HYS 60th Anniversary Gala: He Makana O Nā Mele: The Gift of Music
HALEKULANI
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Featuring Keola and Moana Beamer Presented
Welcome
Welcome to He Makana O Nā Mele: The Gift of Music, our 60th anniversary gala!
On behalf of the Hawaii Youth Symphony Board, faculty and staff, and all our students, mahalo for being a champion of music education for Hawai‘i’s youth.
Music is our guiding star—it inspires us to dream courageously, believe in the impossible, and navigate life’s challenges with grace. Tonight, we celebrate the dreams of our youth, who are empowered to reach new heights of artistic and personal excellence, giving back to the community through their passion for music.
Over the past six decades, HYS has been a treasured resource, home, and friend to aspiring musicians across the state. Every student brings their own story, their own aspirations, their own passions for music. We are proud of their diversity, and are working toward the day in which we have built a Hawai‘i where music is a right for all.
Your support tonight, and throughout our season, fuels our journey towards achieving these goals.
Aloha,
Erica Mau-Schank
Randy Wong Board Chair President & CEO
HYS Class of 2007
HYS Class of 1999
Event Schedule
4:30 pm He Makana O Nā Mele: The Gift of Music begins! Guest Registration, Silent Auction Opens & Cocktail Hour
5:00-5:30 pm Sunset Performance by Youth Symphony I Royalty Overture by Angel Peña
Kui Lee Medley by Kuiokalani Lee, arranged by Rodney Wong
Cuban Overture by George Gershwin
Satchmo! by Louis Armstrong, arranged by Ted Ricketts
5:30 pm Ballroom Doors Open
6:00 pm Invocation & Dinner
7:30 pm Silent Auction Closes
7:45 pm Concert with CSO, YSI Chamber Strings, Jazz I and very special guests Keola & Moana Beamer
8:30 pm Closing of Program, Auction Check-Out, Mahalo!
Silent Auction
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to our community partners, whose generous support and special talents are invaluable to Hawaii Youth Symphony.
Abraham “Abe” Lagrimas, Jr., Music4Kids Honolulu Instructor
Veronica Cox, Music4Kids Nanakuli Instructor
Daniel Shaver, Nānākuli Strings Instructor
Pacific Music Institute
Jeremy Lawi, General Manager
Joseph Stepec, Artistic Director
Ignace Jang, Solo & String Quartet Program Director
Richard Scerbo, Orchestral Learning Alliance
Dean Taba, Jazz Intensive Director
Nā Mele Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR
ALTRES, Inc.
GOLD BATON
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra
Lauren Yoo
Vibe Creative Marketing
VISIONARIES
Action Realty Corp.
Alika & Tanya Mau
Dr. Thomas & Mi Kosasa
First Hawaiian Bank
MAESTROS
Ginny Tiu
Gov. Ben & Vicky Cayetano
Island Insurance
Kent & Jean Tsukamoto
Avalon Corporation
Foundation for an Engaged Pacific
Collin Hoo / David Imanaka, Esq.
Halekulani Corporation
Kobayashi-Fink ʻOhana
Lorrin Hirano
Pacific Property Group
RMA Architects Inc.
Randy & Helen Wong / Mike & Terrina Wong
Steve & Georgia Wong
The Resort Group
Principal Supporters
KMH LLP, Masaki School of Music
Overture Supporters
Anonymous
Becker Communications, Inc.
Roselle Chin
Hyunjong Koo
Vibe Creative Marketing
Listing as of October 29, 2024
Violin
Concert String Orchestra
Cleopatra Bell-Grey
Ethan Chan
Mariko Colaianni
Ava Colon
Trevor Dinh
Gina Esaki
Katelyn Ewing
Sari Fujimoto
Kai Hsin Hamano
James Joyner, III
Sophia Kimura
Annaka Lau
Gabriel Li
Eliana Lin
Ava Morgan
Lilian Polley
Gregory Schopf
Noah Swan
Samuel Tarn
Isaiah Wane
Runxin Wang
Aya Wismeth
Jana Wu
Viola
Kyle Wills-Liang
Cello
Bella Arnone
Brian Baik
Jacob Kim
Mia Lu
Emi Mochinaga
Nathan Olsen
Eliza Sheets
Donald Spire
Lincoln Sueoka
About Academy Strings & Concert String Orchestra
The HYS Academy Strings is composed of four string ensembles with entry points for students of beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. In proud partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i, the Academy offers children ages 8 and older the opportunity to play violin, viola, cello, or string bass in group settings that emphasize the fundamental skills necessary for musical success. This season, we have 126 Academy students representing more than 59 public, independent, and homeschools from ‘Oahu, Kaua’i, and Lana’i. Concert String Orchestra is the most advanced orchestra in the Academy String Program. Students auditioned into the ensemble back in August and in this ensemble they learn more advanced techniques with a focus on ensemble skills and following a conductor.
Michael Lim is a dedicated music teacher and professional violinist. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i, he began his musical career at the age of four with the piano, and started his violin studies at the age of seven. A graduate of Punahou School, Michael was involved in Punahou’s orchestra and string quartet program, and was a member of Hawai’i Youth Symphony’s YSII and YSI orchestras during his middle school and high school years. He is a graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he received his Bachelors and Masters of Music in violin performance. After returning to Hawai’i, he completed his Post-Baccalaureate Certificate of Music Education at the University of Hawai’i Manoa, and and was the orchestra and choir teacher at Mid Pacific Institute. He is currently at Punahou School where he teaches orchestra at the elementary and middle school levels. In addition to his music teaching career, Michael is also a full-time member of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra violin section, teaches private violin and viola lessons, and has served on the board of the Hawai’i Music Educators Association. He is a passionate educator and performer, and hopes to share his love of music with his students and inspire a new generation of musicians to cherish and preserve the art of music.
Violin I
Eric Camacho
Preston Chi
Leia Choi
Ymin Guo
Ashley Jisue Hong
Jayden Kim
Vance Maeshiro, Co-concertmaster
Aya Okimoto
Max Shinno
Kaitlyn Sim
Sevastyan Swan, Co-concertmaster
Gwyneth Tenn, Co-concertmaster
Violin II
Nicholas Chi
Flora Elham
Elizabeth Fink
Yanling Guo
Kai Im
Coco Kim
Riya Krishnagopalan
Victor Lee
Lily Nomura
Christopher Oyama
Alexis Phansaithong
Sage Shiroma
Maria Swan
Katherine Wu
Daniel Yoo
Viola
Hyunwoo Chang
Haaon Cho
Eun Ha
Sophie Kaiser
Swan Kim
Albert Ko
Hannah Kwak
Kyla Miyamoto
Gray Nauwelaerts
Lulu Wang
Cello
Anson Akemoto
Dylan Kalā Campuspos
Sophia Chan
Leiyao Chang
Ashlyn Ito
Ian Jun
Jibhum Lee
Youth Symphony I
Lucas Sanford
Reese Walther
Bryan Wood
Jodie Wung
Taigo Yuen
Bass
Seitaro Kobayashi
Isabelle Morita
Joshua Wung
Harp
Arabella Tan
Flute
Hope Bayudan
Flora Liao
Henry Rhee
Jessica-Holly Wiemer
Oboe
Kenton Chang
Maya Hokada
Sara Inao
Ayaka Yoshii
Clarinet
Yuto Kawaguchi
Jeannie Kim
Ellie Obara
Aiden Taheri
Bassoon
Daniel Kim
Spencer Lyau
Horn
Jake Miyakawa
Kobe Miyamasu
Maiah Oba
Nicholas Williams
Nicholas Xu
Trumpet
Kyle Ehara
Grace Hagino
Paige Kawana
Christopher Yara
Trombone
Kolten Hamana
Jae Koo
Andrew Li
Tuba
Xyon-La'Jount Jury
Percussion
Camden Funai
Mani Kovacich
Carter Nobuhara
Ian Pak
About Youth Symphony I
Youth Symphony I (YSI) is the most advanced of HYS’s seven orchestras and is one of the finest youth symphonies in the country. In its history, YSI has performed with renowned guest artists, was a finalist in the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, and had the special honor of performing on From the Top, a nationally-broadcast radio show. For the 2024–2025 season, YSI is composed of 84 students, grades 9–12, from 18 public, home and independent schools across O’ahu. This year, YSI has three co-concertmasters. Vance Maeshiro, a senior from ‘Iolani, Gwyneth Tenn, a senior from Punahou, and Sevastyan Swan, an eleventh grade Homeschool student.
Joseph Stepec
Director of Orchestral Activities & PMI Artistic Director Youth Symphony I, Conductor
Joseph Stepec came to Hawai‘i from Cleveland, Ohio in 2016. He is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Orchestras at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Music Department. Under his direction, the University of Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra has premiered works of new composers, represented underperformed masterworks, and has collaborated with ensembles as diverse as the United States Marine Band and more. He is an active clinician that has guest taught many ensembles visiting Hawai‘i, on the mainland, and abroad in Shanghai, China.
Mr. Stepec studied violin with Gregory Fulkerson at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and conducting at the Eastman School of Music with master teacher, Neil Varon. Mr. Stepec additionally studied with Michael Jinbo at the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and pursued doctoral studies at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. In 2017, he was a conducting Fellow at the Menuhin Gstaad Music Festival where he worked closely with Jaap van Zweden, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic and noted conducting pedagogue, Johannes Schlaefli. In 2019, Mr. Stepec premiered a new translation of Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat set in colonial Hawaii with members of Chamber Music Hawaii to very favorable reviews.
As the Director of Orchestral Activities at the Hawaii Youth Symphony, Mr. Stepec conducts the top orchestra, Youth Symphony I. With that ensemble he has premiered new works by living composers and has worked with countless Hawai‘i based artists. He has toured with the ensemble to the outer islands and has been featured in concert at the Waikīkī Shell and Blaisdell Concert Hall. His work with the Hawaii Youth Symphony was recognized in 2024 with an induction to the Pacific Business News magazine’s “40 under 40,” which recognizes leaders in Hawai‘i.
❝I am honored to have been chosen to lead HYS’ symphony program. HYS’ mission and its goals are ones that I deeply resonate with from my own special and formative years playing in a youth symphony: the opportunity to learn to make music together at the highest level and with the greatest commitment is one that shapes lives and forges unbreakable friendships and memories. I am thrilled to be fulfilling this new position alongside my incredibly talented colleagues at HYS and PMI.
—Joseph Stepec
Saxophone
Desmond Mauer
Maxwell Chin
Jazz I
Electric Guitar
Broderick Nakasone
Eli Wolf
Bass Guitar
Johann Machida Drum Set/Percussion
Mani Kovacich
Carter Nobuhara
About the Jazz Program
A relatively new HYS program, HYS Jazz celebrates its fifth anniversary this year! Under the leadership of HYS Jazz Director Dean Taba, and with the support of our dedicated faculty including Dean, Noel Okimoto and Ryan Howe, HYS Jazz offers two levels for students ages 14–18. Jazz II for students who play an instrument but have little to no experience in jazz, and Jazz I for students who are advancing in their jazz and improvisation skills. HYS Jazz students are taught the skills necessary to play as a rhythm section, accompany others and improvise. We are proud to have guitarists, keyboardists, drummers, saxophonists and brass players among our student body, though HYS Jazz is a wholly inclusive environment and welcomes students from all orchestral instruments.
HYS Jazz frequently collaborates with highly-respected artists, and in its short history has already performed with Jake Shimabukuro, trumpeter Eric Miyashiro, saxophonist Steve Treseler, vocalist Shari Lyn, and John Valentine! Though the focus of HYS Jazz is music performance, many entrepreneurial facets of being a professional musician or working in the music industry are addressed throughout the year. Students have direct access to top audio engineers, influential musicians, and music business gurus.
Dean Taba
Jazz Program Director
PMI Jazz Intensive Director
Ahighly regarded studio and freelance musician, Dean Taba began his musical studies on the piano at the age of 6 and played french horn in the Hawaii Youth Symphony. It was a desire to play in the high school jazz band that introduced him to the bass and improvised music. After extensive studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and a refinement of his skills on both the acoustic and electric bass, Dean relocated in 1984 to Los Angeles to become one of its most in demand musicians.
Also a respected clinician and educator (Los Angeles Music Academy, Musician’s Institute, Cal-Poly Pomona, Grove School of Music) Dean has recently performed/recorded with Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Mark Murphy, Jake Shimabukuo, Andy Summers, Sadao Watanabe, The San Francisco Symphony, Hiroshima, Rick Braun, The American Jazz Institute Orchestra, Dave Koz, Jeff Richman, Pauline Wilson, The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Daniel Ho, Bill Watrous, and many others as well as playing on countless CDs, TV shows, and movie soundtracks.
Special Guest Artists
Keola Beamer, with Moanalani Beamer
Keola Beamer is a Hawaiian legend. He has breathed new life into slack key guitar music yet stays true to its deep Hawaiian roots. Winner of multiple awards, he is a singer-songwriter, composer, guitar master, and arranger, with an impeccable, gorgeous style that is featured on The Descendants soundtrack and his 17 CDs to date. As part of the Beamer ‘ohana inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame, Keola was one of the first to use slack key techniques to create contemporary Hawaiian music that is equally at home on the concert stage. He receives high praise from his musical peers:
❝Keola Beamer’s [slack key] style is the best there is on the planet.
—Willie Nelson
He’s an exceptional musician, a very good player and beautiful singer…the spirit of the island…
—Paul Simon
❞Beamer’s wife, kumu hula Moanalani Beamer, adds her beautiful hula, chant, and the exquisite sounds of traditional Hawaiian instruments to the performance. Together Keola & Moana present the excellence, true spirit, and soul of Hawaiian music and dance.
Sarabande and Gavotte from Holberg Suite Edvard Grieg arr. Brendan McBrien
Jazz I
Dean Taba, Conductor
Witch Hunt
Wayne Shorter arr. Wayne Shorter
Youth Symphony I Chamber Strings & Jazz I with Special Guest Artist, Keola & Moanalani Beamer
Joseph Stepec, YSI Conductor
Dean Taba, Jazz Program Director
Oli Aloha
Pō Mahina
The Beauty of Mauna Kea
'Ūlili Ē
Keola Beamer, arr. Ari Fisher
Keola Beamer, arr. Ari Fisher
Keola Beamer, arr. Ari Fisher
Keola Beamer, arr. Ari Fisher
Master of Ceremonies
BEN GUTIERREZ
Emcee, Hawaii News Now
Ben Gutierrez is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning weather anchor, weekend news anchor and general assignment reporter at Hawaii News Now. He is also a member of the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts, the home of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, and is a former member of its Board of Governors. He’s proud to be a longtime supporter of Hawaii Youth Symphony.
Mahalo to Our Silent Auction Donors
Aaron and Erica Mau Schank
Aaron Sakai Fitness Training
Anonymous
Bishop Museum
Blue Note Hawaii
Brix and Stones
Chamber Music Hawaii
Cirque du Soleil
Consolidated Theatres
David and Cathy Decker
Designs by Kim
Diamond Dining
Downtown Coffee
Duke’s Waikiki
Frank Byrne
Franklin and Myrrh
G. Lion Hawaii
Germaine's Luau
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra
Jake Shimabukuro
Jay Jaskot
Jean & Kent Tsukamoto
Joe Stepec
Ko Olina Golf Club
KoHana Distillers
Kyo-Ya Hotels and Resorts
Masaki School of Music
McKinley Car Wash
Mohala Eyewear
Moke's Bread & Breakfast
MW Restaurant
Park Shore Waikiki
Pizza Mamo
Puahina Hawaii
Randy and Helen Wong Red Nova
Romer Ambassador Waikiki
Romer House Waikiki
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Sam Schank
Sky Waikiki
Starts International Hawaii Inc.
Sugar Bar Hawaii
Tanaka of Tokyo Restaurants
The Daley
Tio’s Tamales
Tradition Coffee Roasters
Vilcek Foundation
Vivien Tham
Waitiki International LLC
Watanabe Floral
Wave 808
As of October 29, 2024
He Makana O Nā Mele
The Gift of Music Day
Founders Circle
Hawaii Youth Symphony extends heartfelt gratitude to the generous philanthropists listed below. Their enduring commitment through cumulative gifts and pledges celebrates the transformative power of music education for our youth. Over the past 60 years, these dedicated supporters have contributed, in aggregate, nearly ten million dollars to advance our mission and vision. Mahalo piha!
ABC Stores
Anonymous
A. Link LLC
Action Realty Corporation
AIG Hawaii Insurance Company, Inc.
Aloha International Piano Festival
Aloha United Way ALTRES, Inc.
Arleene D. Skillman
Atherton Family Foundation
Avalon Commercial, LLC
Bank of Hawaii & BOH Charitable Foundation
Bob Hayashi
Cades Foundation
Carnegie Hall / PlayUSA
City and County of Honolulu
Commercial Data Systems
Cooke Foundation, Ltd.
Daniel & Linda Momohara
Dr. Ross Tanoue
Edith Leong
Dr. Eileen Exton
Erica & Aaron Mau-Schank
First Hawaiian Bank Foundation
Foodland Super Market, Ltd.
Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc.
Garry & Jill Higa
Geoffrey & Esther Sewell
George Mason Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Ginny Tiu
Gladys Hirano
Gloria Kosasa Gainsley Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Halekulani Corporation
Hawaii Community Foundation
Hawaiian Host, Inc.
Hazel H. Takumi Foundation
HDG, INC.
Helen K. Higa
Henry Miyamura
Island Insurance Companies & Foundation
Janet Cooke
Jean & Kent Tsukamoto
Jean and William K. H. Mau Foundation
John R. Halligan Charitable Fund
Johnson Ohana Foundation
Jonathan Y. C. Ching Revocable Trust
June Olson Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Keiko Sato
Kitty & Buzz Wo
KoAloha Ukulele
Kosasa Foundation
Louis Vuitton
Louise and Y. T. Lum Foundation
Ludwick Family Foundation
Luella Spadaro Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Malcolm & Carol Koga
Marjorie Tanoue
Dr. Mark M. Yoshida
Martin Hsia, Esq.
Mary D. and Walter F. Frear Eleemosynary Trust
Masaki School of Music
Maurice and Joanna Sullivan Family Foundation
McInerny Foundation
Michael & Amy Onofrietti
Michael & Terrina Wong
National Endowment for the Arts
Ohata Chun Yuen LLP
Olivia De Jane
Owen Fukumoto
Pacific Property Group, Inc.
Patti Look
Phil Olsen
Randy Wong & Helen Liu
Richard & Susan Ing
Robert E. Black Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Roy E. King, Jr.
Serendipity II Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Sharon R. Himeno & Warren Price III
Sheridan and Julia Ing Family Foundation
State of Hawaii / State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
Stephen & Gloria Gainsley
Steven & Marilyn Katzman
Strong Foundation
Stupski Family Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Susan M. Kosasa Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Teruya Brothers, Limited
The Al Sherman Foundation
The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation
The Gift Foundation
The Hot Topic Foundation
The LRY Charitable Foundation
The Resort Group
The Thomas J. Long Foundation
Dr. Thomas & Mi Kosasa
Trinity Real Estate Investments LLC
Ward Village Foundation
HAWAII YOUTH SYMPHONY offers a complete spectrum of out-of-school music programs includingincluding its Symphony Program, Jazz Program, Academy Strings Program, and Music in the Clubhouse program. Through these programs, HYS serves 700 students annually from more than 100 public, charter, independent and home schools across the state.
MUSIC IN THE CLUBHOUSE offers entry-level programs, in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai’i and other community partners, to spark students’ curiosity and provide free or low-cost access to music. HYS provides instruments and materials, and no musical experience is required. Locations include the Spalding Clubhouse which holds beginning ‘ukulele lessons and Nanakuli YET Clubhouse which teaches beginning violin classes for students along the Waianae coast.
THE ACADEMY STRING PROGRAM offers students an opportunity to grow together and sharpen their orchestra string skills. School year and summer violin classes are available for beginning and intermediate players.
THE JAZZ PROGRAM invites students who are looking to learn, improve and elevate their ability to play popular, commercial and jazz styles.
THE SYMPHONY PROGRAM welcomes string, woodwind, brass and percussion students from all islands to audition and take part in full orchestras. Symphony Program students perform classical masterworks, newly commissioned pieces,
At HYS, we envision a Hawaiʻi where music is a right. In order to make progress toward our strategic vision, we bring music education and concerts to underserved communities. Out of over 200 DOE schools in the State of Hawaii, less than 5% offer comprehensive music programs. Our nonprofit is a statewide music education organization that seeks to bridge that gap. Here’s how we make an impact!
INTRODUCE
keiki of all demographics & backgrounds to music education early in childhood.
DEVELOP their skills & confidence by providing a pathway of continuous improvement.
GIVE BACK to our Hawai‘i community. Show our students that they can inspire other kids by spreading the joy of music.
OUR CORE VALUES Inspire, Dream Courageously, Grow Together, Have Fun
While it is difficult to recognize all of the people and moments that made our last 60 years possible, here are a few highlights:
1954 – 1958
A youth orchestra was formed as a special project of the Honolulu Junior Chamber of Commerce.
1962
By 1962, the orchestra had been reorganized by the Honolulu Jaycees.
1964
On December 24, 1964, HAWAII YOUTH SYMPHONY is incorporated to provide for the enrichment and cultivation of the minds and spirits of the youth in our community. Peter Mesrobian is founding Music Director.
1965 – 1968
HYS makes its neighbor island debuts with four concerts on Maui and Hawai‘i Island. In 1966, Harold Higa formed the Hawaii Junior Youth Symphony, which eventually becomes the HYS Academy String Program.
1977
HYS and the Honolulu Symphony partnered for “A TASTE OF THE SYMPHONY,” conducted by Sidney Rothstein at McKinley Auditorium and sponsored by Mayor Frank F. Fasi
1979-1984
Grant Okamura joins HYS as Music Director. During this time, Mr. Okamura’s students include future HYS faculty Susan Ochi-Onishi and Dean Taba.
1984
Henry Miyamura makes his debut as Music Director, as HYS articulates a new mission: to foster cultural enrichment of the community through the study of orchestral instruments and to present musical performances designed for youth and performed by youth.
1987
THE PACIFIC MUSIC INSTITUTE, a project of Maestro Miyamura and Maui colleague Lance Jo, was held for the first time at Seabury Hall, Makawao, Maui.
1999
HYS holds its first HE MAKANA O NĀ MELE: THE GIFT OF MUSIC gala.
2008
HYS begins partnership with BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII.
2013
HYS makes the final ballot for its first Nā Hōkū Hanohano nomination, “The Golden Ages of Waikiki: Hawaii Youth Symphony with Jimmy Borges and The WAITIKI 7”
2016 – 2017
In Maestro Miyamura’s final season as HYS Music Director, Youth Symphony I accompanies Midori and takes part in her Orchestra Residencies Program (and performs with her), becomes the first full orchestra featured on the nationallybroadcast radio program From The Top, and performs with renowned pianist Conrad Tao
2018 – 2023
HYS launches a new logo and its strategic vision to MAKE MUSIC A RIGHT HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA debuts the first of many Side-by-Side collaborative concerts. Music in the Clubhouse expands to Nanakuli, a partnership with National Orchestral Institute is established with PMI, and Super Strings is brought to the windward side in collaboration with Le Jardin Academy. Fast Company recognizes HYS for its innovative work in Social Good.
2024 and beyond
Maestro Joseph Stepec is honored in Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40 and HYS MARKS 60 YEARS OF MUSIC in the islands, continuing to provide access and opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds.
MusicintheClubhouse - Bucket Drumming
“I grew up on the Big Island in Hilo. As a high schooler, it was exciting to get on a plane and be semi-independent, to come to rehearsal and have this opportunity to meet students from other islands and make music with them. You go back to your own program more inspired. I’m very grateful that students now still have that opportunity, and hopefully it’ll continue so that we can strengthen the programs around the state.”
– WAYNE FANNING, Concert Orchestra Conductor & HYS Alumnus (‘93)
MAKING MUSIC ACROSS HAWAI‘I
We believe music is a right, meaning everyone should have the opportunity to make and listen to music regardless of who they are or where they live. To move towards this vision, we are constantly taking steps to increase access to music education across all islands, encouraging students throughout the entire state to join both our symphony and jazz programs. As of 2024, HYS has served students from every island across Hawai‘i. To ensure no child is turned away from a quality music education because of financial needs, HYS distributes more than $50,000 a year through its financial aid program. HYS offers assistance for:
• Registration fees
• Instrument loans
• Private lessons
• Air and surface travel for neighbor island students
The effects of music on a young person’s life are countless and everlasting. Through participating in HYS, students develop skills that they carry with them forever and are given the ability to create opportunities for themselves that they may not have had otherwise.
Pictured (right): Kaua’i students, Asa (CO) and Naomi (YSII), travel to O‘ahu
Pictured (below): Wayne Fanning (’93), Concert Orchestra Conductor, leads PMI Middle School All-State Band.
We applaud the student performers in the Hawaii Youth Symphony. The skills and friendships gained through a common love of music is an invaluable experience that will continue to last a lifetime.
Ko Olina is the only resort in Hawai‘i owned by a local family raising generations of keiki in the islands. We are surrounded by the hearts of a Hawaiian community: we mālama our culture and community ‘ohana by embracing neighbors, guests and employees with aloha. As stewards of the ‘aina and ocean, we honor the foundation of our wellbeing.
The Resort Group proudly supports the Hawaii Youth Symphony and its goal to educate youth through musical studies and to share the Fine Arts with the community.
KoOlina.com
Congratulations to the Hawaii Youth Symphony on its 60th Anniversary
We are honored to support this outstanding organization and its mission to help young people develop their fullest potential through orchestral music.
Congratulations Hawaii Youth Symphony for 60 seasons of music for our keiki. Cheers to making music a right!
Mahalo HYS for Making Music A Right for our Youth!
We are proud to support the Hawaii Youth Symphony and are inspired by its many collaborations with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra.
—Jean & Kent Tsukamoto
We are happy to support HYS as they make music available to all our young people, to make our community and world a better place! Aloha, mahalo, and kudos!”
Ben and Vicky Cayetano, and Ginny Tiu
Mahalo to Our Donors
Hawaii Youth Symphony deeply appreciates these contributions made between January 1, 2024, and October 29, 2024; thank you for helping us to work towards a Hawaiʻi where music is a right! We apologize if we’ve made any accidental errors or omissions; please let us know by emailing our development team: development@hiyouthsymphony.org.
CONDUCTORS CIRCLE
$50,000 and above
Carnegie Hall (PlayUSA)
City and County of Honolulu
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
$10,000 to $49,999
Aaron & Erica Mau-Schank
Action Realty Corporation
Alika & Tanya Mau
ALTRES, Inc.
First Hawaiian Bank Foundation
George Mason Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
Ginny Tiu
Gov. Ben & Vicky Cayetano
Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra
Halekulani Corporation
Island Insurance
Jean & Kent Tsukamoto
Jean and William K. H. Mau Foundation
Lauren Yoo
Kosasa Foundation / ABC Stores
Richard & Susan Ing
Serendipity II Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
Stephen & Gloria Gainsley
The Al Sherman Foundation
The Arthur and Mae Orvis Foundation
The Vilcek Foundation
Thomas & Mi Kosasa
ANGEL
$5,000 to 9,999
Avalon Commercial, LLC
Jillson Fleener
Johnson Ohana Foundation
Pacific Property Group, Inc.
RMA Architects Inc.
Robin Kobayashi & Kenneth Fink
Steven & Marilyn Katzman
Taylor-White Charitable Fund
The Resort Group
BENEFACTOR
$2,500 to $4,999
Anonymous
Alan Arizumi
Aloha United Way
American Resort Development Association
Collin Hoo
David & Nicole Imanaka
Foodland Super Market, Ltd.
Honolulu Chamber Music Series
Randy Wong & Dr. Helen Liu
The Dods Foundation
PATRON
$1,000 to $2,499
Anonymous
Becker Communications, Inc.
Carlton Gushiken
Chelsea Maeda-Wiegand
D'Addario Foundation
Daniel & Linda Momohara
Daniel & Mia Kim
David & Nicole Imanaka
Gaylord & Carol Wilcox
HDG, INC.
Janet Cooke
Jason Tokunaga
Kerry Kim
Lauren Yoo
Lorrin Hirano
LPL Financial
Malcolm S. Koga
Martin Hsia, Esq.
Masaki School of Music
Pikake Foundation
Richard & Susan Ing
Roselle Chin
Takumi Family Fund
U.S Charitable Gift Trust
Wilfred Miyasaki
Yan Yang Gao
SPONSOR
$500 to $999
Anonymous
Beth Tamayose & Ron Siu
Bill Holowecki
Chris & Jadine Nielsen
Foodland Give Aloha
FundDevelopment Group
George I. Nagao
Hawaii Chamber Music Festival
Jaewon Choi
Jean McIntosh
John Noland
Justin V. Redona
Karen Stockton
Maureen Shimabuku
Michael & Amy Onofrietti
Monica Chan
Schwab Charitable Fund
Stephen Ko
Steven and Izumi Rhee
Thomas Shigeta
Wade Nobuhara
Wendy Umino
Yi-Chuan Ching
PARTNER
$250 to $499
Anonymous
Autumn Woods & Barney Brennan
Bank of America
Charitable Gift Fund
Brenda Tang
Cori Mackie
Craigside Retirement Residence
Daniel Chun
David and Annette Jackson
David Masunaga
David Miyasaki
Dennis K. Toyama
Elizabeth Hale
Esther Cartoon
Hyunjong Koo
Ignace & Christine Jang
James Lin
James Sakata
Joe Stepec
Joseph Conyers
Kathleen (Kay) Mattos
Laurene Taira
Leah Chun
Mark Verrey
Marvin Taba
Maylani Chang
Milton Liu
Miyeko S. Hashimoto
R. Dougal Crowe
Robert E. Black Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
Ruth Oshiro
Sandi Kwee
Todd Seeber
Velma C. Akinaka
Vivien Tham
William E. Seehafer
CONTRIBUTOR
$100 to $249
Anonymous
Alfred E. Makino
Allen Won
America's Charities
Andrea Snyder
April K.Y. Leong
Barbara J. Cargill
Bob Fissell
Brian & Tammy Walther
Burr McCutcheon & Claire Arakaki
Burt Yoshimi
Byron Kelly
Carol Aki
Carol S. Heape
Cheryl Kojima
Chester J. Malins
Cyrinthia Decker
Deanna Oda
Dennis Kohara
Dennis W. Randall
Diana Choy
DJ Wong
Doris Ogawa
Dr. Mohamed Wong
Edward Masunaga
Elaine Chang
Ernest Hanaumi
Eugenia W. Ng
Fidelity Charitable
Frances E. Oshita
Frank Hook
Frederick Harris
Fumiko Wellington
Gary Batungbacal
Hannah Watanabe
Helen K. Higa
Henry Miyamura
Henry Tokunaga
Iris Huang
James F. Moffitt
James S. Howard
Jean Toma
Jennie Lau
Joan Carlson
Joanne Na
Jodi Goh
John & Jane Houk
John and Carol Lynch
Jonathan Cabagbag
Jonathan Wung
Jonn Saruwatari
Josephine Kaiser
Joyce Wong
Jung Nam Lee
Karyn Komatsu
Kathyrnn Raymond
Kay J. Newnam
Kendrick Y. Au
Kenneth Sumiye
Kent Koike
Kevin Yamasaki
Kirk Shitaoka
Kurtis Im
Lance Oba
Lauren Chun
Lealei Magat-Hino
Leo Nakano
Leslie Baxter Eaton
Lila Yee
Louise Y. Wong
Marc Isobe
Meredith and Norma Maeda
Michael Hee
Mike Kobayashi
Mildred E. Uegawachi
Ming Peng
Nancy K. Sonoda
Nina Hayashi
Noe Baladad
Noel Okimoto
One Kalakaua Senior Living
Owen & Carol Fukumoto
Paula Ho
Phyllis Wong
Robert & Pat Peters
Robert Shinoda
Robin Chun Hunter
Robyn Fong
Rochelle Uchibori
Sara Lin
Shinnyo-En Hawaiʻi
Stella Anderson
Su-Jie (Nam) Hong
Suellen Barton
Suji Cho
Tamae Shiraishi
Tammi Okamura
Tom and Maria Stepec
Van M. Goto
Velma Lee
William T. Oshima
Yumiko Ueda
Yuxuan Yang
FRIEND (Up to $99)
Anonymous
Aileen Gushiken
Alan Nakasone
Barry and Wendy Kikuno
Brent F. Ramos
C. Mike Kido
Calvin Fujikawa
Christina Hines
Christine Ewing
Claire Sakai-Hazzard
Clifford Okumoto
David Y. Cho
Dennis Higashiguchi
Diane Morimoto
Doris S. Oshiro
Dustin Ebesu
E. Richard Bartosik
Evan Dobelle
Gail Maida
Gerald Young
Gladys H. Young
Glenn Fernandez
Gregg Abe
Harold M. Chang
James Moffitt
James K. Michishima
Jason Poplin
Jean Adair-Leland
Jeffrey Mishler
Jerry Ono
Joni Freitas
Julia Fujioka
Jungsheng Lee
Kaimana Lui-Kwan
Kenneth H. Burtness
Kenneth Hashi
Kevin Sumida
Kimberly Schneider
Lauren Sergent
Leah Lee
Lily Chu
Lloyd Lim
Lynn Hokama
Mary Ellen E. Williams
Mary Lou Chai
Michelle N. Ige
Nelson Lau
Patti Horio
Philip Brown
Pledgeling Foundation
Rachel Odo
Rafael Borges Amaral
Robert Boruchowitz
Robyn Weber
Rosanna Lucero
Ruby Arii
Shinogu Sato
Susan Imai
Sylvia Flores
Thu Nguyen
Tributes
In Honor of Dean K. Taba by Noel Okimoto by Robert Shinoda
In Honor of Mari Kohara by Dennis Kohara
In Honor of Gray Nauwelaerts by Joan Carlson
In Honor of Jake Shimabukuro by Anonymous
In Honor of Kenton Chan by Monica Chan
In Honor of Kyle Ehara by Kenneth Sumiye
In Honor of Sophie Kaiser by Josephine Kaiser
In Honor of The Class of 2024 by Randy Wong & Helen Liu
In Honor of Randy Wong by Rochelle Uchibori
In Memory of Gladys Hirano by Kathrynn Raymond by Randy Wong & Helen Liu
In Memory of Geoffrey Au by Kendrick Y. Au by Randy Wong & Helen Liu
