HE
MAKANA O NĀ MELE KICKS OFF 60TH ANNIVERSARY
“When I reflect on what music education did for me, I’m transported back to Sunday afternoons with Maestro Henry Miyamura, whose lessons transcended music and empowered me well beyond my time in HYS, from discipline to commitment, from confidence to excellence,” said Erica Mau-Schank, HYS board chair and alumna (‘07, viola) during her opening remarks.
“This 60th anniversary isn’t just a milestone—it’s a bridge between our proud legacy and our bold future. Every note played, every lesson taught, every concert performed has built the foundation for what’s to come.”
Mahalo to all who joined us during November’s He Makana O Nā Mele: The Gift of Music fundraiser! Held at the Halekulani, the event featured a cocktail hour on the lawn with a performance by Youth Symphony I. Guests then enjoyed performances by students in the HYS Jazz and Academy programs, and Youth Symphony I alongside special guest artists Keola and Moanalani Beamer.
“Nā Mele is truly a wonderful experience as you get to see a small part of what makes HYS truly remarkable,” said YSI oboist and Kalani High School senior Ayaka Yoshii. “It was a privilege to join such a high-level orchestra. I’ve not only improved my skills on the oboe, but I have learned to listen, blend, collaborate, and play as a team in this orchestra. I think these skills will apply to many things other
than music performance and these life lessons will stay with me throughout my life.”
Nā Mele, our largest fundraiser of the year, helps us to raise the money needed to maintain and expand our programs, while ensuring all keiki across Hawaiʻi—regardless of age, socioeconomic status and location—have the opportunity to participate.
“From entering the Academy String Programs as a shy eight year old to spending my last four years in YSI under Maestro Stepec, this community I’ve basically grown up in has continuously supported and instilled in me values of growth, discipline and teamwork to push me to become the best musician and individual I can be,” said YSI violinist and ʻIolani School senior Kaitlyn Sim. “So, I’d like to thank every single person that has continuously supported HYS and its vision throughout the past 60 years.”
HAWA
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
In times of political, socioeconomic, and cultural flux, the enduring power of music education becomes ever more crucial. As we navigate these shifting currents, Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony proudly champions the belief that music is not just an art, but a fundamental right for every young person in the state. This commitment guides our vision—a Hawaiʻi where Music is A Right—where every youth can access the transformative benefits of music education, at their own level of interest and pace.
I see daily how music nurtures not only individual talent and potential but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the success and vibrancy of our alumni, teachers, and broader music community, who inspire our students to be their best and selflessly share their talents and expertise through their teaching and passion.
I’m looking forward to 2025 and the brighter future that we will be working towards, together. Let’s continue to uplift and amplify the role of music in advancing our communities. Your support not only preserves this artistic heritage but actively propels it forward, echoing through the lives of our youth and beyond. Thank you for believing in music’s ability to inspire and transform, and for your steadfast and loyal support of Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony.
Our HYS exists because of you.
RANDY WONG President & CEO, HYS ‘99
MAHALO, CHAMPIONS!
In celebration of our 60th anniversary since our founding in 1964, we set an ambitious goal of fundraising $60,000 between October 24 and December 24, our actual anniversary date. With the overwhelming support from 167 HYS Champions across the country, from Hawaiʻi to Boston, we proudly exceeded this target. A heartfelt MAHALO to all our contributors!
Additionally, we met the goal for our annual NOTEworthy Challenge this past fall. With thanks to the support of 133 donors, generous matching support from the George Mason Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and additional backing from Foodland’s Give Aloha program, we successfully raised nearly $42,000 for a grand total of over $100,000 within the last quarter of 2024.
These contributions are vital in supporting our mission and vision. At a time when public support is more crucial than ever, we are especially grateful for the loyal and enthusiastic responses from all our donors. Your continued support helps us maintain and expand our programs, making a lasting impact on our community. We deeply appreciate each contribution and the difference YOU are making to support our Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony.
MAYOR BLANGIARDI SHOWS SUPPORT FOR HYS
HYS is fortunate to have the support of local leaders, including Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who issued a proclamation for He Makana O Nā Mele “The Gift of Music” Day (November 10, 2024). The proclamation seeks to bring awareness to the importance of music education for our keiki while recognizing the significant impact HYS has had on young musicians across the City and County of Honolulu and beyond over the past 60 years.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
RECYCLED ORCHESTRA VISITS THE NĀNĀKULI CLUBHOUSE
The Paraguay-based Recycled Orchestra of Cateura took a trip out to the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi’s Nānākuli Clubhouse to perform for its members and answer questions from the young musicians of HYS’s Music4Kids program. Music4Kids offers beginning, low-cost music classes held in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club Hawaiʻi, providing young people opportunities to explore a variety of music genres, musical concepts, and basic music reading techniques.
Their visit was supported by the Johnson ʻOhana Foundation to provide members with hope, inspiration and new knowledge on musical innovation and sustainability.
“Music has the incredible ability to connect communities near and far. These relationships help to broaden perspectives, giving our keiki an exciting opportunity to learn more about the world,” said Johnson ʻOhana Foundation Executive Director Jaclyn Johnson-Armstrong. “We are proud to support both HYS and the Recycled Orchestra in their shared mission to spread the joy and teachings of music with people everywhere.”
The Recycled Orchestra is from Cateura, Paraguay, where about three million pounds of solid waste are dumped every day. Its instruments are made from cans, wooden spoons, forks, oil drums and other materials that are found in the town’s landfill.
HAWAIʻI PUBLIC RADIO
Since its establishment in 1981, Hawaiʻi Public Radio (HPR) has served our community by sharing essential news, inspiring audiences through the power of music and the arts, and connecting people through conversations and convenings. Throughout the years, the trusted non-profit organization has been a proud partner
(Continued on following page)
WE
to HYS by advocating for the arts, broadcasting our Symphony and Jazz Program concerts, and hosting the Orvis Concerto auditions at its Atherton Performing Arts Studio.
HPR has several HYS alumni and supporters on staff, including Louise Kealiʻiloma King Lanzilotti (1966, cello), Ashley Mizuo (2014, oboe), Krystal Spear (2019, oboe) and Sharene Keliʻipunilei Lum Taba (1985, harp), who continuously foster the relationship between the organizations. The partnership provides an additional platform for HYS to share its mission, helping to maintain and grow the thriving arts community we have here in Hawaiʻi.
“Music was one of the most formative experiences of my childhood and adolescence. All of those years spent practicing oboe and pushing through nerves to perform at concerts and auditions gave me skills that I’ve used even as a journalist at HPR. I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without HYS,” said Ashley Mizuo. “Raising the next generation of musicians is so important. HPR believes that the arts are one of the best ways to bring people together. Bridging divides and bringing listeners joy through entertainment is a cornerstone of HPR’s core values.”
HPR’s future looks especially bright with its new president and CEO, Meredith Artley. Most recently, Meredith served as executive-in-residence and interim executive director of the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design in Honolulu. We congratulate Meredith on her recent appointment, and know that under her leadership, HYS will continue to have a wonderful partner in HPR.
LISTEN & LEARN CONCERTS FOR KEIKI & KŪPUNA
Last month, our Symphony Program held five Listen & Learn Concerts at the Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center. These concerts are endorsed by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education and free to attend. The goal is to foster interest in the arts by providing live orchestral concerts for youth by youth. This year, we performed for 28 schools for a total of nearly 2,500 students and had the opportunity to expand listeners to include 30 kūpuna from two different senior living communities for an intergenerational audience.
Attendees learn basic concert etiquette, see and hear all instruments of the orchestra, listen to classical and popular music, and participate in sing-alongs. Teachers receive pre-concert activity packets with worksheets and resources that help to familiarize students with concert music and meet current general learner outcomes and state arts standards. To learn more, visit hiyouthsymphony.org/listen-learn/.
Residents of ‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community
From L to R: Ashley, Kealiʻiloma, Krystal, Sharene
BOARD & STAFF
HYS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair Erica Mau-Schank ♪
Vice Chair Lauren Yoo ♪
Secretary Lorrin Hirano, Esq. ♪
Treasurer Collin Hoo
Directors
Sharon R. Himeno
Martin Hsia, Esq.
David Imanaka, Esq.
Richard Ing ♪
Malcolm Lau
Michael Onofrietti
Aaron Salā
Jake Shimabukuro
Jean Tsukamoto
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Randy Wong,♪ President & CEO
Rachel Schultz, Chief Operating Officer
Hannah Watanabe,♪ Programs Director
Lauren Sergent, Operations Manager
Brent Ramos,♪ Office Receptionist
Cyrinthia Decker, Senior Development Coordinator
Veronica Cox, Music Librarian
SYMPHONY PROGRAM
Joseph Stepec, Director & Conductor (YSI)
Elton Masaki, Conductor (YSII)
Susan Ochi-Onishi,♪ Conductor (YSII)
Wayne Fanning,♪ Conductor (CO)
ACADEMY STRING PROGRAM
Jeff Hamano,♪ Summer Strings
Stefanie Lawton,♪ BSE
Michael Lim,♪ Conductor (SOE & CSO)
Brent Ramos,♪ Coordinator
Carissa Miyamoto,♪ BSE & ISE
Sayuri Yamamoto, BSE
Laurie Shimabukuro,♪ Super Strings
JAZZ PROGRAM
Dean Taba,♪ Director
Ryan Howe,♪ Conductor
Noel Okimoto, Conductor
PACIFIC MUSIC INSTITUTE
Jeremy Lawi,♪ General Manager
Joseph Stepec, Artistic Director
Ignace Jang, Solo & String Quartet
Dean Taba,♪ Jazz
Richard Scerbo, Director of NOI+F
MUSIC IN THE CLUBHOUSE & COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Veronica Cox, Music4Kids – Nānākuli
Daniel Kawaiʻaeʻa Shaver,♪ Nānākuli Strings
Abe Lagrimas Jr.,♪ Music4Kids – Honolulu
♪ denotes HYS Alumni
WE ENVISION A
HAWAI
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: NANCY MASAKI
Nancy Masaki is a cellist, HYS alumna (‘70, cello) and owner of the Masaki School of Music. She is a longtime supporter of the arts in Hawaiʻi, a passion which stems from the impact of music in her own life. Through HYS and the encouragement of conductors, specifically Peter Mesrobian, she
was provided ample opportunities to develop and grow as a cellist and as a leader within her section, which led to her choosing music as a profession.
As an arts advocate and music school owner, she encourages students to participate in HYS programs to build on their skills and enhance their experience. Nancy explained that becoming a member of HYS has transformed a number of students who were otherwise struggling to stay engaged.
“They would look forward to attending rehearsals and performing with their peers in a more social setting,” she said. “[HYS] has helped many students stay connected as they discover an appreciation and love of music.”
The Masaki School of Music believes in giving every child a chance. With music’s ability to greatly enhance one’s life, Nancy and her team feel that it should be accessible to everyone. It benefits the lives of young learners through teaching discipline, time management, the importance of practice, repetition, performance and more.
“Music can be a lifelong partner and continues to offer challenges even into your twilight years,” she added.
“HYS is on a good path. Under the direction of Randy Wong, and with its dynamic conductors, our students will continue to thrive and have adventures in music that will only enhance their musical growth.”
Student soloists of the 1970 Aloha Concert conducted by Peter Mesrobian. Back (L to R): Carlton Gushiken, Craig Young, Phillip Cruz; Front (L to R): Nancy Masaki, Louise Ing
Nancy Masaki (left) with former students and HYS alumni (from L to R) Pyotr Alvarado, Celina Lim and Mira Hu. All are currently pursuing music degrees with cello as their primary instrument.
1350 South King Street, Suite 201
Honolulu, HI 96814
UPCOMING CONCERTS
February 17 & 18: Maui Tour (YSI and Jazz)
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
February 23: Cozy Concert Lewers Lounge at Halekulani
March 10: Chamber Concert Salt Lake Moanalua Library
March 12: HYS x HSO Side by Side (Beethoven Festival)
Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall
Beethoven Festival illustration by Uve Barker and Thomas Morrison