HAWAIʻI YOUTH SYMPHONY HITS A HIGH NOTE ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND
This Presidents’ Day, Hawaiʻ i Youth Symphony continued its longstanding tradition of bringing f ree, high-quality orchestral music to communities across the islands. Our most advanced ensembles, Youth Symphony I and Jazz I, led by Joseph Stepec and Dean Taba respectively, traveled to Hawaiʻ i Island for an inspiring and unforgettable concert featuring Hilo’s own jazz pianist and vocalist, Maggie Herron
Taking the stage at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea, HYS performed a dynamic and memorable concert with something for everyone. Our students soared through medleys of Harry Potter (with guest conductor Richard Scerbo) and Henry Mancini (with nine Hawaiʻ i Island guest musicians, representing Hilo High, Keaʻau High, Waiākea High, and Hawaiʻ i Preparatory Academy); jazz favorites f rom Claire Fisher & Charles Mingus; pop hits by Sting, the Beatles, and Elvis; and Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Fifth Symphony
The next day, Youth Symphony I traveled south to Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻ i in Keaʻ au, and performed a “Listen & Learn” concert for the student body These concert tours reflect our deep commitment to equitable access: Not only do we offer these concerts for FREE to neighbor island communities, but we also subsidize trip costs, so that all of our musicians and volunteers can attend without financial burden. In recognition of these efforts, State Representative David Tarnas presented a certificate to on behalf of the Hawaiʻ i State House of
Representatives, which notes HYS’s incredible impact on Hawaiʻ i Island throughout the years
In addition to the aforementioned concerts, HYS also presented a brass quintet formed of teaching fellows f rom the National Orchestral Institute + Festival and Royal Hawaiian Band tubist/NOI+F alumnus Dan Honaker. This educational & community outreach was made possible through our Orchestral Learning Alliance (OLA) program. During their nine-day residency with HYS , the OLA teaching fellows visited Kapolei High School, Kapolei Middle School, Nānākuli Clubhouse, and ʻIolani School; Waiakea High School, Hilo Intermediate School, & Hilo Public Library; and Maui High School and Maui Adult Daycare Center, reaching nearly 1,000 people!
HAWAI‘I YOUTH SYMPHONY | SPRING 2026 NEWSLETTER
Board Chair Erica Mau-Schank, President Randy Wong, Rep. David Tarnas, and Kahilu Theatre executive director Misha Johnson
Y WONG
A ARON DAVID MAHI ’ 70 ENDOWED FINANCIAL AID FUND
RAND
REGISTRATION FOR OUR
THE ARRANGEMENTS: A COMPOSITION COLLABORATION
Last fall, HYS was presented with a big task one that we had never taken on before: perform and record the score for a local short film, The Arrangements. The project was a collaboration between HYS, Composer Michael-Thomas Foumai and ʻOHINA , a nonprofit committed to helping emerging filmmakers and storytellers bring their cinematic visions to the screen
Written and directed by Sonny Ganaden, The Arrangements follows Micronesian youth as they honor the passing of a f riend through shared rituals and resilience. Eight Youth Symphony I musicians representing Kailua High, Kalani High, ‘Iolani, Punahou, and home schools, were selected to perform the score composed by Michael-Thomas Foumai (HYS ʻ05) with the goal of adding even greater depth and emotion to this thoughtful film
“I’ve never been in a studio to play, or record with my instrument I hope this sets a precedent for future HYS students and future cinema collaborations,” said clarinetist Jeannie Kim ‘26.
The project provided hands-on experience in the art of composing and recording music for film. More than a performance opportunity, it was an
immersive educational experience in collaborative storytelling through sound.
“ When you hear The Arrangements’ soundtrack , you’re not just hearing the incredible musicians of the Hawaiʻ i Youth Symphony, you’re hearing the hear tbeat of a community coming together to share stories that have waited far too long to be told,” said ʻOHINA Executive Director Gerard Elmore
The film premiered with the original score at the 2025 Hawaiʻ i International Film Festival, receiving an honorable mention for Best Made in Hawaiʻ i Shor t . The soundtrack for The Arrangements can be streamed on most digital music platforms. Additionally, a limited 12” vinyl is available to purchase f rom independent label and retailer Aloha Got Soul
HYS students record the original sound track for The Arrangements, omposed by Michael-Thomas Foumai, at Hawaiʻ i Public Radio’s Atherton Studio
With the cultural relevancy, accessibility and the general public ’s love of the ʻukulele, HYS has expanded its ʻukulele offerings for students across all levels. New this year is an additional Music4Kids ʻukulele class for beginners and an advanced ʻukulele workshop offered as part of the Pacific Music Institute.
Serving keiki across Kailua, Kāneʻohe, Waimānalo and other nearby regions, the new Music4Kids class is taught by Maia Mayeshiro at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻ i Windward Clubhouse. It is geared toward students with little to no experience on the ʻukulele, who are not yet able to read music and tablature. All instruments, supplies and sheet music are included with registration.
“Having a creative musical outlet since the age of four helped me to build self-worth, navigate challenges, and develop the confidence to stand in my identity To be able to foster this experience for the future of Hawaii’s keiki is my kuleana,” said Maia. “Music education undoubtedly contributes to improved mental health, as well as higher academic performance. When we give keiki the confidence to find their voice, we are not only shaping artists - we are shaping leaders and positive members of the community.”
In line with Pacific Music Institute’s mission to provide highlevel instruction right here at home, HYS’s new advanced ʻukulele workshop will be taught by Abe Lagrimas Jr. ‘01. Students will have the opportunity to refine skills such as strumming, fingerpicking and transitioning. Registration will begin in April, while the workshop itself will be held in July
Music4Kids students with Abe Lagrimas, Jr. '01
Music4Kids class performing Ode to Joy at Beethoven Festival
A Q& A WITH GUEST ARTIST MAGGIE HERRON
What are your takeaways now having worked with HYS students and facul ty ?
Through HYS , students have access to both classical and jazz training. How does this benefit their learning ?
Why do you support music education?
What advice do you have for HYS students as they continue on their paths?
