Special Edition: Class of 2023 Newsletter

BEYOND THE MUSIC

As every musician knows, being part of an ensemble requires more than just technical ability. It takes determination, perseverance, passion, understanding and more. Through our programs, we aim to provide keiki with the skills needed to become exceptional musicians, and even more, citizens of exemplary character.

Rehearsals teach kids about time management, teamwork and individual responsibility as they work together to create one sound. Performing on stage helps them to build confidence, overcome anxiety and stage fright, and most importantly, show how much can be achieved through practice and persistence.

“The lessons and skills that I have learned in HYS will play an integral role in the future. It will help me to become successful in my future career,” said Landon Yanagisawa, Concert Orchestra oboist. “I plan to pursue a degree in music education at Chapman University. I hope to be able to influence and inspire students to play the oboe.”

HYS students carry the skills they acquire in our programs with them throughout the remainder of their schooling and into adulthood, contributing greatly to their personal development and success. While not all of our students go on to become professional musicians, we have seen and heard about so many other ways in which HYS has impacted their lives.

“HYS taught me that being tremendously passionate about something is nothing to be ashamed of and should be shared, whether or not it be music. It has made me bolder in sharing my passions with the world,” said Ylang Guo, Youth Symphony I violinist.

As we bid farewell to the Class of 2023, we celebrate their countless accomplishments throughout the years and thank every student for their hard work, adaptability and resilience. In addition, mahalo to all of our instructors, staff, volunteers and donors, who have afforded our seniors the opportunity to take part in an outstanding symphonic experience—one that truly goes beyond the music.

Ylang Guo ‘Iolani School (O‘ahu)

Landon Yanagisawa Waiakea High School (Hawai‘i Island)

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE COLLEGES & SCHOLARSHIPS

The Class of 2023 has reported over $270,000 in scholarships, many of which are the result of our students’ successes in music.

They are planning to attend degree programs in a variety of disciplines including pre-med, chemistry, electrical engineering, business, biology, social and behavioral sciences, international relations, psychology, computer science, art, music and music education, and more!

What an exceptional year it’s been for the Class of 2023! I am thrilled to congratulate our 56 seniors on this significant milestone as we welcome them into a new class of HYS alumni. From their auditions to the Aloha Concert Luncheon, we have seen every student grow as a musician, leader and team player. With each one having demonstrated the capability of doing amazing things, we are eager to hear about all of their future accomplishments.

This diverse group of students from 23 public, independent, home and online schools is one of our largest senior classes yet. It has been exciting to watch the constant expansion of HYS, which has given us the opportunity to serve students from all islands and walks of life. Looking at the successes of the current senior class, it is evident that music makes a difference.

As each senior prepares for the journey ahead, we are confident in their ability to overcome every challenge and exceed expectations— just as they’ve done in HYS.

To the Class of 2023, mahalo for the dedication and passion you’ve held throughout your time with us. You’ve inspired me, and others, time and time again. Congratulations and good luck on your new adventure!

With aloha,

RANDY WONG

Self-reported colleges include University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of California, Berkeley, Irvine and San Diego, Northwestern, Princeton, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University, Boston College, University of Washington, Dartmouth, Oregon State, Chapman, Pomona College, Vanderbilt (Blair School of Music), Soka University of America, among others.

We encourage all alumni to update our office with their new mailing addresses, email addresses and school information to stay on our mailing list and keep in touch. To update your information, please contact Development Coordinator Cyrinthia Richards at cyrinthia@hiyouthsymphony.org.

HONOR-A-SENIOR DONATIONS

In Honor of the Class of 2023

—by Ben Gutierrez, Vibe Creative Marketing, Mr. Randy Wong & Dr. Helen Liu, and Lauren Yoo

In Honor of Leo V. Bala

—by Leilani Bala

In Honor of Maggie Chen

—by Angela Tom

In Honor of Juan Fangon

—by FeDahlia Lapitan

In Honor of Jonah Kashiwamura

—by Anonymous

In Honor of Taylor Omine

—by Ian Cablay

In Honor of Kaylin H. Wee

—by Esther Chung

THANK YOU, DONORS!

ALOHA CONCERT LUNCHEON RECAP

We had a terrific time celebrating our seniors and listening to the musical stylings of Youth Symphony I and II with special guest Kathleen Stuart at our Aloha Concert Luncheon on May 7. As a Castle High School alumna, Stuart was thrilled to sing with our students and excited to experience their skills and creativity.

“I’m personally delighted by how kids express themselves, so working with kids will always be fun for me. Walking into the first rehearsal I was excited to see how we could share ideas about the material we were presenting, and curious about the personalities involved,” said Stuart. “The talent and work ethic I witnessed was impressive, and in the times I got to talk story with several students, their bubbliness and generosity of spirit was clear. Even though everyone is very serious about what they are doing there is a lightness— and laughs and hugs throughout! HYS truly provides an environment that brings out the best in young performers.”

Mahalo to Edward Enterprises for the generous donation of program booklets for this event. We were thrilled to share them with the many family members, friends and HYS supporters who joined us at Hawaii Convention Center for the special occasion. Every performance was an impressive culmination of our students’ hard work throughout the season and served as an inspiring reminder of their resilience, dedication and adaptability—all things that will accompany each student as they continue their journey with HYS and beyond.

2022-2023 BOARD & STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Patti Look

Vice Chair Sharon R. Himeno

Secretary Erica Mau-Schank

Treasurer Richard Ing (Interim)

Directors

Lorrin Hirano

Collin Hoo

Martin Hsia

David Imanaka

Richard K. Ing

Malcolm Lau

Michael Onofrietti

Aaron J. Salā

Geoffrey S. Sewell, M.D.

Jake Shimabukuro

Jean Tsukamoto

Mary Ellen Williams

Lauren Yoo

PRESIDENT, RANDY WONG

ADMINISTRATION

Operations Manager Carissa Miyamoto

Programs Manager Hannah Watanabe

Development Coordinator Cyrinthia Richards

Receptionist Brent Ramos

SYMPHONY PROGRAM

Wayne Fanning, Conductor (CO)

Elton Masaki, Conductor (YSII)

Susan Ochi-Onishi, Conductor (YSII)

Joseph Stepec, Director & Conductor (YSI)

Hannah Watanabe, Conductor (CO)

ACADEMY STRING PROGRAM

Michael Lim, Conductor (BSE & SOE)

Brent Ramos, Coordinator

Chad Uyehara, Director & Conductor (ISE & CSO)

JAZZ PROGRAM

Ryan Howe, Conductor

Noel Okimoto, Conductor

Dean Taba, Director

PACIFIC MUSIC INSTITUTE

Kassi Hatakenaka, Admissions Coordinator

Ignace Jang, Solo & String Quartet

Jeremy Lawi, General Manager

Joseph Stepec, Artistic Director

Dean Taba, Jazz

MUSIC IN THE CLUBHOUSE & COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Chris Cabrera, Palolo Percussion Ensemble & Music4Kids

Yuseon Nam, Nanakuli Violin Class

Laurie Shimabukuro, Super Strings

Kenneth and Blake Hironaka (Kauai High School) with family and friends.

CONGRATULATIONS , CLASS OF 2023!

Sayleen Aglanao Oboe Waipahu High School

Archer Aloiau Trombone Kalani High School

Pyotr Alvarado Cello Homeschool

Leo Bala Cello Moanalua High School

Samantha Barayuga Bass Moanalua High School

Micah Branner Bass Kaimuki Christian School

Maggie Chen Viola Mililani High School

Sinjin Cho-Tupua Viola Kamehameha Schools

Ohriyon Cuffie Trombone McKinley High School

Prince Joshua Dionido Flute Waipahu High School

Juan Fangon Trumpet Kailua High School

Jeny Gorospe Oboe Pearl City High School

Ylang Guo Violin ‘Iolani School

Yun Hao He Cello Mililani High School

Jonah Kashiwamura Clarinet Moanalua High School

Hinano Kawaiaea Violin Punahou School

Irene Kim Horn Roosevelt High School

Erika Kwee Violin Punahou School

Jonathan Kwon Viola Punahou School

Celina Lim Cello Punahou School

Michael Lockwood Electric Guitar Punahou School

Teo Lubecke Violin Kalani High School

Jisu Jang Tuba Kaier High School

Blake Hironaka Trumpet Kaua‘i High School

Kenneth Hironaka Flute Kaua‘i High School

Macie Ho Percussion Roosevelt High School

Madeline Hodge Violin Punahou School

Trevor Hyun Viola Kaiser High School

CONGRATULATIONS , CLASS OF 2023!

Taylor Ohta Viola Moanalua High School

Taylor Omine Flute Mililani High School

Tiffany Nagano Oboe Kalani High School

Ethan Nakata Clarinet Hawaii Baptist Academy

Tyler Nakazaki Trumpet Kalani High School

Hailey Mashino Oboe Kalani High School

Jacob Matsuda Violin ‘Iolani School

Yzelle Messinger Violin Punahou School

Zoe Miyashiro Tuba Myron B. Thompson Academy

Brooke Morita Flute Pearl City High School

Jennifer Moritaka Horn Kalani High School

Haley Muramatsu Clarinet Punahou School

Mari Muramoto Violin Mid-Pacific Institute

Christopher Myers Violin Mid-Pacific Institute

Graysen Oumi Trombone Castle High School

Keon Sagara Viola Punahou School

Sakura Saito Violin Kalani High School

Alyssa Santos Violin Roosevelt High School

Timothy Shimizu Trombone Hawaii Baptist Academy

Iris Sim Flute Punahou School

Jett Takazawa Bass Guitar Punahou School

Josh Uchima Bari Saxophone, Keyboard Punahou School

John Patrick Villalon Tuba ‘Aiea High School

Kaylin Wee Violin Hawaii Mission Academy

Ella Williams Cello Punahou School

Kate Wong Violin Punahou School

Landon Yanagisawa Oboe Waiākea High School

Hyatt Yoshioka Oboe Sacred Hearts Academy