Youth Orchestra Waikato Academy
Holiday programme
Earlybird registrations close 12 June 2026
Date and time:
6 - 7 July 2026
9am - 3pm
Venue:
Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts
University of Waikato
Conductor:
Danny Collins
Are you ready to take your orchestral playing to the next level? Following the success of our previous programmes we have two holiday programmes scheduled this year and we'd love you to join in the fun!
Join YOW Academy’s orchestral holiday programme 6 - 7 July 2026 with specialist music educator and conductor Danny Collins. This fun two-day holiday programme is for students Grade 3 – Grade 6 who play orchestral instruments. Students will enjoy music-making and thrive in a supportive and fun learning environment with tuākana leaders playing alongside their sections and leading fun music games and social time.
For the July sessions we will be playing a mix of traditional and modern pieces, with Slavonic Legend by Del Borgo, Baba Yetu by contemporary composer Christopher Tin and the famous Great Gate of Kiev by Mussorgsky. With a mix of challenging and easier pieces there is something for everyone. Links to the music are available now and will be sent once your registration is received.
What is YOW Academy?
YOW Academy is aimed at students Grade 3-6 wanting to be part of an orchestra and who may be aspiring to join Youth Orchestra Waikato (YOW). We have recognised a gap in what is being offered for students of these grade levels and find that some students are missing out of being a part of a regional group before leaving school. The plan for the two days is a combination of tutti rehearsals, sectionals, music games and social time concluding with an informal short concert for the local community, friends and family.
The July course is the second holiday programme for 2026. Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in the Big Jam with our own Youth Orchestra Waikato, WCSM and Te Rauhii as part of our Central Celebrates weekend in August.
How old do I need to be to participate?
The minimum age for participating in the YOW Academy is 10.
What will it cost?
The earlybird registration fee, available until 12 June 2026, is $150. After that date the registration fee will be $160.
What should I wear?
The dress code is informal, so casual clothes are fine.
Tell me about the Conductor, Danny Collins
Daniel Collins is an American-born music educator. He began his musical journey at age 11, learning to play the saxophone for his middle school band. Saxophone was his primary instrument through high school as well, where he earned many regional and state honours in both classical and jazz. Daniel attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro on a Teaching Fellows scholarship and graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He went on to teach for two years at Croatan High School in Cape Carteret, North Carolina where his marching band received multiple 1st place awards for music performance and musical effect. He then became the band director at Down East Middle School, a small school in Smyrna, North Carolina where his concert band earned Superior Ratings at festival, and he had many students receive regional and state honours. In 2019 Daniel received the Down East Middle School Teacher of the Year award from his peers, acknowledging his skilful teaching and dedication to his students. Daniel moved to New Zealand with his wife, Caitlyn, in 2023. He has since received a Master of Media Arts in Music degree from WINTEC with a focus on music composition and production.
Who else will be helping us?
You will be supported by YOW Academy tutors and YOW senior Tuākana leaders.
How do I register for YOW Academy?
It's easy! Click on the link below and fill in all your details to register for the YOW Academy.
