BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Patti Look Vice Chair Sharon R. Himeno Secretary Erica Mau-Schank Treasurer Richard Ing (Interim) Directors
Lorrin Hirano Collin Hoo Martin Hsia David Imanaka Richard K. Ing Malcolm Lau Michael Onofrietti
Aaron J. Salā Geoffrey S. Sewell, M.D. Jake Shimabukuro Jean Tsukamoto Mary Ellen Williams Lauren Yoo
MAKING
MUSIC IS
A R I G H T, N
OT A PRIVILE
GE.
Hawaii Youth Symphony Association 1350 South King Street, Suite 201 Honolulu, HI 96814
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 1177
STAFF SPOTLIGHTS HAW AII Y OUT H SY MPH ONY | SPRING 2023 NEWSLETT E R
None of the work we do as an organization would be possible without passionate people to support our vital behindthe-scenes operations. We’ve recently had some exciting updated and also expanded our HYS ‘Ohana. We’re pleased to introduce our library team and the newest members of our office team.
Library Team
MANY NOTES MAKE BEAUTIFUL MELODIES
PRESIDENT, RANDY WONG ADMINISTRATION Operations Manager Carissa Miyamoto Programs Manager Hannah Watanabe Development Coordinator Cyrinthia Richards Receptionist Brent Ramos
SYMPHONY PROGRAM Wayne Fanning, Conductor (CO) Elton Masaki, Conductor (YSII) Susan Ochi-Onishi, Conductor (YSII) Joseph Stepec, Director & Conductor (YSI) Hannah Watanabe, Conductor (CO)
Dean Taba
Manny Hobro
Brandy Shinoda
Music Librarian
Music Librarian
Assistant Music Librarian
Office Team
NĀ MELE-THON On March 26, we partnered with Consolidated Theatres to host a Nā Mele marathon for our family, friends and supporters. Attendees gathered at the Consolidated Theatres Ward location to watch the inspiring evolution of our 2020, 2021 and 2022 Nā Mele television specials on Honolulu’s biggest movie screen with state-of-the-art sound. The setting perfectly celebrated the magnitude of the performances across the series—from guest artists, friends in Japan, and our HYS symphony programs, jazz ensembles, Music in the Clubhouse and more.
ACADEMY STRING PROGRAM Michael Lim, Conductor (BSE & SOE) Brent Ramos, Coordinator Chad Uyehara, Director & Conductor (ISE & CSO)
JAZZ PROGRAM Ryan Howe, Conductor Noel Okimoto, Conductor Dean Taba, Director
Carissa Miyamoto
Cyrinthia Richards
Brent Ramos
Operations Manager
Development Coordinator
Office Receptionist & Academy Coordinator
PACIFIC MUSIC INSTITUTE Kassi Hatakenaka, Admissions Coordinator Ignace Jang, Solo & String Quartet Jeremy Lawi, General Manager Joseph Stepec, Artistic Director Dean Taba, Jazz
Pacific Music Institute
We enjoyed an afternoon of music, fellowship and camaraderie as we collectively recognized the phenomenal work of our students, faculty, and staff. Beyond our Nā Mele guests, general theatregoers were also enticed by the festivities. Many stopped in after their movies to hear more about what HYS is doing, with the event inspiring new donors and merchandise sales.
Follow us on social media @hiyouthsymphony @pacificmusichi
& Music4Kids
Yuseon Nam, Nanakuli Violin Class Laurie Shimabukuro, Super Strings
Kassi Hatakenaka PMI Admissions Coordinator
“HYS does a great job of bringing young musicians from different schools together.”
Through HYS’s expansion over time, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music. For many students, music has opened the doors to new opportunities and helped pave the way to a successful future. As we reflect on this past season and prepare for the next, we recognize the importance of serving students of all backgrounds and will continue growing our programs to promote diversity and accessibility for all.
“I was very excited to be back in-person because I missed the community of HYS,” said Erika Kwee, Punahou School senior and Youth Symphony I concertmaster. “HYS does a great job of bringing young musicians from different schools together. It was great to finally rehearse with other students because there is something special about creating music with other people.”
Visit us online at hiyouthsymphony.org
Chris Cabrera, Palolo Percussion Ensemble
growth of all musicians—beginning to advanced— teaching them valuable life skills including time management, teamwork and determination.
– ERIKA KWEE
Mahalo to Consolidated Theatres for helping us put on a spectacular event!
MUSIC IN THE CLUBHOUSE & COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
In line with its vision to make music a right, Hawaii Youth Symphony has made accessibility a top priority to ensure students from all schools and walks of life have the chance to receive a high-quality music education. This year, HYS has participants from 90+ public, private, home and online schools across the state, reflecting the broad community we serve. Similar to the way many notes come together to create a beautiful melody, every student brings a unique story along with their individual talents to form exceptional ensembles that make incredible music.
Have an idea for a story, or other comments? Email us at communityfeedback@hiyouthsymphony.org
While some students join HYS in elementary school, others join in their junior or senior year of high school. HYS meets participants where they are to help them reach their full potential in music and in life. Our wide spectrum of programs supports the
“One lesson I’ve learned from HYS is perseverance,” said Iris Sim, Punahou School senior and Youth Symphony I flutist. “The music we play is always really challenging, but we are always able to get through it as individuals and as a team.”
“Coming back to HYS has allowed me to make more friends and take advantage of opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” said Juan Fangon, Kailua High School senior and Youth Symphony I trumpeter. “Music is kind of a gift for me. Before starting on a musical instrument, I didn’t really think much about what I wanted to do after high school. Now, after I graduate, I am planning to major in music education and I want to become a band teacher.”