Hawaii Youth Symphony
Celebrating our 53rd Season YOUTH SYMPHONY I Conductor Joseph Stepec
YOUTH SYMPHONY II
Conductors Susan Ochi-Onishi & Elton Masaki
Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom Sunday, May 6, 2018 2016 Spring Concert Series
www.HiYouthSymphony.org
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Acknowledgments We are grateful to our community partners, whose generous support and special talents are invaluable to Hawaii Youth Symphony. Hilton Hawaiian Village Susan Smith Master of Ceremonies Ben Gutierrez Audio Engineer Fred B. Li Recording Engineer C&A Recordings
HYS Volunteer Stage Crew Russell Arakaki Michael Hee James Kam Parker Nakamura Graphic Design Mark Nakamura YSI Concert Parents Stacey Hatakenaka Wes Yoshida
YSII Concert Parents Lawrence So Carol Taniguchi UH Music Department Dr. Laurence Paxton, Chair Byron Moon, Facility Coordinator University Laboratory School Keoni Jeremiah, Principal Ira Wong
Mahalo to the music educators and private music teachers whose expertise, encouragement and support mean so much to our talented musicians. We are also grateful to the families and friends who volunteer their time and energy to strengthen our program and make it a success.
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2017–18 Board of Directors & Staff BOARD OF DIRECTORS Richard K. Ing, President Patti Look, President-Elect Sharon R. Himeno, Secretary Jean Tsukamoto, Treasurer Alan Arizumi Liza Wo Davis Gladys Hirano Martin Hsia Roy E. King, Jr. Malcolm Lau Tina Lau Daniel Momohara Michael Onofrietti Erica Mau Orejel Geoffrey Sewell, MD
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MUSIC STAFF Symphony Program Joseph Stepec, Interim Conductor, Youth Symphony I Elton Masaki, Co-Conductor, Youth Symphony II Susan Ochi-Onishi, Co-Conductor, Youth Symphony II Hannah Watanabe, Conductor, Concert Orchestra Wayne Fanning, Associate Conductor, Concert Orchestra Academy Program Joan Doike, Conductor, Beginning String Ensemble & String Orchestra Ensemble Chad Uyehara, Conductor, Intermediate String Ensemble & Concert String Orchestra Aris Doike, Coordinator, Academy Program Talia Turnbull, Academy Program Assistant
Music in the Clubhouse Joy Waikoloa, Instructor, Music4Kids Matt Momohara, Conductor, Clubhouse Band ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Randy Wong, Executive Director Carol Tsang, Finance Manager Aris Doike, Operations Manager Ann Doike, Programs Manager Samantha Dillon, Administrative Assistant Rory Onishi, Programs Assistant & Music Librarian
Hawaii Youth Symphony
1110 University Ave., Suite 200 Honolulu, HI 96826-1598 Tel. (808) 941-9706 Fax. (808) 941-4995 www.HiYouthSymphony.org
Hawaii Youth Symphony
Hawaii Youth Symphony
CONCERT PROGRAM Sunday, May 6, 2018
e Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom
Welcome
Ben Gutierrez, Master of Ceremonies
Invocation
Shayn Toothman, Kalani High School senior LUNCH SERVICE
Youth Symphony II
Elton Masaki , Co-Conductor Susan Ochi-Onishi, Co-Conductor Symphony No. 9 in E minor, “New World,” Op. 95 IV. Allegro con fuoco
Antonin Dvorak
Danse Bachannale from “Samson and Delilah”
Camille Saint-Saens arr. Merle J. Isaac
The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley
Koji Kondo arr. Andrés Soto
INTERMISSION
Youth Symphony I
Joseph Stepec, Conductor Suite from the Opera, “Merry Mount” I. Overture II. Children’s Dances III. Love Duet VI. Act II Prelude and Maypole Dances Variations on an Original Theme, “Enigma,” Op. 36 Var. IX: Nimrod Selections from My Fair Lady
Howard Hanson
Edward Elgar Frederick Loewe arr. Robert Russell Bennett
Senior Aloha Ceremony
Aloha ‘Oe 2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
Queen Lili‘uokalani arr. Douglas Palmer 3 May 6, 2018 | 3
Youth Symphony I Roster Violin I Nadine Alcantara Ian Chang Chelsea Cline, Concertmaster Megan Ganeku Mika Ishii Kurumi Kawata Alex Kobayashi Yudai Leonzon Evan Liu Lauren Llantero Darius Soo Hoo Kylee Takanishi Ryder Tanaka Jinny Wang Stephanie Yoshida Charles Yung Violin II Alizah Chao Kenneth Chee Marianne Garcia Stella Hung Leilani Ikeda Brooke Kumasaka Lauren Kwee Kenny Kwock Allyson Kwong Lilian Lu Josiah Matsuda Sabine Mejia Erin Nishi, Principal Justin Okumura Eunice Park Ryan Park Kauai Paule Lauryn Takanishi Alex Tam Nicolas Tanaka Viola Sophia Ellis Brandon Hong Queenie Huang Yukiko Hughes Preston Ku Sean Kwon, Principal Austin Lau Dane Mizuno Michael Murakami Sewon Park Fiona Sievert Frank Sun Nashya Yoshimoto Charles Zhang
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Cello Abigail Austria Ryan Fielding Mira Hu Shawn Jun Christopher Kwock Chloe McCreery Dylan Merkel Dong-Woo Seo, Principal Eugene Son Uriel Sung Alexa Wong Gradon Wong
Bassoon Everett Amemiya Chanelle Junio, Principal Mark Ushiroda Austin Young
Bass Sage Guo, Principal Elliott Hee Maysa Segovia Peter Wiggett
Trumpet Micah Nishimoto, Principal Davan Sagara Isaiah Takahashi
Flute Kiana Kawahara Margaret Nakayama Sherry Tanaka Hana Yoon, Principal Piccolo Margaret Nakayama Oboe Tabitha Hiyane Daniel Huang, Principal Erin Matsushita Koko Tamai Clarinet Kento Francisco Kassi Hatakenaka Maxwell Miyasato Tani Takushi, Principal
Horn Kai Abergas, Principal Kamuela Akeo Kai Le Chang Fuma Fujiki Grace Kim Kyle Maki
Trombone Nicole Fontanilla Cody Lee, Principal Jungwoo Park Rachael Yamamoto Baritone Cuyler Murata Tuba Ryoma Sears Lucas Toor, Principal Percussion Daniel Kam Kiva Nguyen Tevin Takata Shayn Toothman, Principal Aiden Woodard Harp Marcy Tokunaga
Bass Clarinet Kento Francisco
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, and was a Finalist in the Na Hoku Hanohano awards. Last season, the orchestra had the special honor of performing on From The Top, a nationally-broadcast radio show. For the 2017–2018 season, Youth Symphony I is composed of 104 students, grades 9–12, from 23 public, home, and independent schools across Oahu and Maui. They will rehearse more than 130 hours and perform 10 concerts on Oahu and Hawaii islands. A recent collaboration with the professional Hawaii Symphony Orchestra put Youth Symphony I side-by-side with many of their teachers and role models. Chelsea Cline, a senior from Punahou School, is this season’s concertmaster.
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Hawaii Youth Symphony Hawaii Youth Symphony
Youth Symphony I Joseph Stepec, Conductor
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oseph Stepec has recently been featured as music director for various collaborations with the Indiana University Opera-Ballet program and Cinema. He recently gave the North American premiere of Neil Brand’s score to Hitchcock’s silent film, Blackmail, to great acclaim. As a ballet conductor he has collaborated with Michael Vernon and Constance Dinapoli in productions featuring the work of Balanchine and Paul Taylor. Mr. Stepec has worked with the Rochester Philharmonic and has served as assistant to the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia and the Indiana University Philharmonic. In 2011, he was chosen as music director of the Euclid Symphony Orchestra and oversaw successful collaborations with the Lakeshore Ballet and various soloists throughout his tenure. As a violinist, Mr. Stepec has participated in festivals in Maine, Texas, Vermont, and North Carolina. He has performed recitals in Cleveland, Nashville, Cincinnati, and abroad in Slovenia. He was the featured soloist for a celebration of Slovenian Independence in 2013 in Cleveland’s City Hall and has extensive experience as a freelance musician in that city. He has worked with and assisted Arthur Fagen, David Effron, Carl St. Clair, Andrea Quinn, and Daniel Boico. 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. He studied additionally with Michael Jinbo at the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and pursued doctoral studies at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.
Master of Ceremonies Ben Gutierrez
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en Gutierrez is a general assignment reporter and weekend weather anchor for Hawaii News Now (KFVE/KGMB/KHNL). He is also involved in music and is a member of the Board of Governors of the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, home of the Na Hoku Hanohano awards. he is a proud, longtime supporter of Hawaii Youth Symphony.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
Youth Symphony I
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Youth Symphony II Roster Violin I Justin Chen Micaela Diaz-Paez Valentina Diaz-Paez Remi Furuto, Concertmaster Marissa Kwon Cameron Morgan Bao Nguyen Ellie Ochiai Zoe Oda Megan Ogasawara Sunwoo Oh Angelina Pablo Joshua Park Max Womack Violin II Vanya Alvarado Mia Caliri Tea Caliri Kenney Chan Katelyn Chong Kiana Ejercito Mayuko Ikeda Cyrus Kelawala Mackenzie Kop, Principal Alexander Lau Christine Lau Luke Matsumoto Kristyn Miyamoto Pieter Nauwelaerts Tyler Oribio Samantha Saruwatari Jordan Wong Brandon Yee Leon Yoshida Kimberly Zheng Viola Gabriel Agno Jewel Amrich Kelly Chen, Principal Emma Chun Ana Danko Jihyung Do Andrew Kim Kainoa Maruoka Seth Nixon Noah Taniguchi
Cello Aubrey Danko Jackson Evans, Principal Lily Evans Megan Goh Jonah Johnson Katelyn Ko Julian Kwon Kaileen Lardizabal Matthew Li Elijah Shimabukuro Cara Tan Joshua Vierra Christian Yamada
Bassoon Hayden Hawkins, Principal Ryder Kaya Melissa Munemitsu Noelle Nakakura
Bass Matin Boulos, Principal Marlon Velasco
Trumpet Michael Englar, Associate Principal Kanai Fu Gento Fujiki Riki Haraguchi David Kimura, Principal Noriko O’Shea Joshua Romero
Flute Sejin Park, Associate Principal Michelle Shuai Chinatsu Takizawa Karen Watarida, Principal Michelle Woo Erena Yamatsu Piccolo Michelle Woo Oboe Emily Fujii Lauren Higa, Principal Kayla Kanemori Krystal Spear Clarinet Caitlyn Kadooka Jessica Li Shlok Maharjan Natalie Narito Kaitlyn Nohara Aaron Omon Tyler Takemoto, Principal Bass Clarinet Jessica Li
Horn Jacob Fetterman Andrew Hayashi Raquel Hernandez, Principal YouJin Kim Michelle Leano Ashley Nakazaki Breverly-Ann Wiemer
Trombone Christopher Feeney Alyssa Lo Anthony Mills Paul Nocon Levin So, Principal David Young Baritone Robert Wiemer Tuba Kenso Kume Cora Lau, Principal Percussion Maya Arakaki Jesse Cumpston Joel Himphayvanh Justin Sato, Principal Nanami Yokoyama Harp Lily Lockwood
About Youth Symphony II
Youth Symphony II is the second most advanced of HYS’s seven orchestras. This year, Youth Symphony II is composed of 109 students, grades 8-12, from 32 schools across Oahu and Maui. This season, they will rehearse more than 120 hours and perform 7 concerts. Remi Furuto, an eighth grader at Iolani School, is this season’s concertmaster.
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Hawaii Youth Symphony Hawaii Youth Symphony
Youth Symphony II Elton Masaki, Co-Conductor
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lton Masaki holds a Bachelor of Education degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in music from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Master of Music in Education degree from Boston University. He is currently working on a PhD in Education with an emphasis in technology from the University of Hawaii. Mr. Masaki is the orchestra director at Mid-Pacific Institute where he has been conducting since 2005. He has also taught orchestra at Kamehameha Schools, Iolani School and the Hawaii Youth Symphony Academy String Program. Mr. Masaki also serves as an orchestra clinician for a number of different camps and workshops and manages his own string quartet. Professional affiliations include American String Teacher Association and Association for Education and Communication Technology.
Susan Ochi–Onishi, Co-Conductor
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usan Ochi-Onishi has been with Kaimuki Middle School since 1993, directing the Beginning and Advanced Concert Bands. Mrs. Ochi-Onishi graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a PDMUS Secondary Music Education degree in 1987. She received a Master of Music degree in 1985 from Northwestern University, where she studied the oboe with Ray Still (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) and the English horn with Grover Schiltz (CSO). Mrs. Ochi-Onishi is a member of the Oahu Band Directors Association and the American School Band Directors Association. Mrs. Ochi-Onishi is proud to be an alumnus of the Hawaii Youth Symphony program, where she served as principal oboist for both the Junior Orchestra (1976–1977, under the direction of Norma Parado), and the Hawaii Youth Symphony (1977–1980, under the direction of Peter Mesrobian and Grant Okamura).
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
Youth Symphony II
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Hawaii Youth Symphony
Hawaii Youth Symphony
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
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Mahalo to Our Donors Hawaii Youth Symphony is grateful for these gifts, made between July 1, 2017 and April 6, 2018. CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE ($25,000 and up) Cades Foundation Ian McLean Cooke Trust Department of Community Services PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE ($10,000–$24,999) Anonymous Alaska Airlines Foundation ABC Stores ALTRES, Inc. John R. Halligan Charitable Fund George Mason Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation Okumura Family Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation Robert E. Black Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation Stupski Family Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Kosasa The Al Sherman Foundation ANGEL ($5,000–$9,999) First Hawaiian Bank Foundation Mr. Bob Hayashi Mrs. Gladys Hirano Susan M. Kosasa Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation Hawaii Permanente Group Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation Fund Honolulu Cookie Company Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ing Island Insurance Foundation Johnson Ohana Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Steven Katzman Mrs. Carol S. Koga Mr. & Mrs. Alika Mau Price Okamoto Himeno & Lum ALC The Resort Group State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Teruya Brothers, Limited Ms. Ginny Tiu Mr. & Mrs. Kent Tsukamoto
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BENEFACTOR ($2,500–$4,999) Action Realty Corporation Ms. Lorraine Araki Mr. Alan Arizumi Avalon Commercial, LLC Bank of Hawaii Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Campbell Meagan Yoshimoto-Clark and Adam Clark, The Ebbtide Family Fund Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Gainsley Mrs. Helen K. Higa Mr. Martin Hsia Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kurisu Mr. Malcolm D. Lau Ms. Patti Look Marcus & Associates, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Momohara Mr. & Mrs. Michael Onofrietti Dr. & Mrs. Derek Orejel Mrs. Ruth Oshiro Pacific Property Group, Inc. Mr. Joseph Rothstein, PhD Mr. Lance Teruya Mr. & Mrs. Robert K. Torrey United Laundry Services, Inc. Waikiki Shopping Plaza Mr. Randall G. Wong & Dr. Helen Liu Young’s Market Company of Hawaii
PATRON ($1,000 - $2,499) Anonymous Anonymous Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Donald Amemiya Elite Pacific Construction, Inc. Foodland Super Market, Ltd. Mr. & Mrs. Owen Fukumoto Mr. & Mrs. Carlton Gushiken Ms. Maki Hattori Hazel H. Takumi Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Kendall N. H. Hee Mr. Warren Price III & Ms. Sharon Himeno Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Hokama Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Hong Mr. & Mrs. Andy D. Huang JN Group, Inc. Kahala Senior Living Community, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kosasa Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Lau Mr. Alan Gartenhaus & Mr. Rhoady Lee Matson Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Carl Matsuura Neiman Marcus` Dr. Steven Nishi & Dr. Pamela Tauchi-Nishi Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Nishimoto Mr. & Mrs. Brian Stapleton
Hawaii Youth Symphony Hawaii Youth Symphony
Mr. & Mrs. Brian W. Sung Ms. Jennifer Taylor Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Toyama Mr. Wayne Nakashima & Ms. Kay H. Tokunaga Watumull Stores/Jhamandas Watumull Fund Mr. & Mrs. Gaylord Wilcox Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Y. Wong Mr. Carl Yee & Ms. Mary Wong Ms. Valerie Yee SPONSOR ($500 - $999) Anonymous American Savings Bank Mr. & Mrs. Robert Chenet Mr. Allen I. Emura Mr. & Mrs. Roy T. Ganeku Mr. & Mrs. Troy Hatakenaka The Kane Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus Mr. & Mrs. Randall Hee Mr. & Mrs. William Holowecki Mr. & Mrs. Douglas W. Hung Island Insurance Companies Dr. Sandi Kwee & Dr. Leilani Ka‘anehe Kapolei Family Dental Corporation Mr. & Mrs. Kerry Komatsubara Mr. Richard L. Kurth Mr. & Mrs. W. Peter Kwong Dr. Dung Nguyen & Dr. Nguyet Le Mrs. Dorothy Mason Mr. & Mrs. David Monk Music Center of Hawaii, Inc. Patrick and Kris Kobayashi Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Gavan Sagara Mr. Brad T. Suan Ms. Leslie Tagorda Mr. & Mrs. Dean Tanaka Ms. Kelley Toor Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Winner Mr. & Mrs. Steve Yamane Dr. Mark M. Yoshida Mr. & Mrs. Randall Young PARTNER ($250–$499) Akiko Sanai Piano Studio Mr. & Mrs. Angelito Alcantara Mr. & Mrs. William A. Bordner Ms. Kay Brott Ms. Phoebe S. Campbell Mrs. Esther Cartoon Mr. & Mrs. Harry J. Chinn Ms. Virginia Lea Crandall
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Cundy Mr. Leland G. De Evoli Mr. & Mrs. Dexter J. Ejercito Mr. & Mrs. Bob Fissell Mr. & Mrs. Greg Fujimoto Ms. Alice T. Fukunaga Dr. & Mrs. Francisco J. Garcia Mrs. Helen G. Gary Mr. Jack B. Harmon Ms. Fujiko (Donna) D. Hughes Mr. & Mrs. Ken Kajihara Mr. & Mrs. Chester Kaneshiro Ms. Elizabeth Kaneshiro Dr. & Mrs. Toshihiko Kawasugi Dr. Richard Yoon & Mrs. Sujeon Kim Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Kimura Mr. & Mrs. Roy E. King, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Kohara Dr. Rosalie J. Kryston Ms. Susan Lampe Ms. Chelsea Lau Mr. & Mrs. Michael Li Mr. & Mrs. Ferdinand F. Llantero Mr. & Mrs. Russell Lo Ms. Chelsea Maeda Dr. Maya Matsuda & Mr. Edwin Matsuda Dr. Alex Suenaga & Ms. Kay Mattos Dr. Kelley Woodruff & Mr. Benjamin Marx Mrs. Sarah S. McDermott Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Mejia Ms. Carolyn Miho Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Momohara
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
The Nagel Family Fund Mr. Tin Shing Chao & Ms. Lai Ling Ng Mr. & Mrs. Greg Nakamura Mr. & Mrs. Chris Nielsen Mr. & Mrs. Dan Nishikawa Mrs. Doris Ogawa Taumate Oniate Mr. & Mrs. Rusti Onishi Mr. & Mrs. Gerald M. K. Pang Mr. & Mrs. Richard Perkins Mr. Steven Premo Randal S. Furomoto & Associates, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Dennis W. Randall Mr. & Mrs. Devin Rivas Martin Ms. Heather Shohet Ms. Sheryl Shohet Ms. Barbara B. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Tom Soo Hoo Ms. Anne B. W. Swanson Mr. & Mrs. Brent Takushi Ms. Amy A. Taniguchi Ms. Lea I. Tong Mr. & Mrs. Barry Toshi Ms. Janet Williams Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Williams Mr. & Mrs. Vernon K. W. Wong Dr. Jay Kwon & Dr. Natalie Woo Dr. Philip Wright Mr. & Mrs. Derrick Yamane Dr. Edward K. Yi & Dr. Susan Moriyama-Yi Dr. Lester Yim & Dr. Letitia Yim Dr. Namthip Sitachitta & Mr. Wesley Yoshida
Donors
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Donors (Continued) CONTRIBUTOR ($100-$249) Anonymous Ms. Carol Aki Mr. Clement K Akina Mr. & Mrs. Michael Amore Mr. Burr McCutcheon & Ms. Claire Arakaki Mr. & Mrs. Masanobu Arakaki Mr. & Mrs. Russell Arakaki Mr. & Mrs. Kendrick Y. H. Au Ms. Mary Bertolino Mr. Merle N. Bratlie Ms. Sharon Shiroma Brown Prof. David Ross & Ms. Ann Castelfranco Mr. Clifford Char Dr. John Chen & Dr. Lillian Chen Ms. Yongli Chen Mr. Glenn Chinen Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Ching Mr. & Mrs. Andrew T. M. Chun Mr. & Mrs. R. Dougal Crowe Mr. & Mrs. William Cumpston Mr. Brian Dunkel Mr. & Mrs. Gil Farias Mr. Joseph Francher Mr. & Mrs. Joel Francisco Mr. & Mrs. Randal Furomoto Mr. Presley Pang & Ms. Susan Pang Gochros Mr. & Mrs. Van M. Goto Ms. Rhonda Griswold Mr. Taukai Chang & Ms. Dexin Guo Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Hanaumi Gloria Kosasa Gainsley of Hawaii Community Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Harvey H. Hayashida Ms. Susan Higuchi Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Higuchi Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Hiyane Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hong Dr. Yujen E. Hsia Mr. & Mrs. Albert Hu Mr. Hunter Hunt Mr. & Mrs. Donald Ikeda Mr. Roger Izuka Mr. Ignace Jang Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Jessop Dr. & Mrs. Sid Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Guy Kamitaki Ms. Karolyn H. Kaneshiro Mrs. Joelle Kawahara Mr. Dan Curran & Ms. Fatiha Kheddaoui Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Kimura
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Mr. & Mrs. Eric K. Kobayashi Mr. Ernest Kobayashi Ms. Mary Ann Kobayashi Dr. & Mrs. Takeo Kudo Ms. Brenda Kumabe Mr. & Mrs. Maiju Kutty Col. & Mrs. Daniel Lau Mr. Bill Lee Mr. & Mrs. Merwyn Lee Ms. Mollie M. Y. Lee Drs. Worldster Lee Julian Leigh Ms. Sophia Liao Dr. Milton Liu Mr. & Mrs. Jeffery Logan Ms. Jennifer Loh Mr. & Mrs. Meredith Maeda Chet and Chris Malins Ms. Carolann Biederman & Mr. Seth Markow Mr. & Mrs. Charles D. Martin Mr. & Mrs. Keith Muraoka Mr. Elton Masaki Mr. & Mrs. George Masaki Ms. Pamela Masaki Mr. Edward Masunaga Mr. & Mrs. Leighton Mau Mrs. Jean McIntosh Ms. Mariko Miho Mr. Gilbert Miyasato Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Mizuo Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Mori Mr. Henry O'Neill & Ms.Carol Muranaka Ms. Janet H. Murphy Dr. Jeffrey Lim & Dr. Marcia Nagao Dr. & Mrs. George I. Nagao Mr. & Mrs. Craig Nakagawa Mr. & Mrs. Mark Nakamura Ms. Kay J. Newnam Mr. Norman Noguchi Mr. Glenn Nohara The Honorable Dean Ochiai & Mrs. Ochiai Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Oda Mr. & Mrs. Glenn M. Okino Dr. Collette Okubo Mr. & Mrs. Randal Omon Dr. & Mrs. Tilden Osako Ms. Denise M. Oshesky Mrs. Helen T. Oshio Mr. Justin J. Park Mr. Jonathan Parrish Mr. & Mrs. Kalani Perreira Dr. & Mrs. Robert G. Peters Dr. Richard Kennedy & Mr. Steven Prieto Dr. & Mrs. Greg K. Sakamoto Ms. Corynn Sakamura Ms. Suzanne Sato Mrs. Patricia Sekiya
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Shimabukuro Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin H. Shimokawa Shinnyo-En Hawaii Ms. Joan Shishido Mr. Jone Lee & Ms. Yuen Sin Mr. Bin Li & Ms. Sujuan Situ Ms. Mun-Hee Song Ms. Nancy K. Sonoda Mr. & Mrs. Robert Springer Mr. Jason Sunada Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Taba Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Takemoto Mr. & Mrs. Kiyoshi Takemoto Mr. & Mrs. Herman Tam Mr. & Mrs. Kent Tamai Ms. Brenda Tang Dr. Dailin Wang & Ms. June Tang Mr. & Mrs. Alan Taniguchi Mr. & Mrs. Derek Tenn Mrs. Ethel M. Teruya The Hon. Lea Crandall & Mr. David Schulmeister The Hon. Linda Luke & Mr. Robert Strand Mr. & Mrs. Bob Thue Tiffany & Co. Mrs. Janice Trubitt Ms. Juli Kimura Walters Mr. Shichao Li & Ms. Haiying Wang Rev. Msgr. Terrence Watanabe Mr. & Mrs. Frank Wei Dr. Robert Weiner & Dr. Linda Weiner Mrs. Nancy D. White Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Williams Mr. Michael Wo Mr. & Mrs. Jim J. L. Wong Ms. Ann M. Yakuma Mr. Mark Yamakawa Mr. & Mrs. Grant S. Yee Ms. Mildred A. Yee Mr. & Mrs. Scott Yoshihara Mr. & Mrs. Keith Yoshimoto Mr. Robert K. S. Y. Young Mr. Xiang Yee & Ms. Jiangyan Zhu FRIEND (Up to $100) Anonymous Ms. Beatrice Affron Mr. Steven D. Agasa Mr. & Mrs. William A. Alicar Ms. Karynna Asao Ms. Ellen E. Belconis Mr. & Mrs. Philip Brown Mr. Kenneth H. Burtness Mr. Paul Chan
Hawaii Youth Symphony Hawaii Youth Symphony
Ms. Martha Child Ms. Faye Ching Ms. Sandra Ching Mr. Matthew Chong Mr. Daniel Chun Mr. & Mrs. Darryn Chun Mr. & Mrs. Gary Chun Mr. & Mrs. Leslie G. Crandall Ms. Lynn Dagli Ms. Jackie Davis Mrs. Cyril Domingo Ms. Joanna Fleming Mr. & Mrs. Jay Fujimori Rev. & Mrs. Yoshitaka Fujinami Ms. Sharon Fujita Mr. Gary Garo Mr. & Mrs. Richard Gilsdorf Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan C. Gochu Mr. Zihang Ou & Ms. Fan Gong Mr. William H. Gould Mr. Tom Graham & Christine Daleiden Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Groves Mr. & Mrs. George Haraguchi Mr. Christopher Harrison Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Hashi Mr. & Mrs. Lance Hayashi Ms. Meagan M.M. Hayashida Mr. & Mrs. Michael Hee Mr. Brandon Marc Higa Mr. & Mrs. Kenn Higa Mr. Terry L. Hildebrand Ms. Sofia I. Himeno-Price Mr. & Mrs. Mark Hirokawa Hongwanji Mission School Mr. & Mrs. Paul Hoshino Mr. Gregg Ichimura
Ms. Eri Imanil Ms. Lori Isara Ms. Megan Ito Ms. Veronica Jakovac James K. Michishima, CPA Mr. Khullip Jeung Kaahumanu Elementary Ms. Cherry Ann Kaiaokamalie Mr. & Mrs. Richard Y. Katsura Mr. & Mrs. Lou Kauffeld Mr. & Mrs. Dennis B. Kim Mrs. Mildred Kitagawa Mr. & Mrs. DK Kodama Ms. Kristi Koga Ms. Sylvia S Koike Ms. Ruth Komatsu Mr. & Mrs. Kirby K. Kudzia Mr. & Mrs. Jared Kumasaka Ms. Valri Lei Kunimoto Mr. & Mrs. Peter K. Y. Kwong Ms. Catherine Lau Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Lau Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Lau Mr. & Mrs. Jason Lee Ms. Joyce Lee Mrs. Rose Loui Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Lui Ms. Leanne Lum Mr. & Mrs. Leighton Lum Mr. & Mrs. Carl Maki Mr. Benjamin Marshall Ms. Ren Martin-Doike Ms. Naomi Masuda Ms. Starr Matsushita Mr. & Mrs. Damon Medeiros Dr. Karen Miyamoto & Mr. Dan Miyamoto Mr. & Mrs. Seimasa Miyashiro Mr. Scott Molzhon Dr. Sarah Mordan-McCombs
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
Mr. & Mrs. Sanford Morioka Mr. Keola Maruoka & Mrs. Nila Win Mr. Tom Park & Ms. I-Mei Sun Ms. Carol Nakaganeku Mr. Craig Nakamura Mr. Parker A. Nakamura Mr. & Mrs. David Nako Ms. Nadia Naoumoff Ms. Eugenia W Ng Mr. & Mrs. Sam Ng Ms. Alila Nguyen Mr. Ernest T. Nogawa Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Ono Mr. Emile K. Oshima Mr. & Mrs. William T. Oshima Mr. & Mrs. Marcus Oshiro Mrs. Sally S. Oshiro Mr. & Mrs. Angel G. Pablo Mrs. Eugenia C. Park Jesse Red Mrs. Muk Lan Leung Rice Mr. & Mrs. Jason M. Robinson Mr. & Mrs. Roy Y. Saito Mr. & Mrs. Takahiro Sato Ms. Martha Seroogy Mr. & Mrs. Goodwin W. Seto Mr. & Mrs. Grant Shimabukuro Ms. Laurie Shimabukuro Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence W. J. Siu Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence So Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Sorensen Ms. Gail R. Sugita Mr. Ron Sumida Mr. Lance Suzuki Mr. & Mrs. John S. Sylvester Mr. & Mrs. Dean K. Taba Mr. & Mrs. Kent Takahashi Mrs. Sandy Taketa Ms. Ming L. Tanigawa-Lau Mr. & Mrs. Xerxes Tata Ms. Kathy Todoki Mr. & Mrs. Edward Toma, III Mr. & Mrs. Mark Tomomitsu Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Tran Mr. & Mrs. Jim Walfish Ms. Hannah Watanabe Mr. & Mrs. Donald R. Womack Dr. George Chu & Ms. Diane Wong Mr. & Mrs. Randall Wong Mr. & Mrs. Corey Yama Dr. Byron K. Yasui Ms. Dale H. Yatsushiro Dr. & Mrs. Eric K. S. Yee Mr. Taylor L. A. York Mrs. Jill Yoshimoto Mrs. Amy Young Mr. Zi Jing Huang & Ms. Yuyu Zhan
Donors
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Donors (Continued) In Honor Of Kelly Holowecki by Mr. & Mrs. William Holowecki Martin Hsia by Dr. Yujen E. Hsia Luke Kauffeld by Mr. & Mrs. Lou Kauffeld Edith Leong by Mrs. Helen T. Oshio Patti Look by Ms. Susan Lampe Maestro Henry Miyamura by Mr. Merle N. Bratlie by Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Ching by Mr. Matthew Chong by Dr. Alex Suenaga & Ms. Kay Mattos by Dr. Richard Kennedy & Mr. Steven Prieto by Elite Pacific Construction, Inc. by Mr. & Mrs. Greg Fujimoto by Ms. Sharon Fujita by Ms. Sofia I. Himeno Price by Ms. Maki Hattori by Mr. & Mrs. Andy D. Huang by Mr. Gregg Ichimura by Mr. Roger Izuka by The Kane Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation by Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Hokama by Mr. Khullip Jeung by Ms. Elizabeth Kaneshiro by Ms. Linda Katsuki by Dr. & Mrs. Toshihiko Kawasugi by Mr. Dan Curran & Ms. Fatiha Kheddaoui by Mrs. Mildred Kitagawa by Dr. & Mrs. Takeo Kudo by Mr. & Mrs. Kirby K. Kudzia by Ms. Catherine Lau by Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Lau by Drs. Worldster Lee by Mrs. Rose Loui by Ms. Leanne Lum by Ms. Ren Martin-Doike by Ms. Starr Matsushita by Mr. & Mrs. Leighton Mau by Mrs. Sarah S. McDermott
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by Ms. Mariko Miho by Dr. Sarah Mordan McCombs by Mr. & Mrs. Sanford Morioka by Mr. Craig Nakamura by Mr. Parker A. Nakamura by Mr. & Mrs. Dan Nishikawa by Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Nishimoto by Mrs. Doris Ogawa by Dr. & Mrs. Derek Orejel by Mr. Emile K. Oshima by Mrs. Muk Lan Leung Rice by Mrs. Patricia Sekiya by Ms. Sheryl Shohet by Ms. Mun-Hee Song by Mr. & Mrs. Tom Soo Hoo by Mr. Lance Suzuki by Ms. Anne B. W. Swanson by Mr. & Mrs. Kiyoshi Takemoto by Ms. Ming L. Tanigawa Lau by Mrs. Ethel M. Teruya by Rev. Msgr. Terrence Watanabe by Mr. Randall G. Wong & Dr.Helen Liu by Mr. Randall Wong by Dr. Philip Wright by Ms. Ann M. Yakuma by Mr. Taylor L. A. York by Dr. Mark M. Yoshida by Mrs. Jill Yoshimoto Ellie Ochiai by The Honorable Dean Ochiai & Mrs. Ochiai Ms. Helen Paris by The Nagel Family Fund
Tani Takushi by Mr. Bill Lee Jean Tsukamoto by Mr. & Mrs. Chris Nielsen Mr. Derrick Yamane by Mr. Lance Teruya In Memory Of Geoffrey Au by Mr. & Mrs. Kendrick Y. H. Au Ian Cooke by Ms. Rhonda Griswold Alan Doike by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Williams Jamie Higa by Mr. Benjamin Marshall by Ms. Nadia Naoumoff by Jesse Red Kum Ok Ka‘anehe by Dr. Sandi Kwee & Dr. Leilani Ka'anehe Harriet Komo by Mr. & Mrs. Russell Lo Mark Kuraya by Dr. Byron K. Yasui Niki Libarios by Mr. & Mrs. Keith Yoshimoto Ellen Masaki by Ms. Karynna Asao by Dr. Steven Nishi & Dr. Pamela Tauchi-Nishi Neil McKay by Mr. & Mrs. Randall Hee Mrs. Ellen R. Miyasato by Mr. Gilbert Miyasato Margorie Hisako Tanoue by Mr. Paul Chan by Dr. Collette Okubo Gin Wong by Mr. Carl Yee & Ms. Mary Wong Edmund Yee by Ms. Janet H. Murphy
The Hawaii Youth Symphony thanks each donor and community partner who has contributed to its programs. Every attempt has been made to publish a complete listing. We regret any omissions or errors that may have occurred, and would appreciate if you would call HYS at 941-9706 to advise us of them. Thank you! Hawaii Youth Symphony Hawaii Youth Symphony
Congratulations Class of 2018 Kamuela Akeo Nadine Alcantara Abigail Austria Jacklyn Bregman Ian Chang Kelly Chen Chelsea Cline Ana Danko Michael Englar Megan Ganeku Sage Guo Kassi Hatakenaka Raquel Hernandez Lauren Higa Daniel Huang Queenie Huang
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
YouJin Kim Alex Kobayashi Kenny Kwock Sean Kwon Kaileen Lardizabal Austin Lau Michelle Leano Evan Liu Lauren Llantero Alyssa Lo Anthony Mills Margaret Nakayama Kiva Nguyen Micah Nishimoto Paul Nocon Jungwoo Park
Eunice Park Ethan Sanekane Anisa Segovia Dong-Woo Seo Uriel Sung Isaiah Takahashi Tyler Takemoto Tani Takushi Ryder Tanaka Lucas Toor Shayn Toothman Mark Ushiroda Gradon Wong Rachael Yamamoto Austin Young Charles Zhang
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Class of 2018 Kamuela Francis Kekaiolohia Akeo Youth Symphony I, Horn /Kamehameha Schools Kapālama
H
awai‘i Youth Symphony has been extremely influential to my musical growth. By providing me a place where I am surrounded by excellence, I have matured in ways that I would not have been able to elsewhere. It has inspired me to strive for excellence and be industrious in all I do. This is especially relevant as I look to study music and Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaii. My favorite memories are the two HYS trips in which I participated, playing Symphonic Metamorphosis, and playing at the Listen and Learn Concerts. At school, I play in the band, serve on the band’s leadership, and sing in the Concert Glee Club; I also founded the Kamehameha Brass Quintet. I would like to thank Mrs. Ochi-Onishi, Mr. Masaki, Mr. Yamane, Mr. Miyamura, Mr. Stepec, and my peers for making HYS one of the greatest experience of my high school career.
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Nadine Alcantara
Youth Symphony I, Violin /Moanalua High School
M
usic has been part of my life and has shaped me into the person I’ve become today. I started my musical journey when I was 10 years old, and I’ve been playing the violin for eight years since. Being in Hawaii Youth Symphony for four years has been a great experience for me. I started in YSII for two years, later performing in YSI my junior and senior years. My experience in HYS was filled with joyful memories yet challenging hardships. Although my Sundays were occupied with grueling rehearsals, I enjoyed making music with all my friends. HYS has taught me about developing professionalism and persistence to produce the best tones of my instrument and never to strive for less. In addition to participating in HYS, I am also a member of my school’s Symphony Orchestra and Con Passione. I am also a violinist in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace. Along with music, art is also a recreational activity I enjoy. Like music, it allows me to freely express my emotions and encourages relaxation through stressful times. After high school, I will be attending University of Hawaii Manoa and will pursue a major in Computer Engineering.
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Class of 2018 Abigail Austria
Youth Symphony I, Cello / Moanalua High School
W
hile the music created by our instruments is fleeting, the skills gained to produce such beautiful sounds endure and last a lifetime. In my three years as a member of HYS, I have learned how to work hard to achieve my goals, dedicate myself towards doing the things that I love, laugh in times of stress, and most importantly, enjoy the experience that the effort brings. All that I have done in HYS have shaped me into who I am today, and I am immensely grateful for the wonderful opportunity to grow both as a musician and as a person. In addition to HYS, I am a member of Moanalua High School’s Symphony Orchestra. I also volunteer with Moanalua High School’s Leo Club as Historian and with a non-profit organization called Hawaii Literacy. In the fall, I plan to attend Georgetown University and major in Psychology; particularly, social or developmental psychology. I would like to thank everyone who has been there for me: my conductors, teachers, friends, and family. The love and support you have given me throughout my musical journey have been a continual source of inspiration that kept me motivated during tough times. I cherish all of the friendships that I have made throughout my time in HYS; getting to connect with others whom I would not have otherwise been able to meet made the music we played together all the more beautiful.
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Jacklyn Bregman
Concert Orchestra, Oboe / Kaiser High School
T
hroughout my life, music has always played a significant role in being my biggest inspiration for everything I do. It originated with my love for musical theater as a child, but culminated with picking up the oboe in the sixth grade. Despite having a passion for the oboe, I had been hesitant to audition for Youth Symphony, but now that I have been playing in CO, I partially regret that was the path I chose. Just from this one year of YS, I have gained a greater sense of self-motivation and confidence in myself due to the expectations from anyone playing in these ensembles. I have learned that much potential can be gained if you’re willing to take risks. Outside of YS, I have been a member of the Kaiser High Colorguard and Winterguard for 4 years, as well as a self-taught independent cartoonist and illustrator. My illustrative works are primarily online, but have also been used by the Kaiser Colorguard and have earned me a few awards from art contests. Following high school, I intend to go to 4-year university to study 2D animation and hopefully learn to integrate elements and principles of music and the performing arts into the animated films I create.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
Class of 2018
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Class of 2018 Ian Chang
Youth Symphony I, Violin / Punahou School
I
’ve been on a musical journey ever since I first picked up the violin as a six-year-old. I took my first steps in CSO—my exciting introduction into orchestral playing. Since then, I have played with CO, YSII, YSI, the Punahou Symphony, and various quartets under the Punahou Chamber Music Program. Along the way, I’ve made music with a dizzying variety of amazing students, teachers, and composers, each of whom has helped me grow over these years. With the guidance of the conductors I’ve had the honor of playing under—including Mr. Yamane, Mr. Miyamura, Mr. Stepec, and many others—I have learned so much about being a good musician, teammate, and student. I cannot thank them enough for all the things I’ve learned through them. I would also like to thank Ms. Elaine Lu—my violin teacher for seven years—for constantly fixing all my little mistakes no matter how many times I kept making them, and my family for supporting all my endeavors. If there is one thing I would take away from my many years in this wonderful program—it is the power of going beyond, of immersing oneself fully in whatever they do, and doing it to the best of their ability. I don’t know where I’ll go next, but I am excited to see what the future holds.
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Kelly Chen
Youth Symphony II, Viola / Mililani High School
K
elly Chen fell in love with the viola in her 5th grade afterschool orchestra program. After seven years, Kelly is now principal violist in Mililani High School’s String Ensemble class and the after-school Symphony Orchestra. Kelly joined Hawaii Youth Symphony II in her junior year and for her last year with HYS, she is the principal violist for YSII. Kelly is planning to head off to a four-year university to study Chemistry and work towards a career in the medical field. Thanks to the Hawaii Youth Symphony, Kelly has grown in her knowledge of music due to the variety of experiences HYS has given to her. She is appreciative to have met other talented musicians and she is especially thankful for the friendships she discovered while in YSII. Thank you to the awesome YSII viola section for being such a nice group of people to work with. Thank you, Mom, Dad and Maggie, for attending my concerts and supporting me.
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Hawaii Youth Symphony Hawaii Youth Symphony
Class of 2018 Chelsea Cline
Youth Symphony I, Violin / Punahou School
C
helsea began violin lessons at the age of three. She began her journey with HYS in CO, eventually making her way up to YS1 four years ago. The Youth Symphony has provided her with the incredible opportunity to surround herself with other young musicians who share a similar passion for music. HYS has taught her leadership, resiliency, and music appreciation. Chelsea has participated in various local and international competitions since a very young age. During the summers of 2015 and 2016, she studied at the Meadowmount School of Music where she developed a deep love for playing the violin. In the summer of 2017, Chelsea performed in Carnegie Hall and toured South America with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States under the baton of Maestra Marin Alsop. Chelsea would like to thank her first teacher, Ms. Renie Wong-Lindley, for building her a solid and nurturing foundation, and her current teacher Dr. Nicole Routman-Ebisu, for fueling her passion and never giving up on her. She would also like to thank her parents and grandmother for their constant support, and Maestro Miyamura and past HYS conductors for teaching her to go beyond. Chelsea will graduate from Punahou School this June and plans to pursue a degree in violin performance.
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Ana Danko
Youth Symphony II, Viola / Iolani School
A
na has been a member of the Hawaii Youth Symphony for five years. She started viola in the seventh grade as a member of the ‘Iolani orchestra. She joined the Hawaii Youth Symphony in eighth grade and has been playing in YSII for the past three years. Her favorite memory from YSII is playing in the Listen and Learn concerts. Ana also currently plays viola in ‘Iolani’s Orchestra 5. In addition to the viola, Ana paddles and kayaks for ‘Iolani, volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, and enjoys spending time with her friends, hiking, and baking. Ana plans to attend college on the mainland and eventually attend medical school. Ana would like to thank her parents for all their encouragement and support.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
Class of 2018
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Class of 2018 Michael Englar
Youth Symphony II, Trumpet / Waipahu High School
H
awaii Youth Symphony has been an invaluable experience of my senior year because I built new friendships and made beautiful music along the way. Being involved in an orchestra for the first time has allowed me to develop a fonder appreciation for orchestral music and the amazing parts that it ensues. In addition to being in YS, I am also involved in the UH West Oahu Band and Waipahu High Schools Music Program. I am currently enrolled in the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Concert Choir and Chamber Singers as well as our marching band during the fall season. After I graduate high school, I will be marching my first season with the Santa Clara Vanguard, and then attending UH to major in Music Performance. One day, I hope to become a music teacher and have the same impact on kids that HYS has had on me.
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Megan Ganeku
Youth Symphony I, Violin / Moanalua High School
M
egan has been in the HYS Program for the past 5 years. She started YSII in the 8th grade; and has been a part of YSI for the past 4 years. Megan attends Moanalua High School and is a member of their Symphony Orchestra since her freshman year and has been Concertmaster for the past 3 years. At MoHS she also is a member of their String Ensemble “Con Passione� and played the clarinet for their Marching Band for the past 2 years. She thanks Mr. Seta for his inspiration, constant encouragement and guidance in striving for perfection in music. She would also like to thank Ms. Watanabe for taking her interest in violin to the next level. Megan wants to give thanks to Mr. Stepec, her YSII directors Mr. Yamane & Mr. Masaki for her great experiences. She wants to especially thank Mr. Miyamura for gifting her with his work ethic, passion, and love of music that has made her the musician she is today. She wants to also thank her current and past violin teachers Ms. Julia, Mr. Uyehara, and especially Ms. Nikki for pushing her to be the best she can be. Megan will be attending a university on the West Coast majoring in the medical field and will continue to play the violin in college.
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Hawaii Youth Symphony Hawaii Youth Symphony
Class of 2018 Yiming (Sage) Guo
Youth Symphony I, Bass / Sacred Hearts Academy
S
age has been a member of HYS for four years. She started from OC and YSI for two years, and then, entered the YSII. It is also the fourth year since she came to Hawaii, and her entire study life which she studied in SHA (Sacred Hearts Academy) is following the study of the music in HYS, too. As she played the string bass in the HYS, she has been playing in the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band of SHA for four years. During the time in the HYS, she enjoys the time of rehearsal together and performing on the stage. She is satisfied from sharing the music to the audience and finds her passion of her instrument and the symphonic music both. The most important lesson which Sage learned in HYS is that music is a enjoyment for the audience and the player both. This year is her last year staying in Hawaii, and she is currently planning go to the college in mainland. She chooses the mathematics as her major, and she will continue to play the bass in the college band and learn the music.
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Kassi Hatakenaka
Youth Symphony I, Clarinet / Kalani High School
M
y musical journey began when I was a sixth grader learning how to play the clarinet. Two years later I joined CO, and my Sundays were forever changed. I moved up to YSII at the start of high school, and fortunately moved up to YSI this year. In addition to being in YSI, I am a proud member of the Kalani High School Falcon Marching Band, and have been a section leader for two out of my four years. I also perform with my school’s Wind Ensemble, OBDA Select Bands, participated in the Music for All National Festival, as well as their Honor Band of America. These opportunities would not have been possible without my current lesson teacher, Henry Miyamura, and my former teachers, Lynne Nakaura and Daryl Akamichi. Thank you Mrs. Ochi-Onishi, Mr. Fujio, Mr. Kaneshiro, and Mr. Yamane for helping me to grow as a musician and person. I would also like to express my gratitude to Mr. Masaki for giving me the chance to screech on the violin and viola. HYS has shown me the significance of music in our community, as their staff has always been enthusiastic and supportive. Because of these wonderful experiences, I plan to study Music Education in the fall at a university on the mainland. All of this would not be possible without my parents, who always chauffeur me, go to my concerts, and will soon fund my college endeavors.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
Class of 2018
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Class of 2018 Raquel Hernandez
Youth Symphony II, Horn / Kalani High School
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aquel has been an HYS member for five years starting in Concert Orchestra. For the past four years, she has been a part of YSII serving as principal horn for the last three years. She got her start in music on the piano at five years old. She also plays the guitar and cello. As a student at Kalani High School, Raquel is a member of the Kalani High School Wind Ensemble. She performed with the Kalani High School Marching Band and Color Guard for her entire high school career; being one of the brass section leaders in her junior year and Drum Major in her senior year. Her participation in the HYS has taught her the importance of being able to work together with others and how music can create new bonds and strengthen old ones. She would like to thank her parents for always supporting her in achieving her dreams; her horn teacher, Ms. Marie Lickwar, for always pushing her to do her best and believing in her; Mr. Dennis Kaneshiro, Kalani High School band director, for his encouragement and guidance and putting up with her puns; and everyone who has been a part of her musical journey. Raquel plans to attend college and double major in music performance and education.
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Lauren Higa
Youth Symphony II, Oboe / Punahou School
M
y name is Lauren Higa and I’m the principal oboist for YSll. I began my musical journey in the 6th grade at Kaimuki Middle School under the direction of Mrs. Ochi-Onishi and Mr. Fujio. After leaving KMS, I began my high school career at Punahou School. During my time at Punahou, I’ve been a sign painting booth chair for the Punahou Carnival, volunteered with the Key Club, was a staffer on my school’s literary/art magazine, and served as a Character Initiative Officer in my school’s National Honor Society. After graduating from high school, I plan to pursue my interest in English and/or become an Illustration/Graphic Design major in college. Although I’ve only been in HYS for two years, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to play with other wind and string players from other schools. In addition to playing with HYS, my other musical involvements include being principal oboist in my school’s Wind Ensemble and performing with the Punahou marching band/flag corps as a color guard for the past three years.
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Hawaii Youth Symphony Hawaii Youth Symphony
Class of 2018 Daniel Huang
Youth Symphony I, Oboe / Kalani High School
H
YS has been the center of my musical journey for the past seven years. Playing in HYS has taught me how to work with others and keep an open mind to learning new things. I fondly remember my second year in CO, when I was standpartners with our current concertmaster, Chelsea Cline. And when I joined the wind section, Mr. Uchida jokingly labeled me as a traitor. I find it funny that Chelsea motions me to give the tuning A nowadays. I am so grateful that HYS has given me numerous opportunities to give back to my community and live a life bigger than myself. Next year, I will be studying Neurobiology at Harvard College. I want to thank all of my music teachers and mentors over the years, namely Mr. Wu (violin), Mrs. O (oboe), and Aunty Cheryl (worship leader). I couldn’t have made it this far without the support of my family, teachers, and friends. HYS has given me the chance to do what I love. I am sad to be graduating, but I will definitely continue playing music for the rest of my life. The Hawaii Youth Symphony will always hold a special place in my heart.
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Queenie Huang
Youth Symphony I, Viola / Punahou School
Q
ueenie has been playing viola in HYS for eight years, starting off in BSE and making her way through each orchestra up to YSI three years ago. From learning the basics of holding an instrument to playing a full symphonic piece, HYS has been there every step of the way, fostering her musicianship both as a pianist and as an orchestral violist. HYS has taught her discipline, hard work, and teamwork; this is the basic concoction that now enables her to express her musical ideas whenever and in whatever she plays. Now a 2018 National Young Arts Foundation Winner, Queenie most enjoys making music and fun memories with the supportive community and friends that HYS is, which she will dearly miss. She would like to thank her loving parents, piano teacher Joanna Zane-Fan, viola teacher Carlos Malanima, violin teacher Ignace Jang, Maestro Henry Miyamura, and each of her HYS conductors/mentors for helping her fall in love with learning and performing music. Queenie will graduate from Punahou School this June and plans to pursue a double major in English and Piano Performance.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
Class of 2018
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Class of 2018 YouJin Kim
Youth Symphony II, Horn / McKinley High School
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hile this is my first and last year playing with HYS, I can say that I love the great experiences I had during my short time. When I was a junior, I auditioned for HYS since I was going to be a senior and I was able to get into YSII. I truly regret not trying out for HYS sooner because it is so much fun! I love everything about it! Along with HYS, I am part of the McKinley High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble I as the current principal horn and section leader of the French Horn section. In addition to HYS, I did swimming for four years, football for three years, and I recently took up volleyball. After high school, I plan to major in engineering at a 4-year university.
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Alex Kobayashi
Youth Symphony I, Violin / Mililani High School
M
usic is a big part of my life and I’ve been playing the violin since I was seven years old. I joined HYS seven years ago with CSO and while I was in CSO, I dreamed of being in YSI after listening to their concert. Working to get into YSI taught me the valuable lesson of setting a goal and if you work steadily and diligently, you can achieve your goal. Playing in YSI gave me the opportunity to play with talented musician from other schools and YSI took me to a higher level of playing music. Not only did I play more challenging music and improve my technique, I also learned to feel the emotion of the music that I’m playing. I am thankful to all the HYS conductors for helping me become a better musician. I also like to thank my violin teacher, Ms. Sheryl Shohet who always encouraged me and supported my musical growth. Besides HYS, I am a member of Mililani High School’s (MHS) String Ensemble, MHS Symphony Orchestra, and my violin teacher’s ensemble, Na Mele O Suzuki. After graduating, I will be attending the University of Hawaii majoring in Biology.
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Hawaii Youth Symphony Hawaii Youth Symphony
Class of 2018 Kenny Kwock
Youth Symphony I, Violin / Roosevelt High School
B
eing a member of HYS for nearly eight years has undoubtedly been one of the most breathtaking and thrilling experiences in my life. While there were numerous ups and downs each year, from making new friends, to being asked to play individually in front of the entire orchestra, the whole experience itself was priceless. The thing I enjoyed most in HYS were the off-island trips, which included gazing at the gorgeous views of other islands and connecting with other peers outside of the orchestra. If there were several things I’ve learned through HYS, it is that expressing music is far more difficult than just playing notes and it takes a great deal of commitment from each individual to make music together as a coherent orchestra. Aside from playing the violin, several other hobbies of mine include: playing the piano, solving difficult math problems, and practicing archery. After I graduate from Roosevelt High School, I plan to attend a four-year college, majoring in something along the lines of mathematics and engineering, while minoring in music as a hobby of mine.
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Sean Kwon
Youth Symphony I, Viola / Punahou School
M
y name is Sean Kwon and I am the principal violist in YS1. At Punahou School, I am also a part of the Punahou Symphony Orchestra. Being in the Youth Symphony gave me a new perspective towards music. I was able to learn about the overtones of notes and learn about the importance of keeping a pulse. With the help of Mr. Miyamura, Professor Stepec, and my fellow orch dorks, I was able to grow in ways I could not have imagined. Besides the weekly three hour rehearsals, I loved making beautiful and powerful music with extremely talented musicians. Being immersed in the classical realm, I plan to minor in music and continue to play in orchestra beyond high school. Aside from music, I have been in club swimming since the first grade, and I have been a part of the Punahou Varsity Swim Team for the past four years. I am also in the Punahou Chamber Music Program, and I am the violist in the Chang Piano Quartet. Finally, I’d like to thank my Mom and Dad for always pushing me through the toughest challenges day in and day out. I would not be here today without their endless love and support.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
Class of 2018
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Class of 2018 Kaileen Ke’alohi Pang Lardizabal Youth Symphony II, Cello / Mililani High School
T
he Hawaii Youth Symphony has given me a strong foundation and appreciation for music over the last 7yrs. The first HYS program I participated in was the HYS Academy’s Beginning String Ensemble’s summer session, conducted by Mr Chad Uyehara . Through him and the program, I immediately gained discipline, respect and proper playing etiquette that I continue to share with elementary school students that I visit through my high school. The positive experiences I’ve had through the Hawaii Youth Symphony has helped me in being selected for the Central District Honor’s Orchestra and better share my music with others through the community service projects I do. I’ve also gained many friends and acquaintances through HYS, my school clubs, and the 4 study abroad/ cultral exchange programs I’ve done in South Korea and Tahiti. Along with performing music, I also dance hula and Tahitian dance. My love for the stage and performing has also brought me to a competitive level where I occasionally enter state or national Tahitian dance solo competitions. Aside from music and dance, I enjoy learning new languages such as Korean, Chinese, Japanese, French and Tahitian, as well as some of their history and culture. I plan to continue my education and music experiences abroad after graduation, and continue to give back what I’ve learned through The Hawaii Youth Symphony to other young people and future musicians that cross my path.
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Austin Lau
Youth Symphony I, Viola / Punahou School
B
efore I joined Punahou School’s orchestra as a 5th grader, I had no idea what the viola was or that it even existed. However, after picking it up for the first time, I fell in love with the best instrument in the string family. I began taking lessons with Helen Liu to further my musical development, and I joined HYS through YSII during 8th grade. As I entered high school, I advanced to YSI and also joined Punahou’s Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music Program, where I’ve gotten to meet countless talented musicians. In addition to my musical pursuits, I enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking, long-distance running, and more. I also love going to all-you-can-eat restaurants, playing ping-pong, and shooting billiards with friends in my free time. When I’m not doing those things, I’m either running a clothing business, Unbound Apparel, or relaxing through the game of Go. Once I graduate, I’d like to attend a mainland college. I’d like to thank all my conductors, coaches, teachers, fellow musicians, and concert parents for their hard work, support, and inspiration that has made my musical journey possible.
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Hawaii Youth Symphony Hawaii Youth Symphony
Class of 2018 Michelle Leano
Youth Symphony II, Horn / Waipahu High School
W
ith this being my first and last year in the HYS, I treasured each and every moment of it. I encountered and built friendships with students that were not only quality musicians, but quality people. Being a part of HYS has also enhanced my appreciation for music and the challenges that come along with it. The perseverance and self-motivation that I developed through music challenged me to pursue opportunities that have greatly impacted my future career. Alongside participating in HYS, I worked as a computer aide intern for the National Security Agency. I took my knowledge and work experience to advocate the coding program at my high school. Hopefully in the years to come, more and more students will be interested in coding. After I graduate from high school, I will attend a 4-year college to further my studies in both computer science and music. I will cherish everything that I’ve gained through being a part of the HYS.
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Evan Liu
Youth Symphony I, Violin / Punahou School
P
laying violin in YSI for the past four years has been such a memorable experience. I will never forget the countless hours of rehearsals and incredibly fun neighbor island trips. YSI has allowed me to become friends with people from around our state, and I have made many great memories with these people. It has been an honor playing music with my talented buddies, and I am sincerely grateful for Mr. Miyamura and Mr. Stepec’s guidance. In addition, I would like to thank Mr. Uyehara, Mr. Young and Dr. Carlson for contributing to my musical growth. Outside of YSI, I am a member of Punahou School’s Symphony Orchestra, math team and science bowl team. I also enjoy working as a physics teaching assistant and tennis assistant coach. In the fall, I plan to study biology in college, and although I may not continue playing in an orchestra, I will always remember what I have learned from HYS and strive to push myself beyond my limits to fulfill my aspirations.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
Class of 2018
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Class of 2018 Lauren Llantero
Youth Symphony I, Violin / Damien Memorial High School
F
our years ago, I would never have imagined that I would end up playing in one of the most talented youth orchestras in the nation. Being in a military family and attending a small high school with no orchestra has provided little opportunity for me to grow as a violinist, so my time at HYS has been extremely lifechanging. HYS has taught me many lessons, from overcoming the challenges of a difficult passage, to “faking it until I make it.” I have learned to cherish the weekly Sunday rehearsals and the amazing friends that I’ve made along the way. Without them, I probably wouldn't have had the same passion for music that I have today. Besides HYS, I participate in varsity soccer, speech and debate, Key Club, and NHS. I hope to continue playing music in college as I pursue civil engineering at a four-year university. HYS has definitely pushed me to go beyond beyond and to truly appreciate those who bring the gift of music in my life. I would especially like to thank my parents, brother, and Mr. Jean-Michel for always supporting me and being the motivation that inspires me to do better.
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Alyssa Lo
Youth Symphony II, Trombone / Punahou School
A
lyssa first auditioned for HYS her junior year and was the principal trombonist in CO. Presently, she is a member of the YSII trombone section. She started playing trombone in fifth grade under the direction of Mrs. Karen Murata; Alyssa later started working as Mrs. Murata’s teaching assistant. During this time, Alyssa started helping more in the classroom and soon found a passion for teaching. After graduating high school, she intends on pursuing her undergraduate degree in music education. In addition to HYS and school ensembles, Alyssa had to opportunity to perform with the 75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Honor Band. Aside from music, Alyssa also thoroughly enjoys writing and is presently pursuing an independent poetry project. With her musical ventures, Alyssa would like to thank her parents, Russell and Kimberli, for always supporting her, Mr. Jason Byerlotzer for assisting her through her college auditions, Dr. TJ Ricer for creating a strong, musical foundation, Mr. Michael Nakasone for piquing her interest in classical music, and Mrs. Karen Murata for her continued mentorship and support throughout the years.
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Hawaii Youth Symphony Hawaii Youth Symphony
Class of 2018 Anthony Mills
Youth Symphony II, Trombone / Mid-Pacific Institute
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nthony has been in HYS for two years, and this is his 7th year playing trombone. He has always loved playing in large ensembles ever since the 7th grade. Being in his school's Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, he has learned to truly appreciate good music and the hard work that goes along with it. His favorite memories from HYS include having the opportunity to be a student conductor for YSII twice. Aside from music, Anthony also plays volleyball with his club team and Mid-Pacific's varsity team. He has been playing competitive volleyball since the 7th grade, and is thinking of continuing his volleyball career in college. Anthony plans on attending Utah State University, where he will major in Aviation Technology, and minor in Music.
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Margaret Nakayama
Youth Symphony I, Flute / Kalani High School
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began my musical journey on the flute in 5th grade with my twin sister Tiffany. Although she switched to the trumpet a year later, I continued to play the flute and started to take weekly flute lessons in 7th grade under the guidance of Aileen Kawakami and continued my studies with Lance Suzuki. But, I wouldn’t be the musician/ person I am today without the influence of the HYS program. Being part of the HYS program for the past 5 years, I was able to expose myself in a community of like-minded individuals with the passion for music as I do. From this, I was able to bond and create unforgettable memories during the YS rehearsals, concerts, tours, and the wonderful music we created together. Not only that, the HYS program has taught me to go beyond my capabilities. With the countless hours of practice, patience, and determination, I am certain that it would be able to transfer these skills of self-motivation into other aspects of my life. As for my life after high school, I would like to continue playing the flute as a passion into college and beyond.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
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Class of 2018 Kiva Nguyen
Youth Symphony I, Percussion / Roosevelt High School
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espite this being Kiva’s first and last year in HYS, music has been a part of his life since second grade in Manoa Elementary, starting with flute-o-phones and ukuleles. After moving to Washington DC in the fifth grade, he learned the wonders of choir. When living in India during his middle school years, Kiva was introduced to percussion, and it has stuck with him ever since. Moving to Munford, Tennessee allowed Kiva’s music world to expand. There, he joined the Munford High School Marching Band, took lessons from Mr. Stan Head, the Timpanist for the Jackson Symphony, attended the competitive Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, and marched in the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. After returning to Hawaii as a Junior, Kiva promptly joined the Roosevelt High School Symphonic Band, the Marching Band, and YSI, where he resides to this day. Although the college has not been decided yet, Kiva plans to pursue Computer Science and join a World Class Drum Corp. Youth Symphony has taught Kiva to strive for high quality, appreciate the intricacies of music, and most importantly, have fun. This may be his only year, but HYS has created some of the greatest moments of his life.
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Micah Nishimoto
Youth Symphony I, Trumpet / Punahou School
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s HYS an awesome program? It most certainly is! My happiest moments have been rehearsing for and playing in HYS concerts alongside my family of musicians, conductors, and guest performers. Through their example, the Staff and Board of Directors of HYS have taught me to be selfless, and I sincerely thank them for their dedication and generosity. I hope to also positively contribute to my community. I began playing the piano at age 4 at the Maui Music Conservatory. After moving to Oahu in 2011, I switched from piano to trumpet and am currently studying under Mr. Kenneth Hafner. In addition to various ensembles at Punahou, I am a six-time member of the Oahu Band Director’s Select Band and have also trained at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. I am a Hiroshima Peace Scholar and travelled to Japan to promote peace. I currently teach ACT/SAT study sessions at Punahou, a program I developed this year. I also volunteer at the Hale Ho Aloha Living Facility and the Arizona Memorial. I plan to study aerospace engineering and hope to continue music. Wherever I decide to go, or what I end up doing, my fond memories of and lessons learned from HYS will be with me.
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Class of 2018 Paul Nocon
Youth Symphony II, Trombone / Aiea High School School
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uring my Youth Symphony rehearsals and performances, I really enjoy playing with others trombonist from other schools; the best of the best. The music we play are as hard as it is fun to play once we take the practice and putting them altogether. It gets me in the mood of dancing with the beat. It could even get me carried away. This experience is what I will take with me once I go to college. I plan to continue my experience in music and the importance of every part in the music. In college I plan to continue music through the UH system bands. Marching Band, Concert Band and so. I also compose music and this experience can help me define the parts written and how to compose music beyond intermediate level. I thank all the Youth Symphony Staff, the program, my directors, and especially my new friends that gave me an awesome year!
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Jungwoo Park
Youth Symphony I, Trombone / McKinley High School
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started learning music since I was 6 years old by playing piano in Korea. When I moved to Hawaii, I started playing the trombone in 6th grade. I am now a trombonist in YSI and a section leader for McKinley Wind Ensemble I, Low brass Section. I was also a part of the OBDA High School Select Band for four years and McKinley Math Team for two years. Youth Symphony has made me enjoy music and helps me understand more about it. Also, I became a more mature person and enhanced my experience with playing with outstanding musicians around Oahu High Schools. Because of playing in the Youth Symphony for two years, I started to take music more seriously. As a result, I decided to be a music performance/ education major at University of Hawaii at Manoa. I am very thankful to my family, friends, and my lesson teacher James Sposato who supported me.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
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Class of 2018 Eunice Park
Youth Symphony I, Violin / Kalani High School
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awaii Youth Symphony has created so many amazing memories for me that I will be forever grateful for. The best part of being apart of the Hawaii Youth Symphony was just being apart of such a prestigious program that let me interact with other like minded individuals that share my love for music. HYS has taught me so many amazing skills and lessons that I will bring with me further into life. Mr Miyamura has taught me one of the most important life lessons, to go beyond beyond beyond! It is a life lesson that I will always remember and apply. The importance of the group for example is another lesson. The fact that on a large scale the individual, although not recognized, needs to do his/her part to contribute to the group as a whole. If one person stands out it is ruined but if there is unity between everyone it is something that is greater than an individual could ever be. HYS and all the experiences gained through it will stick with me forever. After graduating, I will most likely be attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
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Ethan Sanekane
Concert Orchestra, Horn / Hawaii Baptist Academy
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have been a member of HYS for two years with both years in CO as a French Horn. Prior to this experience, I’ve never played in an orchestra before, so playing in youth symphony is something I’ll always remember. Currently, I am at Hawaii Baptist Academy playing in its Wind Ensemble. I plan to attend California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo in a major of Engineering. While I don’t plan to pursue a serious music career, continuing to play in college and a possible music minor are things I am considering. I would like to thank the conductors that have influenced not only my music but my entire life and also Marie Lickwar for the countless betterment of my French Horn playing. I would also like to thank my loving parents who always show support by taking me to rehearsals and coming to all my performances.
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Class of 2018 Anisa Segovia
Concert Orchestra, Violin / Mililani High School
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YS has taught me how to work with other musicians and a variety of conductors. This has challenged me to push beyond my capabilities. I’ve improved and accomplished a lot throughout the many years I have been with HYS starting at the Boys and Girl’s club. I have also been a member of Mililani High School‘s Orchestra and String Ensemble, Central Oahu District Honor Orchestra and most recently the 2018 All State Orchestra. I enjoy volunteering at the King Street Pet Hospital and Hawaii Humane Society in my spare time. I spend time as a Swim instructor at the Mililani YMCA teaching children and adults how to swim. I am an active member of the Mililani High School Culinary team and we were fortunate this year to receive 2nd Place by the Culinary Institute of America at the Culinary Arts State Competition at KCC. I plan on attending LCC in the fall and obtaining a degree in Animal Sciences.
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Dong-Woo Seo
Youth Symphony I, Cello / Punahou School
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hile learning cello for the past 6 years under Dr. Jonas Carlson, participating in HYS has helped me expand my repertoire and appreciation for collaborative music. I have also been playing the piano for 13 years with Dr. Yamashita. Outside of HYS, I am also the principal cellist in the Punahou Symphony, run the Punahou Music Club to provide music for the elderly in retirement homes throughout the island, and a member of the Punahou Science Bowl team. In the future, I plan to explore the intersection of biology and engineering, and work on a biotech start-up company. In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis or chess with friends.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
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Class of 2018 Uriel Sung
Youth Symphony I, Cello / Punahou School
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’d like to thank my cello teacher Mrs. Louise Ching, who taught me for over 8 years, and Mrs. Pam Asato, my piano teacher, who taught me the piano for over 9 years. They’ve been not only a source of guidance but someone who pushed me and drove me to become better. I’m also grateful for Mr. Henry Miyamura and Mr. Joseph Stepec for being some of the most inspirational and passionate people I’ve met in my life. I also owe a big thanks to my family, because without them, my entire musical journey would not be possible. My favorite aspect of the Hawaii Youth Symphony is the opportunity to make music with a big group, which is vastly different and infinitely more complex than solo repertoire. I appreciate all the people who helped me become who I am today, whether it was through their words or gifts or actions.
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Isaiah Takahashi
Youth Symphony I, Trumpet / Waipahu High School
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have really enjoyed playing in the HYS program for the past two years. Last year, I was in YSII and immediately fell in love with the sound and feeling of being part of an orchestra. It was great to be surrounded by so many talented and dedicated musicians who had the same passion for music as I did. This year in YSI has been an equally amazing experience. It is so much fun to come together and make music with students and teachers who inspire me to become a better player and person every day. I am extremely grateful for my family, teachers, and friends who have helped me along my musical journey. Without them, none of this would have been possible. In the fall, I plan to attend California State University Long Beach to major in music performance.
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Class of 2018 Tyler Takemoto
Youth Symphony II, Clarinet / Kalani High School
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started learning clarinet in the 6th grade at Kaimuki Middle School, with very little prior music experience. By the time I reached high school, I decided I liked and wanted to continue learning music at Kalani High School. Having joined HYS as a sophomore in the 2015–2016 season, I’m extremely grateful that HYS allows me to perform a wide range of repertoire in an orchestral setting, something that cannot be obtained through a school band program. Looking back on my musical journey, I am fortunate to have received so much support from my family, friends, and teachers. I’d especially like to thank my private lessons teacher, Mr. Daryl Akamichi. I wouldn’t be here today without him. In addition to playing the clarinet, I also enjoy bowling, hanging out with friends, and volunteering at my dentist’s office. I plan to major in biology and am considering a career in the medical field.
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Tani Takushi
Youth Symphony I, Clarinet / Hawaii Baptist Academy
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so thankful for Youth Symphony because it gave me the opportunity to play with many great musicians my age. Whether we were rehearsing or performing, the music the orchestra put out always amazed me. Youth Symphony was such a humbling experience for me because I had the privilege to play with extremely talented people, and I found myself always learning from the people around me. I would always be motivated to improve in my own playing, attitude, and work ethic, just by observing other players and, of course, the knowledge and guidance from each conductor/clinician. Looking forward, in college I plan on majoring in music education. Every group I’ve participated in, whether it’d be YS, school band, or other ensembles, has helped develop my love for music more and more. I strongly believe that music is a valuable subject for students to take part in, so hopefully by becoming a music educator, I can someday give others the same life-changing music experience I had.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
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Class of 2018 Ryder Tanaka
Youth Symphony I, Violin / Kalani High School
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began my musical journey when I began to play the violin in our fifth grade orchestra at Wilson Elementary School. I instantly fell in love with music and knew that I wanted to continue playing in middle school and beyond. To continue my passion for music, I joined the Intermediate String Ensemble when I was in sixth grade. It was at an ISE Workshop at the University of Hawaii where I met my first violin teacher, Mrs. Joan Martin-Doike. Under the guidance of Mrs. Doike and HYS, I was able to develop my skills on the violin, working my way up the ranks from CO, to YSII, and finally to YSI in my freshmen year of high school. Without the opportunities that HYS provides for the musical youth of Hawaii, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today. I am forever grateful for HYS, and the difference it makes within our community and for the future of Hawaii. Thank you, HYS, for my past 7 years of music education.
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Lucas Toor
Youth Symphony I, Tuba / Moanalua High School
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hen I started playing the tuba in the 8th grade I would’ve never knew how far it would take me in life. Music has truly changed my life for the better and has shaped me into the person I am today. Music has allowed me to make new friends and experience things I would’ve never experienced otherwise. Being in music at my school and in YS has helped me realize that it is something I want to pursue as a career. I plan on attending UH Manoa and major in music education so I can help spread my love for music and hopefully change someone’s life just like how music changed mine.
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Class of 2017 Shayn Toothman
Youth Symphony I, Percussion / Kalani High School
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ver since he was young, Shayn was fascinated by sound – constantly imitating what was heard around him, whether it be a passing car or the soundtrack to Star Wars. He began playing piano when he was four, trying to play music from his favorite games and movies, and shortly after began taking lessons with Laurie Shinsato. In middle school, Shayn began playing percussion and immediately fell in love with it, auditioning into CO in 8th grade. He studied under the late Stephen Dinion, opening Shayn’s ears to its diverse sound world and subtle nuances (Shayn firmly believes that the triangle is one of the hardest instruments to play, due to the science of the perfect stroke and art of blending tonal qualities with the orchestra). In high school, Shayn joined the Falcon Marching Band, started composing music, and auditioned into YSI in 10th grade. He began studying under Jordan Schifino, helping Shayn cultivate his abilities in percussion. Shayn has currently been accepted into Berklee College of Music, and plans on mastering in music scoring for film and video games. Shayn would like to thank his instructors and directors for shaping him into the musician he is today, and his friends and family for continued love and support.
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Mark Ushiroda
Youth Symphony I, Bassoon / Roosevelt High School
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learned to play the bassoon in 6th grade and joined HYS in my 8th grade year where I was in Concert Orchestra and continued to work my way up to Youth Symphony 1. I have been in the Hawaii Youth Symphony for five years. In addition to playing the bassoon, I play the alto sax in my school’s marching band. I also swam for my school’s swim team for the past four years and played water polo for Honolulu Water Polo Club. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends, surfing and eating. After I graduate I will continue my studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and will major in biology to become an optometrist. Being studious, conscientious, and focused will help me in my journey through college and I can thank the Hawaii Youth Symphony for teaching me these skills throughout my time in the symphony.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
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Class of 2017 Gradon Wong
Youth Symphony I, Cello / Punahou School
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he best part of HYS for me has always been the camaraderie. Sometimes we would complain about the long rehearsals, but we stuck through it and I’m glad I was able to spend this time with the people in my section. Youth Symphony taught me that nothing comes easy, and if you want to make good music, then you have to put in the time and effort. It pays off though, as there is little else like being able to perform in a full symphony. My other interests include poetry and robotics, and I plan to attend a fouryear university as well as graduate school. My school and major is, as of now undecided.
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Rachael Yamamoto
Youth Symphony I, Trombone / Pearl City High School
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ver since I can remember, music has always been a part of my life. From playing the ukulele to singing lessons, I have always been musically motivated. Like most younger siblings, I followed in my brother’s footsteps and joined band in middle school. From then on, my passion for music and playing trombone has grown. Four years ago when I first joined HYS, I had no idea how much of an impact it would have on my life. Performing with CO in my freshman year, as well as performing with YSII in my sophomore year, and performing with YSI for the past two years has been life changing. Through the grueling and countless hours of rehearsals and many concerts, I have learned the true value of hard work, determination, and most importantly, teamwork. My participation in HYS has also allowed me to work with amazing and dedicated people from different schools. I am so honored to have met them, as they have each contributed to my growth as an individual and as a musician. I would like to thank my parents for their endless support in my journey with music, my private instructor Dr. TJ Ricer, my band director Dr. Chadwick Kamei, as well as my YS conductors Mrs. Susan Ochi-Onishi, Mr. Derek Yamane, Mr. Henry Miyamura, and Mr. Joe Stepec.
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Class of 2018 Austin Young
Youth Symphony I, Bassoon / Kalani High School
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ustin Young’s musical journey started when he began taking piano lessons at the age of 7. He continued to play piano up until the age of 14. Aside from piano, there was another musical instrument he found and grew to be very passionate about. This instrument was the bassoon. He continued to find passion in the double-reed instrument by participating in state bands and playing with other talented students in the art of music. In his 9th grade year, he joined HYS playing in YS2. He has been playing in YS1 for the past 3 years starting in his sophomore year. Austin is also a student athlete, where he participates in cross country, soccer, and track. Cross country is a sport that Austin is most passionate about and was the team captain in his last season. He now plans to major in music and pursue a career as a professional bassoon player.
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Charles Zhang
Youth Symphony I, Viola / Punahou School
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ome of my favorite memories in high school were made with HYS. From playing thrilling pieces such as An American in Paris to performing Listen and Learn concerts on neighbor islands, there were hardly any dull moments with the Youth Symphony. Playing in YSI has allowed me to develop as a violist, a musician, and a person. I learned not only values of patience, communication and discipline, but the importance of giving back to the community and educating youth. I am incredibly grateful to Maestro Henry Miyamura, who pushed us to go beyond the music and beyond ourselves, ultimately cultivating my unwavering love for music. Thank you to Mr. Joseph Stepec, who believed in us by filling the season with challenging but exciting repertoire. A special shout-out goes to Mr. Lance Uchida, who brought fun and Spongebob to many rehearsals and concerts. Aside from music, I love to run and have done a few years of track, cross country, and the marathon. I’m a member of the Punahou School KEY Club and Design Thinking Club as well. Looking forward, I hope to pursue a duel degree in music and neuroscience and discover connections in these fascinating fields.
2016 Spring Concert Series Aloha Concert
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