CHICAGO, IL — The Hyde Park Youth Symphony (HPYS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Clowes as its new Executive Director. A seasoned arts administrator and cellist with a deep commitment to community-driven programming, Clowes succeeds Tim Corpus and will lead the organization into its next chapter of organizational growth, nurturing the musical and personal development of Chicago’s youth.

Clowes joins HPYS with a distinguished track record in the Chicago arts community. He is the founder of Crossing Borders Music, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting music by composers from underrepresented cultures. Under his leadership as Executive Director from 2015 to 2025, Crossing Borders Music gained national recognition for its impactful performances and educational initiatives, including championing music by Haitian and African-American composers, interactive in-school performances, and an annual Young Composers Project for teens.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tom Clowes to the Hyde Park Youth Symphony family,” said Radiah Smith-Donald, Co-President of the HPYS Board of Directors. “Tom’s blend of administrative expertise, musical talent, and passion for inclusive music education aligns perfectly with our mission. We are confident he will provide steady leadership, fresh insights, and a long-term vision that will strengthen our ties to the Hyde Park community and beyond.”

Clowes’ extensive background in education and the arts also includes development work for the Chinese Fine Arts Society and the Center of Peruvian Arts, and serving as a founding board member of two education equity non-profits: Refugee Women for Peace and Justice and Building Leaders Using Music Education – Haiti (BLUME Haiti). As a music teacher, he proudly served on faculty at the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute and the Chicago West Community Music Center.

Clowes’s appointment comes at a milestone moment for the organization as HPYS celebrates its 70th anniversary.