HAW AIʻI YOU TH SY M
PHONY | WINTER 20 25 NEWSLETT E R
HE MAKANA O NĀ MELE KICKS OFF 60TH ANNIVERSARY “When I reflect on what music education did for me, I’m transported back to Sunday afternoons with Maestro Henry Miyamura, whose lessons transcended music and empowered me well beyond my time in HYS, from discipline to commitment, from confidence to excellence,” said Erica Mau-Schank, HYS board chair and alumna (‘07, viola) during her opening remarks. “This 60th anniversary isn’t just a milestone—it’s a bridge between our proud legacy and our bold future. Every note played, every lesson taught, every concert performed has built the foundation for what’s to come.” Mahalo to all who joined us during November’s He Makana O Nā Mele: The Gift of Music fundraiser! Held at the Halekulani, the event featured a cocktail hour on the lawn with a performance by Youth Symphony I. Guests then enjoyed performances by students in the HYS Jazz and Academy programs, and Youth Symphony I alongside special guest artists Keola and Moanalani Beamer. “Nā Mele is truly a wonderful experience as you get to see a small part of what makes HYS truly remarkable,” said YSI oboist and Kalani High School senior Ayaka Yoshii. “It was a privilege to join such a high-level orchestra. I’ve not only improved my skills on the oboe, but I have learned to listen, blend, collaborate, and play as a team in this orchestra. I think these skills will apply to many things other
than music performance and these life lessons will stay with me throughout my life.” Nā Mele, our largest fundraiser of the year, helps us to raise the money needed to maintain and expand our programs, while ensuring all keiki across Hawaiʻi—regardless of age, socioeconomic status and location—have the opportunity to participate. “From entering the Academy String Programs as a shy eight year old to spending my last four years in YSI under Maestro Stepec, this community I’ve basically grown up in has continuously supported and instilled in me values of growth, discipline and teamwork to push me to become the best musician and individual I can be,” said YSI violinist and ʻIolani School senior Kaitlyn Sim. “So, I’d like to thank every single person that has continuously supported HYS and its vision throughout the past 60 years.”