Symphony Winter Concert
Sunday, December 1, 2024 ❄ 2:00 pm
Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center
Academy Strings Winter Concert
Saturday, December 14, 2024 ❄ 2:00 pm
Roosevelt High School Auditorium
Jazz Winter Concert
Sunday, December 15, 2024 ❄ 3:00 pm
Studio 909
Aloha!
elcome to Winter Concert 2024! This afternoon showcases all of the work and superior artistry of our three Symphony Program orchestras: Concert Orchestra, Youth Symphony II and Youth Symphony I. The students have been working so very hard on this repertoire — since August! — and we are very excited to be performing for you!
Music is a universal language with a rich history that stretches its hands across many eras, cultures and places. Here at the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony, music's innate power to move us, to touch our souls, lies at the heart of our love for the art form; it is the essential element that drives our steadfast commitment to providing an experience like no other for our state’s talented keiki.
This afternoon’s concerts showcase not just the work of our students, but it also spotlights their artistry, their heart, their passion and commitment. I can think of no other art form that can fully put on display our collective humanity — our empathy, camaraderie, and heart.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the music!
A Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all!
Joseph Stepec
Joseph Stepec Director of Orchestral Activities
Hawai‘i Youth Symphony
We are grateful to our community partners, whose generous support and special talents are invaluable to Hawai‘i Youth Symphony.
State of Hawai’i
Dr. Josh Green, Governor
Hawai’i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
Karen Ewald, Executive Director
City & County of Honolulu
Rick Blangiardi, Mayor Accounting
KMH LLP
Evan Yamamoto, Robert Loke, Daniel Lott
Audio Engineer
Duane Padilla
Graphic Design
Commuter Industries
Halekulani
Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra
Amy Iwano, President & CEO
Printing
Edward Enterprises
Sanford Morioka, Justin You Program Design
Mark Nakamura
Public Relations
Becker Communications
Susan Wright, Taryn Wells
Laura Young
Vibe Creative Marketing
Erica Mau-Schank, Jessica Nelson, Jasmine Nip-Palmer
University of Hawai‘i Music Department
Donald Womack, Chair
William Watson, Facility Coordinator
Kaimuki Middle School
Frank Fernandes, Principal
Niu Valley Middle School
Jeffrey Shitaoka, Principal
Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii
Paddy Kauhane, President & Chief
Executive Officer
Claudia “Lala” Fernandez, EVP & Chief Operations Officer
Danielle Trinidad (Spalding)
Kekoa Tupua (Nānākuli)
Moanalua High School
Robin Martin, Principal
Andrew Ching, Music Director
Cavin Takesue, Associate Music Director
Todd Oshima, Associate Music Director
Rhona Barbosa, Associate Music Director
Landon Mauricio, Moanalua Performing Arts Center Manager
Roosevelt High School
Sean Wong, Principal
Gregg Abe, Music Director
Erica Mau-Schank, Chair
Lauren Yoo, Vice Chair
Lorrin Hirano, Esq., Secretary
Collin Hoo, Treasurer
Directors
Sharon R. Himeno
Martin Hsia, Esq.
David Imanaka, Esq.
Richard Ing
Patti Look
Malcolm Lau
Michael Onofrietti
Aaron Salā
Jake Shimabukuro
Jean Tsukamoto
Hawai‘i Youth Symphony
1350 South King St., Suite 201 Honolulu, HI 96814
Tel. (808) 941-9706
admin@hiyouthsymphony.org www.HIYouthSymphony.org
Federal Tax ID #99-0119771
Studio909
Robert Shinoda, Sonya Mendez Symphony Program Coaches
Christopher Cabrera, YSI
Percussion Coach
Aris Doike, YSII Cello Coach
Guy Lum, CO & YSII Percussion Coach
Allen Nii, YSII Brass Coach
Alexander Peña, CO String Coach
Academy Strings Concert Parent
Volunteers
Tee Swan, Colleen Tano
Jazz Concert Concert Parent
Volunteers
Michelle Funai, Wade Nobuhara
Concert Orchestra Concert Parent
Volunteers
Marru Arellano, Stefanie Lawton, Kathleen Lu
Youth Symphony II Concert Parent
Volunteers
Jill Kawaguchi, Roslyn Meinert, Michele Nuibe, Debbie Petilos
Youth Symphony I Concert Parent
Volunteers
Margret Arakaki, Amy Carlson
Janet Maeshiro, Wade Nobuhara
Randy Wong, President & CEO
Rachel Schultz, Chief Operating Officer
Joseph Stepec, Director of Orchestral Activities
Hannah Watanabe, Programs Director
Lauren Sergent, Operations Manager
Cyrinthia Decker, Development Coordinator
Brent Ramos, Receptionist
Veronica Cox, Music Librarian
Symphony Program
Joseph Stepec, Conductor, Youth Symphony I
Elton Masaki, Conductor, Youth Symphony II
Susan Ochi-Onishi, Conductor, Youth Symphony II
Wayne Fanning, Conductor, Concert Orchestra
Alexander Peña, Concert Orchestra
String Coach
Academy Program
Michael Lim, Conductor, String Orchestra Ensemble & Concert String Orchestra
Carissa Miyamoto, Conductor, Beginning String Ensemble & Intermediate String Ensemble
Stefanie Lawton, Beginning String Ensemble Cello Instructor
Sayuri Yamamoto, Beginning String Ensemble Bass Instructor
Brent Ramos, Academy Coordinator
Jazz Program
Dean Taba, Jazz Program Director
Ryan Howe, Jazz Conductor
Noel Okimoto, Jazz Conductor
Super Strings Program
Laurie Shimabukuro, Instructor
Music in the Clubhouse
Abraham “Abe” Lagrimas, Jr., Music4Kids Honolulu Instructor
Veronica Cox, Nānākuli Music4Kids Instructor
Daniel Kawaiʻaeʻa 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
Sunday, December 1, 2024 ❄ 2:00 pm
Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center
Concert Orchestra
Wayne Fanning, Conductor
Radetzky March
Johann Strauss Sr. arr. Merle J. Isaac
Water Reflections for Orchestra Yukiko Nishimura
Capriccio Italien
Percussion Ensemble
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky arr. Merle J. Isaac
Taiko A La Tom-Tom Steven Wulff
What's Up at the Symphony? Jerry Brubaker
Symphony II
Elton Masaki & Susan Ochi-Onishi, Conductors
Percussion Ensemble
From the Start Laufey arr. Z. Morita and L. Nishida
Saga Ilari Hylkilä
Finlandia
Jean Sibelius
A Million Suns at Midnight Connor Cowart
Youth Symphony I
Joseph Stepec, Conductor
Percussion Ensemble
Kentucky Rosewood: A Bluegrass Jamboree Murray Houllif
Percussion Ensemble
Quartet For Snare Drums
Cuban Overture
Danse Macabre
Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture
Kevin Bobo
George Gershwin
Camille Saint-Saëns
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Wayne Fanning is a graduate of Hilo High School and participated in HYS Concert Orchestra and the Pacific Music Institute as a student. He received his Bachelor of Education and Master of Arts from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Fanning has performed with numerous professional and community ensembles throughout Hawai‘i. Prior to his current position at HYS, he served as director of the Music in the Clubhouse Band and a clinician for various HYS Orchestras. He has served as guest conductor for the Maui District High School Massed Band and the Central District Beginning Honor Orchestra, as well as several school bands and orchestras. He has been teaching band and orchestra at Niu Valley Middle School since 1998, where his musical ensembles have performed for music conferences in Honolulu, Denver, and Iowa. Most recently, they performed at Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.
Mexican-American violist/conductor, Alexander Peña, serves as the Director of Orchestras at ‘Iolani School in Honolulu. A member of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, he can be seen performing across the islands with the Kaua‘i Concert Association, Maui Pops Orchestra, and Early Music Hawaii / First Monday Concert Series at Lutheran Church of Honolulu. As an educator, clinician, and chamber musician, Mr. Peña works with programs including the Pacific Music Institute, Hawai‘i Youth Symphony, and University of Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Peña currently serves as the President-elect of the Hawaii-Chapter of the American String Teachers Association and serves on the Board of Directors for the Hawai‘i Music Teachers Association.
In addition to his work in Hawaii, Mr. Peña is a founding-member and violist with the Lakes Area Music Festival Orchestra where he also directs the Explore Music! program, a day camp for youth that is now celebrating its 16th year in Northern Minnesota. Alexander earned an Arts Leadership Program Certificate, the Robert Oppelt Viola Prize, Bachelor and Master of Music from the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. In 2019, he also received an Executive Graduate Certificate from the Global Leaders Music Program, where he was awarded the Global Humanitarian Entrepreneur Prize from the Hildegard Behrens Foundation.
Violin I
Geon Cha
Joseph Ching
Jinghuan Dong
Colin Emerson
Cole Jackson
Olivia Kawashima
Tara Krishnagopalan
Victoria Lu
Mizuki Mau
Noah Tanaka
Elena Tjoeng
Lantana Widana, Concertmaster
Violin II
Vivienne Borrman
Douglas Chan
Lucas Chew
Clara Elham
Shannon Avery Go
Sophia Kawashima
Kaimiloapono KawazuArmstrong
Noah Kim
Kian Jackso, Principal
Sue Lee
Jeff Pitathawatchai
Arianna Zeleen Policarpio
Suriel Wane
YiJia Wang
Abigail Wood
Jeannie Wu
Lillian Yim
Viola
Seoyeon Byun
Ty Dudoit, Principal
Daphne Lawton
Melody Luo
Asa Thompson
Alyson Wong
Cello
Luca Arnone
Rose Bozeman
Audrey Branner
Aria Chan
Madiline Ebisu
Olivia Kim
Rex Lin
Elizabeth Lun
Evelyn Mui
Bronwen Nagayama
Jedi Si Ming Ng
Joseph Perez
Louis Rhee, Principal
Mathayus Scherling
Bass
David Kunihiro
Ian Taira, Principal
Harp
Chloe Chen, Principal
Flute
Zhi Yi Chen
Chloe Choi
Zena Kailani De Vencia
Anna Motohashi, Principal
Brandon Ogimoto
Qinglin Ye
Oboe
Jaslyn Kwock, Principal
Isabelle Quay
Malina Sautter
Ryder Sue
Clarinet
Pyeonggeun Kim
Bonnie Lee
Trinity Louie
Aden Michibata
Yoshiki Yamada, Principal
Bassoon
Leon Nguyen
Humi Yoshizawa, Principal
Horn
Shoshana EsmondSchadel
Emie Hinazumi
Tanner Millard, Principal
Justin Morikawa
Taeja Takahashi
Trumpet
Vincent Lassoff
Jaymes Lau
Daniel Son
Heston Wolf, Principal
Erin Wong
Trombone
Hikaru Kikuchi
Landon Magpoc
Justus Shitaoka
Ylang Valencia, Principal
Euphonium
Evan Shiota, Principal
Tuba
Matthew Oshiro
Sara Roper, Principal
Percussion
Makenna Arellano
Atsushi Harada-Collier
Mia Kim
Nanami Mata, Principal
Trinity Vong
Concert Orchestra (CO) is the third most advanced of HYS’s seven orchestras and the entry point into the Symphony Program. This year, Concert Orchestra is composed of 92 students from 30 public, private and homeschools across ‘Oahu, Kaua‘i, and Moloka‘i. This season’s concertmaster is Lantana Widana, a seventh grade student from the SEEQS Public Charter School.
Susan Ochi-Onishi has proudly served as a middle and high school music educator in the Hawai‘i State Department of Education since 1988. Prior to teaching at Kaimukī Middle School, she has held music teaching positions at Wai‘anae Intermediate School and Moanalua High School.
Mrs. Ochi-Onishi is in her 29th year at Kaimukī Middle School where she instructs the beginning, intermediate, and advanced band students and directs the Kaimukī Middle School Symphonic Winds. During her tenure at Kaimukī, she has worked hard to nurture, build and consolidate the KMS Music Department. She provided opportunities for her colleagues to serve as KMS Department Head while she focused on leading the KMS Symphonic Winds to a higher performance level. As the first middle school band from Hawai‘i to receive an invitation, KMS Symphonic Winds have proudly represented the State of Hawai‘i by performing at the 2019 Music for All National Festival. In 2015, KMS Symphonic Winds was the first middle school band from Hawai‘i to perform at Carnegie Hall, where they received the Gold Award for their high adjudication scores. In addition to performing at the ASBDA Convention and traveling to share their music with others, many of our students continue to participate in the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony Programs. .
Mrs. Ochi-Onishi received her Bachelor’s Degree and PDMUS in Music Education and Oboe Performance from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She received her Master’s of Music degree from Northwestern University, where she was an oboe student of Ray Still (CSO) and studied the english horn with Grover Schiltz (CSO). Her past oboe teachers include: Linda Strommen, Jeffrey Rathbun, Thomas Boyd, Margot Golding, and Roy Yanagida. She has performed with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, Royal Hawaiian Band, Maui Symphony, Diamond Head Theater, and various music ensembles. She served as the oboe lecturer at the University of Hawai‘i and continues to serve as the oboe clinician for the Pacific Music Institute. Her professional affiliations include the O‘ahu Band Directors Association and the American School Band Directors Association. Mrs. Ochi-Onishi is Co-Conductor of the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony II and is an alumna of the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony Program where she served as Principal Oboe during her time as a student.
Elton Masaki holds a Bachelor of Education Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in music from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and a Master of Music in Education Degree from Boston University. Mr. Masaki is the current high school orchestra director at Kamehameha School Kapālama Campus and the co-conductor of Youth Symphony II. In the past, he has also taught orchestra at Mid-Pacific Institute, Kamehameha Middle School, and with the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony Academy String Program. In addition to this, Mr. Masaki also serves as an orchestra clinician for a number of different camps and workshops both on and off island and manages the A Major Quartet. When he isn’t teaching, he is active as a community violin/viola player with performances in numerous musical theater productions as well as with other community orchestras such as the Oahu Civic Orchestra, and O‘ahu Chamber Orchestra and has also subbed as a violinist with the Hawaii Pops, Maui Symphony, and Kona Symphony.
Violin I
Dominic Chi
Ethan Chow
Alina Evanoff
Hayden Freitas
Vincent Lau
Brian Lim, Concertmaster
Daniel Lin
Shiloh Mitsui
Minh Chau Nguyen
Hayley Okano
Rosalyn Olsen
Tenley Tanigawa
Rylan Terayama
Tri Truong
Keoni Wun
Eileen Zhang
Violin II
Xelhuan AndersonMartinez
Hailee Choi
Airi Choy
Sydney Chung
Elena de Lima
Charles Haring
Elizabeth Huang
Haley Lau
Kira Miyamoto
Cheyna Murakami, Principal
Bryce Nouchi
Lacey Park
Chloe Petilos
Zuri Phung
Kolleen Roessig
Taylor Rogers
Sherry Taguchi
Tobias Watanabe
Kirstin Wee
Shion Yamasaki
Viola
Analise Borrman
Leala Florendo
Rui Han, Principal
Kayla Howard
Sean Lee
Carly Mirafuentes
Cello
Princeton Co
Otto Ferguson
Rika Kamemoto
Kaitlyn Naputo
Paisley Sagadraca
Isabella Santos
Daniel Schoen
Evangeline Tjoeng, Principal
Ty Tokunaga
Harp
Beylih Moani Beale
Piccolo
Jason Okutani
Flute
Eunice Kim
Celine Lee, Co-Principal
David Na, Co-Principal
Jason Okutani
Baiyi Wang
Oboe
Ian Cho
Charlotte Gimber
Kamy Kaneshige
Nainoa Tindle, Co-Principal
Brandalyn Tran, Co-Principal
Clarinet
Nathan Amemiya
Junyu Blas
Lauren Chen
Anna Choi, Co-Principal
Matt Michibata, Co-Principal
Erin Suehisa
Bass Clarinet
Lauren Chen
Bassoon
Jerry Gao, Principal
Ashton Kim
Horn
Maile Judd
Morton Kjos-Hanssen
Samuel McNiel
Matthew Meinert, Co-Principal
Breydi Nuibe, Co-Principal
Kai Takenouchi-Amador
Eva Tramuto
Trumpet
Micah Kim
Jayce Labuguen
Javis Phan, Co-Principal
Akari Takayanagi
Daniel Tanaka, Co-Principal
Trombone
Caleb Chinen, Co-Principal
Cy Kaneshiro, Co-Principal
Melissa Nishihara
Jason Sakata
Alex Shin
Bass Trombone
Cy Kaneshiro
Melissa Nishihara
Tuba
Slayter Kamimura, Principal
Charles Schulberg
Percussion
Keira Ida Ayu
James Kunihiro
Isaac Matsumoto, Principal
Taitum Tanouye
Youth Symphony II (YSII) is the second most advanced of HYS’s seven orchestras. For the 2024–2025 season, YSII is composed of 93 students from 25 public, private and homeschools across O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and the Big Island. Brian Lim, an eleventh grade student from Kalani High School is this season’s concertmaster.
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 Activites at the Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i 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.
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
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
*Students rotate seating for each piece.
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, Sevastyan Swan, an eleventh grade Homeschool student, and Gwyneth Tenn, a senior from Punahou.
Snowflakes
Hotaru Koi
Saturday, December 14, 2024 ❄ 2:00 pm
Roosevelt High School Auditorium
Beginning String Ensemble
Carissa Miyamoto, Violin/Viola Teacher & Conductor
Stefanie Lawton, Cello Teacher
Sayuri Yamamoto, Bass Teacher
Program to come from String Basics Book 1 and be announced from the stage.
Carissa Miyamoto, Conductor
Les Taylor
Keiko Yamada
Medieval Kings Soon Hee Newbold
Michael Lim, Conductor
Velocity Brian Balmages
Over the Rainbow Harold Arlen arr. Carson Rothrock
Air and Dance M. L. Daniels
Concert String Orchestra
Michael Lim, Conductor
Heart of Fire
Lauren Bernofsky
Moon River Henry Mancini arr. Blake Neely
Paragon Rag Scott Joplin arr. William Zinn
Sarabande and Gavotte from Holberg Suite Edvard Grieg arr. Brendan McBrien
String Orchestra Ensemble & Concert String Orchestra 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 Mānoa 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.
Beginning String Ensemble & Intermediate String Ensemble Conductor
Carissa Miyamoto is a passionate music educator, violinist, and trumpet player. She grew up participating in the Hawai’i Youth Symphony program from BSE through YSI. She is a Moanalua High School graduate and recently earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She was a member of the 2019 Sacramento Mandarins on lead trumpet, placing in the top 12 for DCI finals. In 2021, she aged out as a member of the Santa Clara Vanguard. She currently aspires to serve the communities and organizations that helped her foster her own love for music and education.
Stefanie Lawton
Beginning String Ensemble Cello Instructor
Stefanie Lawton began playing the cello in the 4th grade, enrolled in the Hawai’i Youth Symphony’s Beginning Strings instructed by Louise Ching and Karen Bechtel, both of whom Stefanie later studied with privately. Subsequent private cello instructors included Gregory Dubay and Dr. I-Bei Lin. In addition to private instructors Stefanie counts school and other Hawai‘i Youth Symphony orchestra directors, as well as University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UHM) orchestra, band, and choir directors, and other music faculty, as major influencers, noting especially Norma Parado (Kalani High School), Michael Nakasone (HYS), Dr. LaVar Krantz (UHM), Thomas Bingham (UHM), Grant Okamura (UHM), Dr. Karen Kennedy (UHM), Gabriel Villasurda (UHM), and Henry Miyamura (HYS and UHM). Stefanie is also very thankful for first years of “on the job” training, working with and observing orchestra directors Derrick Yamane (HYS) and Dr. Robert Hamilton (Kamehameha Schools).
During college Stefanie taught private cello lessons, co-taught the Kalani High School Orchestra, directed church and community choirs, and did substitute and/or assistant teaching for school orchestras on O‘ahu. One school year Stefanie taught band, orchestra, and general music at ‘Āina Haina Elementary School. Through college years and afterwards Stefanie worked extensively for HYS in various capacities.
Stefanie holds a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Instrumental Music from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. Stefanie has performed in community and professional orchestras and small ensembles on the islands of O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i, Lāna’i, and Hawai’i, as well as in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over two decades, in addition to being a guest clinician at various schools and for the 2016 Central District Beginning and Intermediate Honor Orchestras, Stefanie held the position of Director of Orchestras at St. Andrew’s Priory (now St. Andrew’s Schools), then at Moanalua Elementary School, next teaching orchestra and sectionals at Punahou School. Stefanie continues to teach privately and is enjoying a return to roots in HYS’s Beginning Strings and Concert Orchestra ensembles, this time as instructor (BSE) and concert parent (CO). Stefanie enjoys expanding upon instrumental playing skills and conducting, cooking, watching movies, spending time with daughters Daphne and Cora, and being a volunteer Concert Parent for this year’s HYS Concert Orchestra.
Beginning String Ensemble Bass Instructor
Sayuri Yamamoto is a member of the bass section of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Born and raised in Japan, she studied bass at Riverside Community College, California State University, Fullerton and the University of Southern California. She was a teaching assistant at USC and on the bass faculty at Biola University. Ms. Yamamoto moved to O‘ahu in 2020. She is a lecturer in Music, Double Bass at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She teaches at ‘Iolani School and Punahou School. She frequently coaches the basses at Moanalua High School, Moanalua Middle School and also gives private lessons. In the summer, Ms. Yamamoto returns to San Diego to teach at the San Diego Bass Fest and the San Diego Summer Institute.
Brent Ramos is a graduate from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance. He is an HYS alumni who started in the Academy Strings Program, and in his senior year of high school was concertmaster of Youth Symphony I. After graduating from high school and while in college, Brent was a Teacher’s Assistant for the Moanalua Middle School Summer Orchestra Program for many years. He has been the HYS Academy Strings Program Coordinator since 2021, and started working as the HYS Office Receptionist in 2022. Besides his roles at HYS, Brent is a violinist with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, teaches private lessons at the Masaki School of Music, and volunteers his time to help out as a violin coach at several local schools.
Violin
Athena Bruihl
Amelie Cho
Hannah Chong
Yaoqi Liu
Kenny Pitathawatchai
Rachel Siu
Aria Tano
Xiduo Wang
Sharon Xu
Viola
Amelia Brown
Joshua Chong
Selena Huang
Austin Jenss
Amelia Pace
Mina Park
Ariella Smith
Natalie Szatkowski
Rachel Xue
David Zhou
Cello
Aisling Brown
Sana Cook
Kenzo Cummings
Yujin Da
Chris Ding
Hailey Jun
Eunice Lee
Luke Lihalakha
Aiden Wu
Ailey Yu
Bass
Sooa Park
Kyle Sia
Nora Trimble
Violin
Michael Andrew Chang
Madison Chen
Kiane Durand QuirogaVerhaaf
Leon Hong
Hayli Kim
Isabella Lorenzo
Trevor Lou
Dominic McClure
Miya Nguyen
Jinsu Park
Kanani Reid
Tetsuo Shimazu
Tomoe Shimazu
Rydan Duke Stevenson
Giselle Yan
Lily Yasuda
Viola
Ethan Cha
Chloe Cheong
Lucia Cheong
Gabriel Gardner
Peyton Taketa
Cello
Kahoe Amimoto
John Anthony Chang
Alisa Gardner
Desmond McClure
Minsu Park
Mason Phung
Giuliano Jack Alexander Ricardi King
Zane Schank
Bass
Ellie Arakaki
Evelyn Cindrity
Ryden Overton
Emily Smith
Isla Stark
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 Clubhouse of Hawaii, 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.
BSE students learn the basics of how to play an instrument and read music, and no audition is needed to join this class. ISE students also do not need to audition, but have completed at least one year of a beginning class or book. Students in SOE & CSO auditioned back in August to become members of their respective advancing ensembles. This season, we have 126 Academy students representing more than 59 public, independent, and homeschools from ‘Oahu, Kaua‘i, and Lāna‘i.
During the summer, the Academy offers Summer Strings. Students receive daily instruction over a fiveweek session for beginning and intermediate players with no audition required. All Academy classes are held at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii’s Spalding Clubhouse.
Violin
Milani Cortez
Lia Fagaragan
Rosella Mae Galapon
Mia Ginchereau
Eileen Kim
Kacie Kodani
Kaleb Konishi
Jade Liao
Claire Lim
Chi Nguyen
Cassidy Oshiro
Caden Soeda
Kaci Sueoka
Sarah Takahashi
Griffin Tano
Alex Tokunaga
Andrew Wang
Joy Wang
Ivy Won
Valencia Yang
Viola
Jacquelyn Branner
Esther Kim
Cello
Alice Honigman
Travis Lou
Klara Roessig
Albert Wang
Violin
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
HYS holds its first HE MAKANA O NĀ MELE: THE GIFT OF MUSIC gala.
HYS begins partnership with BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII.
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”
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
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.
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)
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.
HYS is grateful to the many public, private, and home schools that play their part in helping to advance music’s role in their communities. The following schools are represented in our various HYS programs this year. We are deeply grateful to all the music educators and private music teachers whose expertise, encouragement, and support mean so much to our students. Every attempt has been made to publish a complete listing of schools for the 2024–2025 season, and we regret any errors or omissions have been made.
Ahuimanu Elementary School
‘Aiea Intermediate School
‘Āina Haina Elementary School
Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i PCS
Āliamanu Elementary School
Assets School
Castle High School
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
Eckstein Middle School
Einstein Middle School
Enlightium Academy
Ft. Shafter Elementary School
Hanahau‘oli School
Hawaii Baptist Academy
Hawai‘i Technology Academy
Hawaiian Mission Academy
Hickam Elementary School
Highlands Intermediate School
Hilo High School
Hilo Intermediate School
Homeschool
Hongwanji Mission
Honouliuli Middle School
‘Iolani School
Island Pacific Academy
Isobe Junior High School
iUniversity Prep
Jarrett Middle School
Jefferson Elementary School
Juana Briones Elementary School
Ka Waihona o ka Na‘auao PCS
Kāhala Elementary School
Kahuku High School
Kahuku Intermediate School
Kailua High School
Kailua Intermediate School
Kaimuki Christian
Kaimukī Middle School
Kaiser High School
Kalāheo High School
Kalani High School
Kamehameha Schools—Hawai'i
Kamehameha Schools—Kapālama
Kapolei High School
Kapolei Middle School
Kawānanakoa Middle School
King Intermediate School
Kulia Academy
La Pietra
Lanakila Baptist Middle School
Lanikai Elementary School
Le Jardin Academy
Liholiho Elementary School
Lincoln Middle School
Lunalilo Elementary School
Mānoa Elementary School
Mary, Star of the Sea School
Maryknoll School
Maui Waena Middle School
Mauka Lani Elementary School
McKinley High School
Mid-Pacific Institute
Mililani High School
Mililani Ike Elementary School
Mililani Mauka Elementary School
Mililani Middle School
Moanalua Elementary School
Moanalua High School
Moanalua Middle School
Momilani Elementary School
Myron B. Thompson
Nānāikapono Elementary School
Niu Valley Middle School
Noelani Elementary School
Nuuanu Elementary School
Palisades Elementary School
Pauoa Elementary School
Pearl City High School
Pullman High School
Punahou School
Radford High School
Roosevelt High School
Royal Elementary School
Sacred Hearts Academy
Sage Hill School
Saint Louis School
Salt Lake Elementary School
SEEQS
St. Andrew’s Priory
St. George‘s Classical Academy
St. Mark Lutheran School
Stevenson Middle School
The King's Academy
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa University Laboratory PCS
Waiākea High School
Waiākea Intermediate School
Wai‘alae School PCS
Wai‘anae High School
Waikīkī Elementary School
Waimānalo Elementary and Intermediate School
Waipahu High School
Waipahu Intermediate School
Waolani Judd N. School
Washington Middle School
Wilson Elementary School
Sunday, December 15, 2024 ❄ 3:00 pm
Studio 909, Musician’s Association of Hawai‘i
Dean Taba, Jazz Program Director
Ryan Howe, Jazz Instructor
Noel Okimoto, Jazz Instructor
Program to be announced from stage.
Program to be announced from stage.
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 Hawai‘i 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.
Ryan Howe Jazz Instructor
Ryan Howe graduated from Maui High School and completed both his Bachelor’s in Music Education and Master’s in Bassoon Performance at the University of Hawai‘i. He currently teaches middle school band at Moanalua Middle School.
Mr. Howe says: “I have two things that I love to do in life, teach music and cooking. Both are great ways to express one’s self and a great medium to change people's perspectives in life and to teach humanity and good fellowship. Other than music, I like to play sports such as tennis, basketball, and golf. I believe that in order to be a healthy and effective teacher, you must have a balanced life. Mind, Body and Soul. I look forward to working with all students and parents. Please feel free to ask questions, because I believe that everyone is important and they deserve to be heard.”
Noel Okimoto
Jazz Instructor
Born and raised in Honolulu, Noel Okimoto has been playing professionally since the age of ten. Noel’s primary instrument is the drum set, but is also an accomplished orchestral percussionist, vibraphonist, composer and clinician. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Percussion from the University of Hawai‘i. Noel has played in Hawai‘i, the mainland USA, and internationally with Freddie Hubbard, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, Richie Cole, Bill Watrous, Ernie Watts, Bud Shank, Barney Kessel, Lew Tabackin, Sadao Watanabe, Wynton Marsalis, Ronnie Cuber, Makoto Ozone, Jeff Richman, Larry Coryell, Nestor Torres, Gene Harris, Take 6, David Benoit, Henry Mancini, Nelson Riddle, Steve Allen, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Bob Hope, Rosemary Clooney, Patti Page, Dionne Warwick, and Jake Shimabukuro, among others. He was also a member of the Gabe Baltazar Group for five years. He is also the percussion section leader of the historic Royal Hawaiian Band.
Okimoto recorded an award-winning jazz CD in 2004, entitled ‘Ohana, that received a 4-Star review in Downbeat magazine and positive reviews in other national and international publications.
Saxophones
Verily Coryell
Owen Dennis
Kyle Nakagawa
Trombone
Erin Kawamura
Saxophones
Desmond Mauer
Maxwell Chin
Electric Guitar
Elias Hollenbeck
Bass Guitar
Erin Kawamura
Liam Lihalakha
Keyboard
Rodrigo Del Carpio
Liam Lihalakha
Drum Set
Camden Funai
Isato Kimura
Electric Guitar
Broderick Nakasone
Eli Wolf
Bass Guitar
Johann Machida
Drum Set
Mani Kovacich
Carter Nobuhara
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. Learn more about all that HYS Jazz has to offer at https://hiyouthsymphony.org/hysjazz/. Registration for HYS Jazz usually begins in early July.
Librarian, Nānākuli Music4Kids
Veronica Cox grew up playing saxophone and singing in choirs in Ohio, where she graduated from the University of Akron, receiving a Bachelor of Music in Music Education PreK–12. She also holds a Hawai‘i Teaching License in Music, K–12 and works in Hawaii Public Schools. Veronica has been an active member in the National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, and Ohio Music Education Association since 2017. Throughout her life, Veronica has participated in Concert and Marching Bands, along with Concert and Chamber Choirs, touring around Ohio and Germany. Being surrounded by music her whole life, Veronica is excited to work with HYS to help make music a right!
Originally from Southern California, Tia moved to Honolulu from New Mexico at the beginning of 2023, where she earned her B.A. in Music and minor in Arts Administration. She is passionate about uplifting the music community, and has previously worked with various music educational organizations, including Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization.
Rachel Schultz brings over a decade of dedicated leadership in music education and community engagement to Hawai‘i Youth Symphony. She joined HYS in July 2024 as its Chief Operating Officer; a newly created role in which she oversees the areas of operational leadership and administration, human resources and staffing, and financial management.
A highly organized professional with a strong work ethic, Rachel blends experience from both the arts/non-profit and commercial/for-profit sectors. Rachel moved to Toledo as a founding member of the Toledo Symphony School of Music (TSSM) in September 2009. From 2010 to 2024, she served in various capacities: piano faculty member, TSSM Director, Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Toledo Symphony, and eventually, as Vice President of Education and Community Engagement for the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA).
A self-motivated leader, Rachel is skilled in identifying and implementing program improvements while streamlining processes. In fall 2018, she was one of 12 orchestra professionals chosen to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program of the League of American Orchestras. During this time, she also played a role in the merger negotiations between the Toledo Symphony and Toledo Ballet, resulting in the formation of TAPA.
As the head of TAPA’s education initiatives, Rachel oversaw education, engagement, and outreach programs for the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Ballet, TSSM, and Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras. Programs of pride include the innovative Noisy Library Program, Plastic Band Project, Introduction to the Orchestra: A STEAM Experience for Head Start students, work within the Juvenile Court system, and TAPA in the Parks, the first community engagement program of TAPA to feature both music and dance components.
Prior to her time in Toledo, Rachel was a faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Bowling Green State University, the Preucil School of Music in Iowa City, and the Music Settlement in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as interim director of the Suzuki Program. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Dalcroze Eurhythmics, a Master of Music, and a Professional Studies Certificate in Collaborative Piano, all from the Cleveland Institute of Music. She has also received extensive training in the Suzuki approach to music education.
Rachel’s drive for change and innovation has strengthened organizational stability and enhanced community impact throughout her career.
Lauren Sergent holds a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Public Relations with a Minor in Music from Carthage College. Her experience as a vocalist and percussionist has allowed her to perform for diverse audiences on tours across the U.S., Japan, Italy, Hungary, and Slovenia. Over the past few years, Lauren has been a member of groups such as Master Singers of Milwaukee, Oahu Choral Society, and Windward Choral Society. Committed to promoting youth engagement in music, she has previously made impactful contributions working for Drum Corps International. Outside of HYS, Lauren is a massage therapist with advanced training in treatment and self-care for common musicians’ injuries.
Hannah Watanabe works for the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony as Programs Director. She served as the conductor for HYS’s Concert Orchestra from 2006–2023, and conducted the Beginning & Intermediate String Ensembles for the Academy Program from 2024–2025. She is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree in K–12 Music Education with an emphasis in Secondary Instrumental Music. Ms. Watanabe is an alumnus of the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony where she performed under the direction of Mr. Michael Nakasone and Mr. Henry Miyamura. Prior to working at HYS, she taught orchestra for 16 years at Moanalua Middle School. While at Moanalua Middle School, she took the orchestra on several trips including Boston to work with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Disney World where the orchestra won Best in Class, the Gold Award, and received a superior rating twice at Festival Disney, to Disneyland to perform and participate in the Disney Workshop, and to the neighbor islands where her students performed and taught elementary school students about music and the instruments in an orchestra. Ms. Watanabe also taught K–6 general music and choir at Hawaii Baptist Academy, orchestra, piano, and music theory at Moanalua High School, and while still in college, she taught orchestra at Kalani High School part time. Ms. Watanabe is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Hawai‘i Music Educators Association (HMEA), American String Teachers Association (ASTA), and the Hawaii Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (HASTA) where she serves as Webmaster on the board for HASTA.
Randy Wong President & CEO
Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Randy Wong is a distinctive voice in arts administration and musical communities. He is among the first of a new generation of orchestra executive directors who bring a unique perspective as alumni of their own youth orchestras, as well as being a professional musician and educator.
As the President & CEO of Hawai‘i Youth Symphony (and a proud alumnus), Randy passionately champions its strategic vision of a Hawai‘i where Music Is A Right. This vision was recognized in 2023 by the international business magazine Fast Company in its list of Best Workplaces for Innovators, and was given top honors in the category of Social Good. Together, Randy and HYS have garnered numerous accolades and honors for executive nonprofit leadership, public relations, marketing, communications, television, and more.
Simultaneous to leading HYS, Randy is also a bassist in the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Outside of classical music, he champions ’marginalized’ music, in genres such as Exotica and Open Flow Jazz. His best known side project (which he co-founded with fellow HYS alumnus Abe Lagrimas Jr.) is The WAITIKI 7, an Exotica septet that has been profiled by the LA Times, Boston Globe, NPR Morning Edition, Global Village, Mother Jones, Giant Robot, The Feast (NBC); has performed with orchestras, in Berlin at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt, and at Halekulani’s House Without A Key. His other side project—the free jazz trio Red Nova—was featured in the Odesa (Ukraine) Jazz Festival, and was nominated for a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for its debut album Presence of Mind
In his free time, Randy gives back, serving as Vice Chair for the League of American Orchestras’ Youth Orchestra Division, volunteering as a mentor for first-generation college students in ‘A‘ali‘i Mentoring, and co-chairing the State Foundation on Culture & the Arts’ ARTS FIRST Committee on Advocacy.
Randy is also an alumnus of leadership cohorts at the League of American Orchestras, the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the American Express Leadership Academy.
Prior to HYS, Randy was program director & information architect for the Music-in-Education National Consortium, and faculty & staff at New England Conservatory. He holds an Ed. M (Arts in Education) from Harvard University, a performance degree (with honors, and a Concentration in Music-in-Education) from New England Conservatory, and is one of just a handful of Certified Fund-Raising Executives in the state of Hawai‘i.
Hawai‘i 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.
$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
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
Elton Masaki
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
(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
