Spring 2021 Newsletter

The Ultimate Summer Music Camp Returns

Through the dedication and positive actions of faculty and sta , and the support of the community, Hawaii Youth Symphony has been able to keep its students involved in the art of music during unconventional times. This same spirit of commitment and creativity continues as HYS readies for the return of its Paciﬁc Music Institute (PMI)—a worldwide summer music camp connecting students with distinguished clinicians, celebrated musicians, and new friends.

HYS will be reinventing PMI for 2021, o ering small in-person classes held at the spacious Hawaii Convention Center, as well as online instruction through the new PMI+ platform, available to accommodate Hawaii, U.S. mainland, and international students. This hybrid approach to PMI has been thoughtfully developed with the health of students and faculty in mind, and it is thrilling to watch the summer programming unfold. Courses o ered this July will include Solo & String Quartet, Double Bass Workshop, Wind, Brass & Percussion Clinics, the Summer Jazz Intensive, and all-new Ukulele Workshop taught by HYS board member and ukulele virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro.

All students, including those opting for in-person instruction, will be invited to participate in the PMI+ masterclasses featuring celebrated faculty, insights into performance anxiety management, improvisation, and more. Students also have an opportunity to participate in online rehearsals for a newly commissioned work inspired by Hawaii. Following the cancellation of the 2020 session, this vibrant return of a 30-plus year tradition marks a musical triumph!

www.pacificmusichi.org

To learn more about PMI programming please visit www.pacificmusichi.org

President’s Message: Randy Wong

Expanding Digital Footprints

As we collectively move into a brighter spring, I’m delighted to welcome two distinguished artists into our Hawaii Youth Symphony Ohana—Noel Okimoto and Michael Lim. I also wish to reﬂect on the dedication of our faculty and sta who have been working tirelessly to help keep the music playing for our students. Mahalo for your vision, agility, and heart!

As we collectively move into a brighter spring, I’m delighted to welcome two distinguished artists into our Hawaii Youth Symphony Ohana—Noel Okimoto and Michael Lim. I also wish to reﬂect on the dedication of our faculty and sta who have been working tirelessly to help keep the music playing for our students. Mahalo for your

As we collectively move into a brighter spring, I’m delighted to welcome two distinguished artists into our Hawaii Youth Symphony Ohana—Noel Okimoto and Michael Lim. I also wish to reﬂect on the dedication of our faculty and sta who have been working tirelessly to help keep the music playing for our students. Mahalo for your vision, agility, and heart!

Changing times need not change core objectives. In an ongoing journey to create awareness for the importance of music education, Hawaii Youth Symphony has broadened its digital avenues to better reach audiences. These e orts have enhanced engagement with HYS students, families, and supporters—as well as with wonderful new friends of the organization.

HYS+ has served as a source of inspiration for our students these last few months, and reﬂects a graceful pivot and commitment from the HYS team to provide uninterrupted access to music education. Our online programming has also o ered exciting opportunities to bring in guest clinicians and performers from across the

HYS+ has served as a source of inspiration for our students these last few months, and reﬂects a graceful pivot and commitment from the HYS team to provide uninterrupted access to music education. Our online programming has also o ered exciting opportunities to bring in guest clinicians and performers from across the world of music.

HYS+ has served as a source of inspiration for our students these last few months, and reﬂects a graceful pivot and commitment from the HYS team to provide uninterrupted access to music education. Our online programming has also o ered exciting opportunities to bring in guest clinicians and performers from across the

One recent example is our Symphony+ connection with violinist Midori. Encouraging young musicians to be actively making music with each other, even from afar, Midori has been accepting applications from youth orchestras to join her in giving virtual performances as part of her Orchestra Residencies Program. We are grateful for Midori’s endeavors and the generosity of the music community.

One recent example is our Symphony+ connection with violinist Midori. Encouraging young musicians to be actively making music with each other, even from afar, Midori has been accepting applications from youth orchestras to join her in giving virtual performances as part of her Orchestra Residencies Program. We are grateful for Midori’s endeavors and the generosity of the

One recent example is our Symphony+ connection with violinist Midori. Encouraging young musicians to be actively making music with each other, even from afar, Midori has been accepting applications from youth orchestras to join her in giving virtual performances as part of her Orchestra Residencies Program. We are grateful for Midori’s endeavors and the generosity of the music community.

Through an increased social media presence and making newsletters available online in addition to direct-mail, HYS has stepped up interacting with stakeholders as well as o ering insights from the music community. The HYS website has also become a hub for performance content at a time when music is serving as a particularly healing and uniting force. HYS produced seven inspiring virtual concerts over the course of 2020, spotlighting the resiliency and creativity of students and faculty.

While there is nothing more joyful than playing live music together, these virtual classes have enhanced our organization and will continue to be a harmonizing component of future HYS programming, even as traditional instruction returns. Looking ahead, our Paciﬁc Music Institute summer music camp will take an exciting hybrid approach for 2021. With small in-person and online learning opportunities, PMI will be bringing the best of both worlds to young people throughout Hawaii and beyond.

While there is nothing more joyful than playing live music together, these virtual classes have enhanced our organization and will continue to be a harmonizing component of future HYS programming, even as traditional instruction returns. Looking ahead, our Paciﬁc Music Institute summer music camp will take an exciting hybrid approach for 2021. With small in-person and online learning opportunities, PMI will be bringing the best of both worlds to young people throughout Hawaii

While there is nothing more joyful than playing live music together, these virtual classes have enhanced our organization and will continue to be a harmonizing component of future HYS programming, even as traditional instruction returns. Looking ahead, our Paciﬁc Music Institute summer music camp will take an exciting hybrid approach for 2021. With small in-person and online learning opportunities, PMI will be bringing the best of both worlds to young people throughout Hawaii and beyond.

Students Keeping Students Safe

Bravo to the Kalani High School robotics team for making specialized “ﬂute shields” that ingeniously intertwine music making with safety measures!

Hawaii Youth Symphony recently purchased several of the shields, and we applaud the inventiveness and community spirit of these young designers.

Bravo to the Kalani High School robotics team for making specialized “ﬂute shields” that ingeniously intertwine music making with safety measures! Hawaii Youth Symphony recently purchased several of the shields, and we applaud the inventiveness and community spirit of these young designers.

With the continued generous support of the community, HYS has been able to keep young people from all walks of life involved in the art of music during these unconventional times. To meet the needs of serving our students through enriching programs, scholarships, neighbor island outreach, and more, HYS has boosted its email and social media appeals and calls to action. The online and televised Na Mele gala fundraiser in December virtually transformed outreach possibilities, reaching a new global audience for HYS, underscoring the advantages of changing with the times while staying true to a core mission.

Continuing Music for Youth by Youth

What makes music great? How—and what—do you listen for? There are many ways to listen, learn, and enjoy a performance of live music. Through Hawaii Youth Symphony’s free, educational Listen & Learn programs, children across the state are introduced to the magic of orchestral music and its instruments, in concerts performed for youth by youth. Endorsed by the Department of Education, teachers are provided with guides and student worksheets to help their classrooms prepare for enriching experiences. These concerts have been a part of HYS’ culture of community service for over 50 years and take their inspiration from Leonard Bernstein’s Young People’s Concerts with the New York Philharmonic.

Listen & Learn concert. She has been participating in these concerts every year since—including being featured in the 2020 virtual performance—and has been inspired to give back to the community.

Currently an 11th grader at Roosevelt High School, Kailyn shared that whether a Listen & Learn concert is viewed in-person or online, her hope for audiences is that they will take away a newfound appreciation for music from their experience, and perhaps decide to make their own music in the future. She also looks forward to the return of live performances, and to sharing in the energy that comes from the student listeners.

“I personally love the program, and it is fun to see the audience light up with excitement when we play for them. I want them to get a gist of how an instrument works while showing what impressive things can be done with it. I hope we continue this program for the young people out there, and help continue the music passion for generations in the future,” said Kailyn.

'Ōlelo Community Relations Manager Georgette Stevens has a passion for promoting learning opportunities for young people and a special connection to long-time HYS partner, Boys & Girls Club Hawaii. Serving on the board of BGCH and as an advocate for the Nanakuli Clubhouse and community, Ms. Stevens welcomes the efforts of HYS to both broadcast Listen & Learn through 'Ōlelo, as well as its support of Clubhouse string lessons to serve West Oahu keiki. “It is vital we continue to celebrate the arts and create accessibility to education for all our island communities. Keeping our keiki connected with these for youth, by youth performances offers a wonderful way to engage young minds in these challenging times,” said Ms. Stevens.

As inspiring as Listen & Learn opportunities are for the young people who get exposed to orchestral music through the program, they are just as powerful for the HYS student performers themselves. One such student, Kailyn Isobe, joined HYS in 2018-2019 where she played horn in Concert Orchestra and took part in her first

Kan playing the horn for 2020 Listen and Learn Virtual Performance.

She reflected on how HYS has accommodated its students during the pandemic through HYS+ online learning. Kailyn has appreciated being able to participate in the program over the last few months, and in keeping connected with music and friends. “HYS is a place where I can be myself,” added Kailyn. “HYS created a place where we could virtually learn about various music topics, and even learn from professional musicians that we might not have had a chance to work with before. HYS+ is inclusive to everyone, even students outside the state!”

Kan playing the horn for 2020 Listen and Learn Virtual Performance.

Mobilizing for Music!

Hawaii Youth Symphony has not only been focused on keeping the music playing, but in continually moving forward. The organization is committed to bringing joy through making music to enhance the community’s collective mental health and healing, and to be ready for new opportunities. These e orts require an ongoing ability to swiftly pivot around the challenges, reimagine when needed, and to inspire momentum.

Hawaii Youth Symphony has not only been focused on keeping the music playing, but in continually moving forward. The organization is committed to bringing joy through making music to enhance the community’s collective mental health and healing, and to be ready for new opportunities. These e orts require an ongoing ability to swiftly pivot around the challenges, reimagine when needed, and to inspire

throughout common areas, and providing instrument-speciﬁc PPE and practice guidelines.

Early on in response to the pandemic, HYS formed a COVID-19 task force charged with following science and staying abreast of evolving evidence-based literature to provide the safest and most nurturing learning environment possible. To lead these endeavors, HYS was fortunate to have both a dedicated

throughout common areas, and providing instrument-speciﬁc PPE and practice guidelines.

HYS Director of Operations Aris Doike has been working closely with senior leadership to develop and implement best practices, and to ensure that all HYS programs are produced in a safe and secure manner. He reﬂected on the challenges of navigating uncharted territory, as well as the high notes of being able to bring vibrant creative outlets to young people in need.

Early on in response to the pandemic, HYS formed a COVID-19 task force charged with following science and staying abreast of evolving evidence-based literature to provide the safest and most nurturing learning environment possible. To lead these endeavors, HYS was fortunate to have both a dedicated

board member and an esteemed medical professional in Dr. Geo rey Sewell.

board member and an esteemed medical professional

“We know that playing music together, even virtually, helps combat the loneliness caused by separtion and isolation,” said Dr. Sewell. “As the scientiﬁc literature evolved, HYS also moved quickly to secure socially-distanced venues with appropriate safety measures to allow for in-person sessions, further improving the health and well-being of our students and faculty.”

We know that playing music together, even virtually, helps combat the loneliness caused by separtion ,” said Dr. Sewell. “As the scientiﬁc literature evolved, HYS also moved quickly to secure socially-distanced venues with appropriate safety measures to allow for in-person sessions, further improving the health and well-being of our students and

HYS Director of Operations Aris Doike has been working closely with senior leadership to develop and implement best practices, and to ensure that all HYS programs are produced in a safe and secure manner. He reﬂected on the challenges of navigating uncharted territory, as well as the high notes of being able to bring vibrant creative outlets to young people in need.

online programs

Our students had to adapt to new and unfamiliar forms of eduction. Yet as our progressed, they presented new learning opportunities—

With support from board and community partners, HYS has developed comprehensive safety protocols to commence limited, in-person activities. Measures will include temperature checks, social distancing of 6-10 feet, increased sanitation and ventilation

Board of Directors

CHAIR: Patti Look | VICE CHAIR: Sharon R. Himeno

SECRETARY: Erica Mau | TREASURER: Mary Ellen Williams

DIRECTORS: Alan Arizumi, Collin Hoo, Martin Hsia, Richard K. Ing, Tina Lau, Malcolm Lau, Michael Onofrietti, Geoffery S. Sewell, MD., Jake Shimabukuro, Jean Tsukamato.

online platforms.”

“Our students had to adapt to new and unfamiliar forms of eduction. Yet as our progressed, they presented new learning opportunities— masterclasses with musicians from our very own Hawaii Symphony Orchestra,

Our students had to adapt to new and unfamiliar forms of eduction. Yet as our progressed, they presented new learning opportunities—

soloist, Midori, theory classes, conducting lessons, and much more,” said Aris. “Looking at the positive, our students gained sizeable access to some of the best teachers and performers across the globe through

safe return to small

From creating dynamic virtual programing, to developing protocols for a safe return to small in-person learning, HYS has overcome change and grown more resilient in advancing our vision of making music a right.

soloist, Midori, theory classes, conducting lessons, and much more,” said Aris. “Looking at the positive, our students gained sizeable access to some of the best teachers and performers across the globe through safe return to small online programs

a wealth of performances highlighted by international soloist, Midori, theory classes, conducting lessons, and much more,” said Aris. “Looking at the positive, our students gained sizeable access to some of the best teachers and performers across the globe through

International Soloist, Midori

President: Randy Wong

Director of Operations: Aris Doike

Assistant Operations Manager: Parker Nakamura

Director of Advancement: Rudy Rückmann

Director of Orchestral Activities: Joseph Stepec

The Women of HYS!

Hawaii Youth Symphony is honored to recognize the many talented women across the organization who are devoting their time toward the continued success of HYS and inspiring generations of future leaders:

HYS’ board leadership is comprised of all women! Coming together from distinguished backgrounds in a shared purpose of investing in our young people through music, these visionaries include Patti Look (chair), Sharon Himeno (vice chair), Erica Mau (secretary), and Mary Ellen Williams (treasurer).

Esteemed members of the HYS faculty Susan Ochi-Onishi (Conductor, Youth Symphony II and Symphony+) and Hannah Watanabe (Conductor, Concert Orchestra and Symphony+) have contributed countless hours towards the music education and personal growth of HYS students.

An invaluable partner to HYS in furthering the vision of making music a right, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii has a majority of women in leadership positions. Among them: Paddy Kauhane (President/CEO), Claudia “Lala” Fernandez (Director of Operations), Brianna Villerosa (Spalding Clubhouse Director), and Maureen Purington (Kailua Clubhouse Director).

Mahalo for their commitment to HYS students and the future of our community!

Music in Molokai

Hawaii Youth Symphony outreach programs are designed to complement existing musical communities on neighbor islands, as well as serve communities in need of music education across the state. In partnership with Kaunakakai Elementary School and its dedicated teacher and talented musician, Bob Underwood, HYS has been providing free lessons and workshops to Molokai youth for the past three years.

Prior to the pandemic, these weekend-long workshops were held in person. To serve these enthusiastic students regardless of travel being put on pause, HYS promptly transitioned to

online instruction, and continues to provide joyous learning experiences to The Friendly Isle!

Prior to the pandemic, these weekend-long workshops were held in person. To serve these enthusiastic students regardless of travel being put on pause, HYS promptly transitioned to

Hawaii Youth Symphony Association

1110 University Avenue, Suite 200

Honolulu, Hawaii 96826-1598

A Resounding Welcome!

HYS is honored to announce two celebrated conductors have joined the faculty:

MICHAEL LIM is a dedicated music teacher and professional violinist, selected by the Academy search committee to succeed Joan Doike. Michael will be working with HYS Beginning String Ensemble and String Orchestra Ensemble.

A graduate of Punahou School, Michael was involved in Punahou’s orchestra and string quartet program, and was an HYS student in the YSII and YSI orchestras during his middle school and high school years. Michael is a full-time member of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra violin section and is the current president of the Hawaii Music Educators Association.

A graduate of Punahou School, Michael was involved in Punahou’s orchestra and string quartet program, and was an HYS student in the YSII and YSI orchestras during his middle school and high school years. Michael is a full-time member of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra section and is the current president of the Hawaii Music Educators Association.

NOEL OKIMOTO has joined HYS Jazz. He will be working with HYS Jazz Director Dean Taba to coach Combos I & II.

Noel's primary instrument is the drum set, but he is also an accomplished orchestral percussionist, vibraphonist, composer, and clinician. He has played in Hawaii, the mainland, and internationally with the likes of The Woody Herman Orchestra, Take 6, Henry Mancini, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, and Dionne Warwick. Noel was a member of the Gabe Baltazar Group for five years, and is the percussion section leader of the historic Royal Hawaiian Band .

Noel's primary instrument is the drum set, but he is also an accomplished orchestral percussionist, vibraphonist, composer, and clinician. He has played in Hawaii, the mainland, and internationally with the likes of The Woody Herman Orchestra, Take 6, Henry Mancini, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, and Dionne Warwick. Noel was a member of the Gabe Baltazar Group for five years, and is the percussion section leader of the historic Royal Hawaiian Band

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