Hamilton Youth Steel Orchestra

The Hamilton Youth Steel Orchestra (HYSO) was founded in May 2004 by Karen Nelson and Cathy Ferreira, who continue to co-manage the grass-roots program on a volunteer basis in Hamilton, Ontario. Its mission is to use music to influence the social development of children and youth, and it welcomes participants aged 5 to 25 through instructor-led group instruction. HYSO won the People's Choice Award in 2009 and placed fifth in 2011 at the Ontario Steelpan Association's Pan Alive competition.