Fall 2021 Newsletter by Hawaii Youth Symphony

Chair: Patti Look Vice Chair: Sharon R. Himeno Secretary: Erica Mau Treasurer: Mary Ellen Williams Directors: Alan Arizumi, Collin Hoo, Martin Hsia, Richard K. Ing, Tina Lau, Malcolm Lau, Michael Onofrietti, Aaron J. Salā, Geoffrey S. Sewell, M.D., Jake Shimabukuro, Jean Tsukamoto

President, Randy Wong Administration

Director of Operations: Aris Doike Assistant Operations Manager: Parker Nakamura Director of Advancement: Rüdiger Rückmann Programs Manager: Hannah Watanabe Operations Assistant: Justin Woo

Symphony Program Wayne Fanning Joseph Stepec, Director Elton Masaki Susan Ochi-Onishi Hannah Watanabe

Academy String Program Michael Lim, Conductor Brent Ramos, Coordinator Chad Uyehara, Director & Conductor

Jazz Program

Ryan Howe Noel Okimoto Dean Taba, Director

Pacific Music Institute

Ignace Jang, Solo & String Quartet Jeremy Lawi, General Manager Joseph Stepec, Artistic Director Dean Taba, Jazz

Music in the Clubhouse

Parker Nakamura, Music4Kids Yuseon Nam, Nanakuli Violin Class

What Does “Making Music A Right” Mean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? Three years ago, Hawaii Youth Symphony announced its vision to Make Music A Right, Not A Privilege. This summer, HYS President Randy Wong was invited by the League of American Orchestras to speak on a panel with orchestral administrators from Boston, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Chicago about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the field. The panel discussion provided an opportunity to reflect on the intersection of these topics in creating accessibility for music education. A springboard for discussion: what does it mean to make music a right? How do conversations related to diversity color our understanding of inclusion, and therefore inform strategies aimed at creating accessibility? The result of this focused discussion was a meaningful consideration of the nuances and complexities of how the orchestral community can collectively usher in the next generation of empowered artists and leadership.

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Board of Directors

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Fall Newsletter 2021

The Academy String Program: In Tune with Bright Futures The Academy String Program has been a part of Hawaii Youth Symphony’s program repertoire from the very beginning. It is rooted in the practices that unequivocally define HYS, providing a welcoming, accessible, affordable environment for students to both start and advance their music journeys.

Get Ready for Nā Mele!

Originally called the Honolulu Junior Orchestra, the program was begun by conductor Harold Higa for beginning and intermediate string players, and would later expand in the 1980s from one to four orchestras. Since 2010, the same year the program would take on the name Academy String, it has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. Instruction spans Beginning String Ensemble with no music experience required, Intermediate String Ensemble, String Orchestra Ensemble, and Concert String Orchestra, the Academy’s most advanced program.

Randy Wong: “Conversations like these can be difficult, but they can be essential to dismantling misconceptions—such as the notion that finances might dictate a child’s ability to hold an instrument in their hands, and even what kind of instrument or music they can play. Truly, when children have access to music, it teaches them the importance of commitment, teamwork, and self-confidence—all proven to be key to success in school and in life. It also can provide young people with a powerful buoyancy and optimism in the face of trying times.

1969 Winter Concert program designed by Clarence Lee

“To families considering a music program, the high-quality programming, professional and helpful staff, and support for families at Hawaii Youth Symphony are second to none.”

“I believe that we are in the beginning stages of tackling the issues of economic access and racial equity head-on. As we advance music’s role in our communities, we are also taking a stance that values DEI. “Through concerted efforts to reach students of all backgrounds, and by providing financial aid (for example), we can foster a safe environment for creative and artistic expression. Beyond musical performance, HYS also offers avenues for students to share their voices, like in our televised “Listen & Learn” school concerts, where students articulate their love of playing an instrument. All young people should have an opportunity to discover their voice, share it with others, and trust in themselves. Since music can help to open those doors, I believe every child should have the right to make Students participating in the Nanakuli music.” Music in the Clubhouse Program

The Sagadraca family’s experience with the Academy String Program began four years ago when daughter Paisley came home from school with a flyer that sparked her interest. Her mother, Jill, decided to register Paisley for the Beginning String Ensemble that very evening. The cello became Paisley’s first instrument of choice at the Academy. Her sister Zoë, who played viola through middle school, would later join the Intermediate String Ensemble. Jill herself went on to become a weekly parent volunteer.

- Jill Kawaguchi, Academy Strings Parent

Premiering at 7:00 pm on December 7th and December 9th on Hawaii News Now—K5. Silent Auction ends December 9th. All funds raised support Hawaii Youth Symphony!

Have an idea for a story, or other comments? Send a note to communityfeedback@hiyouthsymphony.org. Mahalo!

While Paisley and Zoë had previously participated in schoolrelated activities such as band, choir, and music classes, the family’s collective involvement in HYS would initiate a deeper commitment to making music a daily part of their lives. “The benefits of Hawaii Youth Symphony’s music education for my children include increased focus, responsibility, time management—paired with the opportunity to meet new people and perform in front of an audience,” said Jill. “They have learned to play as part of a group and gained leadership skills, building their confidence. Being involved in music education has enriched their lives beyond music.” Enjoy the rest of our story inside, featuring Academy String Program Director, Chad Uyehara.

Paisley and Zoë Sagadraca

Making music is a right, not a privilege.

HYS Stakeholder: Joyce Wong

President’s Message Randy Wong Music is a gift to be shared and collectively experienced. Given the necessary limitations placed on gatherings with friends and in concerts halls, it is understandable how many young musicians may become disheartened. Yet the resilience of our amazing students, and the dedication of our faculty and staff, continue to inspire. Through careful planning, and in keeping with our mission to develop youth to their fullest potential through orchestral music, HYS is providing ways for our students to safely play together. We have taken COVID-19 prevention guidelines very seriously—practicing them with the same rigor and detail that we strive to bring to our music. Our vigilantly monitored programs and stringent safety protocols have enabled us to offer classes in small in-person pods since the spring— providing a nurturing environment and creative outlet that is vital for the emotional wellbeing of our youth. Affording accessibility to music education in challenging times extends beyond the physical to economic access. In this latest issue of our newsletter, we’ll look at how accessibility is being supported in programs with inexpensive and early entry points such as Academy Strings, through major fundraising events like our upcoming Nā Mele, and with important conversations in the music community. Mahalo to our supporters and donors for your continued help to keep all avenues open for the young people of Hawaii.

One definition of a stakeholder is a person who “has a stake in an enterprise.” Hawaii Youth Symphony has been graced with many notable stakeholders who are invested in its past, present, and future.

Continued from front page Students from more than 70 schools participate annually in Academy String, and some 5,000 youth have enrolled in the program over the years. Thanks to contributions from HYS supporters and generous grants, the program offers financial aid, scholarships, instruments, and travel assistance for neighbor island students—providing scores of Hawaii families an invaluable entry point to music education.

Beginning with this issue, profiles of our stakeholders will be featured in HYS’ newsletters in a Q&A format led by Director of Advancement Rudy Rückmann. The profiles will include board members, faculty and staff, alumni/ae, students, community partners, and others. Joyce Wong plays many key roles in the HYS ‘Ohana: parent, dedicated volunteer, donor, and advocate. She gives hundreds of hours every year Photo Credit: Dennis Oda to facilitating rehearsals, concerts, and tours, and is a key liaison between HYS staff and students. HYS is grateful for Joyce’s unstinting service and that she has agreed to share her story with our community. Q: Could you tell me a little bit about yourself and your family? A: I am a Canadian girl who grew up in British Columbia and moved to the States for graduate school. My husband and I have four children, Michael, Isabel, Alexa, and Kate. All four began violin studies from a young age and Michael, Alexa, and Kate participated in HYS. Michael and Alexa have continued to play in college and beyond; all four still play together for family events and community concerts. Q: What would you tell parents interested in joining the HYS community? HYS is a community program of the highest quality and a great value. Through its programs, students learn accountability, self-discipline, focus, perseverance, and valuable time management skills, as well as the importance of community engagement. Participation in HYS exposes our children to adult mentors and peers who are passionate about music and dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. It is a very inclusive organization with a mission to provide access to high quality music instruction to all through generous financial aid and educational programming in historically underserved areas. For individual students, HYS provides opportunities to play repertoire at the highest level under the guidance of experienced and dedicated faculty. Q: How has music helped you and your family during the pandemic? A: At the beginning of the pandemic, I think we all felt somewhat unmoored and isolated and wondered how we could stay engaged with friends, loved ones and our community given restrictions on traveling and gathering, and the shuttering of many in-person volunteer and social activities. We did what we could given the limitations – we sewed masks and helped with organizations – but I think what really made my kids feel like they were contributing -something positive was sharing their music virtually with others who were similarly shut off – nursing homes, elderly friends and distant relatives, including my father who was ill and in the ICU last winter. During the pandemic, music has been a gift that has helped both the giver and recipient feel connected and less alone. For the fulll interview with Joyce, visit our website at hiyouthsymphony.org.

If you’re interested in supporting Hawaii Youth Symphony visit hiyouthsymphony.org/donate or contact Director of Advancement, Rudy Rückmann at rudy@hiyouthsymphony.org.

Chad Uyehara teaching Academy String Program students

Hannah Watanabe Named Programs Manager

Conductor and Academy String Program Director Chad Uyehara shares lessons learned when he was a student with the next generation of young musicians—such as Academy students Paisley and Zoë Sagadraca. Among these insights is the importance of listening—not only to one’s own sound,

but to others in the ensemble. He also reminds students to laugh, have fun, and enjoy the moment. An alumnus of Hawaii Youth Symphony, Chad earned his Bachelor’s of Music in Violin Performance, studying with LaVar Krantz, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He later received a Master’s of Music in Music Education and Viola Performance from Northwestern University where he studied viola with Roland Vamos. A registered Suzuki Violin/Viola Teacher, Chad has also been honored with the Teacher of the Year award from the Hawaii Music Teachers Association. “I'm very fortunate to serve HYS in an artistic capacity as conductor, and also in a more administrative role as Academy String Program Director,” said Chad. “Both roles have allowed me to meet, work with, and learn from a variety of people.” While growing as a musician, Chad found insights from his teachers and parents—as well as some he acquired through his own experiences—to be particularly valuable.

Music Lessons, Life Lessons • Practice consistently, carefully, and slowly. • Be sensitive to others not only as musicians, but as people. • Listen to a wide variety of music. This helps you become a better performer and person. • Have confidence in your abilities, especially if you've put in the practice time and hard work. • Sometimes you will fail, but do not let that stop you from doing what you love. • Learn as much as you can from your teachers, from other students, and from your own research. • Allow your personality, character, and love for music to shine through your playing. Be yourself.

PBN Business Leadership Awards Names HYS as Honoree Hawaii Youth Symphony has been named an honoree for the 2021 Pacific Business News Business Leadership Hawaii Awards! Recognized as an organization attending to the needs of our community in creative ways, HYS is being honored within the Cades Schutte/The Cades Foundation Nonprofit Organizations category. HYS is additionally in the running for a donation prize, with the winning nonprofit to be announced at PBN’s 20th anniversary of the awards held on November 4.

Hawaii Youth Symphony is delighted to share that longtime HYS conductor Hannah Watanabe has been named its Programs Manager. Hannah will assist with scheduling various enrollment programs and lend her expertise to coordinating HYS community events, such as the Listen & Learn Concerts in partnership with Hawaii State Department of Education. Bringing more than 20 years of music instruction and education experience to this new full-time post, Hannah will continue to conduct the HYS Concert Orchestra. "Hannah’s experience as an educator brings an invaluable perspective to the HYS administrative team as we continue to create the best experiences possible for our students,” said HYS Director of Operations, Aris Doike. “With a passion for music and community, Hannah embodies the spirit of HYS. We are fortunate to now have her leadership in both the administrative and educational foundations of our organization, and are delighted to officially welcome her to the HYS staff!” Hannah grew up on Oahu, attending Kalani High School, and is one of the many HYS alumni on staff. She received her bachelor’s degree in music education from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Over her extensive career inspiring young people, Hannah has additionally taught orchestra at Moanalua Middle School, Hawaii Baptist Academy, Moanalua High School, and Kalani High School.

BIG News!

Furthering Hawaii Youth Symphony’s ongoing commitment to making music education accessible to all students, a new entry-level program has launched in HYS Jazz. Now getting in the groove is even easier with our Beginning Improvisation Group (BIG)—debuting just as HYS Jazz celebrates its three-year anniversary! Students ages 12 and up can elevate their skills playing electric guitar, electric bass, upright bass, drum set, keyboard, trumpet, trombone, and saxophone. Additional instruments may be explored with approval from HYS Jazz Director and instructor, Dean Taba. As with other HYS programs, there’s always room to grow! With the support of our dedicated faculty including Dean, Noel Okimoto, and Ryan Howe, HYS Jazz additionally offers Intermediate Contemporary Ensemble (ICE)—and for “ACE-players”—Advanced Contemporary Ensemble. Interested in learning more about all HYS Jazz has to offer? Contact dean@hiyouthsymphony.org.

Keep Safe, Keep the Music Playing As we prioritize everyone’s health and safety, Hawaii Youth Symphony is requiring vaccinations against COVID-19 for all students ages 12 and up participating in our in-person programs. Faculty, staff, and our wonderful volunteers must also be vaccinated. HYS continues to enforce all CDC guidance, including mask mandates, social distancing, contact tracing, and temperature checks. In the case of a reported infection, comprehensive procedures are in place to mitigate impact. Through our smaller class size, we can continue to foster the potential of every student within the vibrancy of an in-person, orchestral setting. Our board and senior staff comprise a COVID-19 task force that meets monthly to monitor data and review practices to ensure healthy learning environments.