcoming auditions for the following instruments:

Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Violin
Viola
Double bass

For more information on auditioning, click on the button below.

Membership fees for 2026

New Members
Secondary or middle school student or full-time waged - $400 GST inclusive (includes cost of YOW T-Shirt)
Tertiary level student in full-time study - $200 GST inclusive (includes cost of YOW T-Shirt)

Returning Members
Secondary or middle school student or full-time waged - $330 GST inclusive
Tertiary level student in full-time study - $165 GST inclusive

In cases of financial hardship please email support@orchestras.org.nz.

2026 dates

YOW rehearses on Friday nights during term time at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, Unviersity of Waikato.

Friday 13 February | First rehearsal
Friday 6 March - Sunday 8 March | Weekender at Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts
Friday 27 March | Cambridge Autumn Festival concert
Sunday 21 June | Concert
Saturday 29 August | Central Jam (as part of Central Celebrates) with Te Rauhii, WCSM and YOW Academy
Friday 25 September | Schools tour (Matamata)
Saturday 26 September | Concert
Sunday 8 November | Opportunity to play in Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra concert
Saturday 5 December | Finale concert

Audition information

Athena Shiu

Conductor - Youth Orchestra Waikato
Guest Conductor - Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra

Born in Hong Kong, Athena Shiu is an emerging conductor, trombonist, and educator based in Tāmaki Makaurau. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Trombone Performance from the University of Auckland and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Audiology. She has performed with ensembles including Bach Musica, Opus Orchestra, the NZSO National Youth Orchestra, and Auckland Youth Orchestra.

Athena studied conducting with Jono Palmer and Michael Joel, and is currently part of the CSO Aspiring Conducting Programme under Benjamin Northey. She also recently served as Assistant Musical Director of the NZ Youth Symphonic Winds. Athena’s current engagement includes the Principal Conductor of the Auckland University Student Chamber Orchestra, Musical Director of Uniband Jazz Band, and Assistant Musical Director of Uniband.

As an educator passionate about community and collaboration, Athena has taught in various schools and organisations including Sistema Aotearoa, Tironui Music Trust, Sacred Heart College, and Howick School of Music.

Catherine Polglase

Manager - Youth Orchestra Waikato
Associate Conductor and String Tutor - Youth Orchestra Waikato
Conductor - Rusty Player Orchestra

Catherine is a freelance violinist, Suzuki violin teacher, and conductor. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and History and a Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) from the University of Auckland. Catherine performs on both modern and baroque violin with NZ Barok, Pipers Sinfonia, and Vox Barok. She is currently Associate Conductor of Youth Orchestra Waikato, Conductor of the Rusty Player Orchestra and serves as Head of Instrumental Music at St Peter’s School, Cambridge.

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Email: support@orchestras.org.nz
Phone: 07 949 9295

Player Portal:
members.orchestras.org.nz