Spring Concert Series 2023

2023

Spring Concert Series

Symphony Program

Sunday, April 23, 2023 ✽ Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center Academy Program, Palolo Pākeke Ensemble, Nānākuli Strings & Super Strings

Saturday, April 29, 2023 ✽ Kaimukī High School Auditorium

HYS Jazz Program

Saturday, May 13, 2023 ✽ Studio 909, Musicians Association of Hawai‘i

Acknowledgements

talents are invaluable to Hawaii Youth Symphony.

State of Hawai’i

Dr. Josh Green, Governor

Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

City & County of Honolulu

Rick Blangiardi, Mayor

Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts

Makanani Salā, Executive Director

Accounting

KMH LLP

Evan Yamamoto, Charles Gilmour, Robert Loke

Audio and Video Engineer

Duane Padilla

Hawaii Symphony Orchestra

Dave Moss

Merchandise

Hybrid Design Hawaii

Printing

Edwards Enterprises

Mark Ibara, Justin You

Public Relations

Becker Communications

Susan Wright, Taryn Wells, Laura Young

Program Design

Mark Nakamura

Website

White Space Studios

Social Media

Vibe Creative Marketing

Erica Mau-Schank, Jessica Nelson, Alyssa Kawamura

Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii

Paddy Kauhane, Chief Executive Officer

Claudia “Lala” Fernandez, Director of Operations

Danielle Trinidad (Spalding)

Kekoa Tupua (Nānākuli)

Palolo Elementary School

Gary Harada, Principal

Aaron Arakawa, Counselor

Henrietta Clemons, PCNC

Kaimuki Middle School

Frank Fernandes, Principal

Niu Valley Middle School

Laura Ahn, Principal

Moanalua High School

Robin Martin, Principal

Jensen Ball, Auditorium Manager & Technology

Elden Seta, Music Director

Kaimuki High School

Jamie Dela Cruz, Principal

MJ Matsushita, Performing Arts Center Director

Musicians Association of Hawai‘i

Le Jardin Academy

Earl Kim, Principal University Laboratory Public Charter School

Keoni Jeremiah, Principal University of Hawai‘i Music

Department

Dr. Laurence Paxton, Chair

William Watson, Facility Coordinator

Academy Parent Volunteers

Roselyn Galapon, Tee Swan

Academy Coaches

Carissa Miyamoto, Sectional Coach

Janice Trubitt, Sectional Coach

Keanna Lau, YSI Student Volunteer

Kate Wong, YSI Student Volunteer

Jazz Parent Volunteer

Barney Brennan

Symphony Coaches

Jeremy Lawi, CO/YSII Percussion Coach

Alan Nii, YSII Wind Coach

Symphony Parent Volunteers

Michelle Funai, Shelley

Miyashiro, Wade Nobuhara, Debbie Petilos, Brooke

Sakamoto, Lawrence So

2022–2023 Board of Directors & Staff

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patti Look, Chair

Sharon R. Himeno, Vice Chair

Erica Mau-Schank, Secretary

Richard K. Ing, Interim Treasurer

Directors

Lorrin Hirano, Esq.

Collin Hoo

Martin Hsia, Esq.

David Imanaka, Esq.

Malcolm Lau

Michael Onofrietti

Aaron Salā

Geoffrey S. Sewell, MD

Jake Shimabukuro

Jean Tsukamoto

Mary Ellen Williams

Lauren Yoo

Hawaii Youth Symphony

1350 South King St., Suite 201

Honolulu, HI 96814

Tel. (808) 941-9706

www.HIYouthSymphony.org

Federal Tax ID 99-0119771

ADMINISTRATION

Randy Wong, President & CEO

Emmanuel Hobro, Librarian

Carissa Miyamoto, Operations Manager

Brent Ramos, Receptionist Cyrinthia Richards, Development Coordinator

Hannah Watanabe, Programs Manager

FACULTY Symphony Program

Joseph Stepec, Director of Orchestral Activities; Conductor – Youth Symphony I

Wayne Fanning, Conductor –Concert Orchestra

Elton Masaki, Conductor – Youth Symphony II

Susan Ochi-Onishi, Conductor –Youth Symphony II

Hannah Watanabe, Conductor –Concert Orchestra

Academy Program

Chad Uyehara, Director; Conductor

– Intermediate String Ensemble& Concert String Orchestra

Michael Lim, Conductor – Beginning String Ensemble & String Orchestra Ensemble

Brent Ramos, Academy Strings Program Coordinator

Laurie Shimabukuro, Super Strings Instructor

Jeff Hamano, Summer Strings Instructor

Jazz Program

Dean Taba, Director & Conductor

Ryan Howe, Conductor

Noel Okimoto, Conductor

Music in the Clubhouse

Christopher Cabrera, Pālolo Pākeke Ensemble & Music4Kids Instructor

Yuseon Nam, Nānākuli Strings Instructor

Pacific Music Institute

Joseph Stepec, Artistic Director

Jeremy Lawi, General Manager

Ignace Jang, Solo & String Quartet Program Director

Dean Taba, Jazz Program Director

Kassi Hatakenaka, Admissions Coordinator

We are grateful to our community partners, whose generous support and special

A Message from the President

Dear HYS Families and Friends,

Iam thrilled that you have come to join us in celebration and support of all the students, who have put so much into preparing our performances.

As you know, the students put their hearts, minds, and souls into learning their respective instruments. It takes hours of practice to develop the acumen, consistency, and courage for them to perform to their individual best. But in the end, it’s their collective energies that blend the discrete and transform them into music.

Supporting our youth in their musical endeavors takes commitment, both moral and financial. HYS depends on contributions to help us bridge the gaps between operating revenue and expense. If you are so inclined, we would welcome your contributions (at any level) to help us bridge the gap between operating revenue and expense.

In the meantime, I know you will enjoy their performances today! Not only are they thrilled to see you in the audience, but they are also grateful for your enthusiastic applause and support.

Again, thank you very much for coming to our Spring Concert Series and enjoy the shows!

With much appreciation,

Randy Wong President & CEO • Alumnus, HYS ’99

About the Hawaii Youth Symphony

Hawaii’s only state-wide music education organization, HYS serves students ages 7–18 of all skill levels and every economic background, brought together from more than 100 schools across the islands. Since 1964, the nonprofit has advanced its mission of developing youth to their fullest potential through orchestral music, offering diverse programs including general music, string and band classes, jazz, symphony orchestras, summer intensives, and more. Contributions from the celebration will go toward breaking down barriers to music education including financial hardship, access to qualified music teachers, the high cost of instruments, and expanding the reach of HYS in rural and under-resourced communities.

Among the largest youth symphony organizations in the country, HYS ensures that no interested child is turned away from a quality music education because of financial need and awards over $50,000 a year through its financial aid program. HYS also offers assistance for registration fees, instrument rentals, private lessons and air and surface travel for neighbor island students.

During the pandemic, HYS never stopped making music, and pivoted to a virtual format—online sectionals, workshops, masterclasses, recitals by renowned guest artists, and virtual concerts. Team HYS is composed of more than a dozen employees and has a roster of nearly a hundred artist-faculty, all of whom are expressly dedicated to music education and its transformative opportunities for Hawaii’s youth.

SYMPHONY PROGRAM

Spring Concert

Sunday, April 23, 2023 ✽ 2:00 pm

Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center

Concert Orchestra

Hannah Watanabe, Conductor

Wayne Fanning, Conductor

Procession of the Nobles

Nicholas Rimsky-Korsakov arr. Merle J. Isaac

Outdoor Overture Aaron Copland

Light Cavalry Overture

Franz von Suppé arr. Merle J. Isaac

Highlights from Wicked Stephen Schwartz arr. Ted Ricketts

Youth Symphony II

Elton Masaki, Conductor

Susan Ochi-Onishi, Conductor

Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna

Anson Akemoto, cello solo

Franz von Suppé

Concierto de Aranjuez J. Rodrigo arr. J. Miller Hahn

Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”

IV. Allegro con fuoco

Two Songs from the League of Legends

Antonín Dvořák

Christian Linke

The Challengers arr. Andrés Soto

Summoner’s Call

Youth Symphony I

Joseph Stepec, Conductor

Roman Carnival Overture

Hector Berlioz

Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 Jean Sibelius

I. Allegro moderato

Ylang Guo, Senior Concerto Competition Winner

Romeo & Juliet

I. Capulets and Montagues

II. Romeo and Juliet

III. Death of Tybault

IV. Romeo at the Grave of Juliet

Sergei Prokofiev

Concert Orchestra

WAYNE FANNING Conductor

Wayne Fanning is a graduate of Hilo High School and participated in HYS Concert Orchestra and the Pacific Music Institute as a student. He received his Bachelor of Education and Master of Arts from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Fanning has performed with numerous professional and community ensembles throughout Hawaii. Prior to his current position at HYS, he served as director of the Music in the Clubhouse Band and a clinician for various HYS Orchestras. He has served as guest conductor for the Maui District High School Massed Band and the Central District Beginning Honor Orchestra, as well as several school bands and orchestras. He has been teaching band and orchestra at Niu Valley Middle School since 1998, where his musical ensembles have performed for music conferences in Honolulu, Denver, and Iowa. Most recently, they performed at Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

M.A. (Music Education), B. Ed. (Secondary Instrumental Music) University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

HANNAH WATANABE Conductor & Programs Manager

Hannah Watanabe works for the Hawaii Youth Symphony as Programs Manager and conductor for the Symphony Program’s Concert Orchestra.

She is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree in K–12 Music Education with an emphasis in Secondary Instrument Music. Ms. Watanabe is an alumnus of the Hawaii Youth Symphony where she performed under the direction of Mr. Michael Nakasone and Mr. Henry Miyamura.

Prior to working at HYS, she taught orchestra for 16 years as an educator at Moanalua Middle School. While at Moanalua Middle School, she took the orchestra on several trips including Boston to work with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Disneyworld where the orchestra won Best in Class, the Gold Award, and received a superior rating twice at Festival Disney, Disneyland to perform and participate in the Disney Workshop, and to the neighbor islands where her students performed and taught elementary school students about music and the orchestra.

Ms. Watanabe also taught K–6 general music and choir at Hawaii Baptist Academy, orchestra, piano, and music theory at Moanalua High School, and while still in college, she taught orchestra at Kalani High School part time. Ms. Watanabe is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Hawai‘i Music Educators Association, American String Teachers Association, and is the Webmaster for the Hawaii Chapter of the American String Teachers Association.

Violin I

Narissa Chen

Yanling Guo, Assistant Concertmaster

Jayden Kim, Concertmaster

Riya Krishnagopalan

Manami Sato

Maria Swan

Eliana Takara

Natalia Tangonan

Max Villanueva

Katherine Wu

Violin II

Airi Choy

Sydney Chung

Alina Evanoff

Brycen Fabro

Benjy Fox

Cole Jackson

Vincent Lau

Christopher Myers

Chloe Petilos

Sage Shiroma, Principal

Kyli Taketa

Tri Truong

Viola

Leala Florendo

Mie Kodama

Sean Lee

Jayce Lim

Gray Nauwelaerts

Elizabeth Swan, Principal

Cello

Kalā Campuspos

Sophia Chan

Danica Ibanez

Maxwel Kim

Eugene Lee

Isabella Santos, Principal

Bass

Micah Branner

Chloe Chen, Principal

Concert Orchestra

Piccolo

Southedath Chansavat

Flute

Dena Brennan

Southedath Chansavat

Meika Nogi

Micaela Pimentel

Jessica Wiemer

Oboe

Sara Inao

Marley Kong-Mercado

Hailey Mashino

Landon Yanagisawa

Clarinet

Nathan Amemiya

Anna Choi

Yuto Kawaguchi

Matt Michibata

Bassoon

Jerry Gao

Daniel Kim

Jayden Retutal

Amanda Tsuha

Horn Hannah Emrani

Parker Hursty

Maile Judd

Breydi Nuibe

Trumpet

Jasmine Addison

Netta Cordier

Don Velasco

Erin Wong

Trombone

Micah Dijos

Zachary Oh

Adrian Yang

Euphonium

Paolo Vu

Tuba

John Patrick Villalon

Percussion

Camden Funai

Keira Ida Ayu

Ian Pak

Harp

Chloe Chen

Please note that winds and percussion students rotate part assignments for each piece.

About Concert Orchestra

Concert Orchestra is the third most advanced of HYS’s seven orchestras and the entry point into the Symphony Program. This year, Concert Orchestra is composed of 70 students from 24 schools across O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i, and the Big Island. This season’s concertmaster is Jayden Kim, a seventh-grade student from Kaimukī Middle School.

Youth Symphony II

SUSAN OCHI-ONISHI Conductor

Susan Ochi-Onishi has proudly served as a middle and high school music educator in the Hawai‘i State Department of Education since 1988. Prior to teaching at Kaimukī Middle School, she has held music teaching positions at Wai‘anae Intermediate School and Moanalua High School.

Mrs. Ochi-Onishi is in her 29th year at Kaimukī Middle School where she instructs the beginning, intermediate, and advanced band students and directs the Kaimukī Middle School Symphonic Winds. During her tenure at Kaimukī, she has worked hard to nurture, build and consolidate the KMS Music Department. She provided opportunities for her colleagues to serve as KMS Department Head while she focused on leading the KMS Symphonic Winds to a higher performance level. As the first middle school band from Hawaii to receive an invitation, KMS Symphonic Winds have proudly represented the State of Hawai‘i by performing at the 2019 Music for All National Festival. In 2015, KMS Symphonic Winds was the first middle school band from Hawai‘i to perform at Carnegie Hall, where they received the Gold Award for their high adjudication scores. In addition to performing at the ASBDA Convention and traveling to share their music with others, many of our students continue to participate in the Hawaii Youth Symphony Programs.

Mrs. Ochi-Onishi received her Bachelor’s Degree and PDMUS in Music Education and Oboe Performance from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She received her Master’s of Music degree from Northwestern University, where she was a student of Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians Ray Still (oboe) and Grover Schlitz (English Horn). Her past oboe teachers include: Linda Strommen, Jeffrey Rathbun, Thomas Boyd, Margot Golding, and Roy Yanagida. She has performed with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, Royal Hawaiian Band, Maui Symphony, Diamond Head Theater, and various music ensembles. She served as the oboe lecturer at the University of Hawai‘i and continues to serve as the oboe clinician for the Pacific Music Institute. Her professional affiliations include the O‘ahu Band Directors Association and the American School Band Directors Association. Mrs. Ochi-Onishi is Co-Conductor of the Hawaii Youth Symphony II and is an alumna of the Hawaii Youth Symphony Program where she served as Principal Oboe during her time as a student.

ELTON MASAKI Conductor

Elton Masaki holds a Bachelor of Education Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in music from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and a Master of Music in Education Degree from Boston University. Mr. Masaki is the current high school orchestra director at Kamehameha School Kapālama Campus and the associate conductor of Youth Symphony II. In the past, he has also taught orchestra at Mid-Pacific Institute, Kamehameha Middle School, and with the Hawaii Youth Symphony Academy String Program. In addition to this, Mr. Masaki also serves as an orchestra clinician for a number of different camps and workshops both on and off island and manages the A Major Quartet. When he isn’t teaching, he is active as a community violin/viola player with performances in numerous musical theater productions as well as with other community orchestras such as the Oahu Civic Orchestra, UH Symphony, Oahu Chamber Orchestra, Allegro Chamber Orchestra, Hawaii Chamber Orchestra and has also subbed as a violinist with the Hawaii Pops, Maui Symphony, and Kona Symphony.

M. Ed. (Music Education), Boston University. B. Ed (Secondary Education, Music Emphasis), University of Hawai‘i.

Violin I

Jannik Evanoff

Elizabeth Fink

Ymin Guo, Concertmaster

Madeline Hodge, Assistant Concertmaster

Kai Im

Brian Lim

Vance Maeshiro

Alyssa Santos

Liliko Ueda

Kaylin Wee

Violin II

Nicholas Chi

Flora Elham

Brayden Fabro

Coco Kim, Principal

Kara Kim

Mari Muramoto

Christopher Oyama

Naomi Thompson

Daniel Yoo

Eileen Zhang

Irene Zhong

Viola

Sinjin Cho-Tupua

Mana Chun

Swan Kim

Albert Ko, Principal

Hannah Kwak

Lulu Wang

Cello

Ian Ahn

Anson Akemoto, Principal

Ian Jun

Donald Lee

Ty Tokunaga

Kiron Toma

Ella Williams

Bryan Wood

Jojo Wung

Taigo Yuen

Bass

Riley Pa‘akaula, guest musician

Sayuri Yamamoto, guest musician

Youth Symphony II

Piccolo

Taylor Omine

Flute

Prince Joshua Dionido

Kenneth Hironaka

Taylor Omine

Sky Voong, Principal

Oboe

Sayleen Aglanao, Principal

Hyatt Yoshioka

English Horn

Hyatt Yoshioka

Clarinet

Jonah Kashiwamura

Jeannie Kim

Ethan Nakata

Aiden Taheri

Alicia Tangonan, Principal

Bass Clarinet

Aiden Taheri

Bassoon

Kainani Nitz, Principal

Aimee Okagawa

Horn McKenzee Espiritu

Duke Katayama

Jake Miyakawa

Chelsea Song, Principal

Nicholas Xu

Trumpet

Zachary Choi

Blake Hironaka

Tyler Nakazaki, Principal

Christopher Yara

Trombone

Ohriyon Cuffie, Principal

Kellan Imaguchi

Jae Koo

Louie James Magcalas

Jason Sakata

Tuba

Jisu Jang

Zoe Miyashiro, Principal

Percussion

Aaron Chen

Macie Ho, Principal

Mani Kovacich

Carter Nobuhara

Please note that wind and percussion students rotate part assignments for each piece.

About Youth Symphony II

Youth Symphony II (YSII) is the second most advanced of HYS’s seven orchestras. For the 2022–2023 season, YSII is composed of 70 students from 24 public, private and homeschools across O‘ahu and Kaua‘i. Ymin Guo, a ninth-grade Iolani School student, is this season’s concertmaster.

Youth Symphony I

JOSEPH STEPEC

Director of Orchestral Activities & PMI Artistic Director

Youth Symphony I, Conductor

Apassionate arts educator, Mr. Joseph Stepec serves as the Director of Orchestral Activities with the Hawaii Youth Symphony’s Symphony Program and as the Artistic Director of the Pacific Music Institute. He also serves as an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Hawai‘i where he directs the University of Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra (the UHSO).

Mr. Stepec has worked closely with countless artists and regularly clinics for ensembles in Hawai‘i and across the country and abroad in China. He has maintained a close relationship with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra and has been a frequent guest artist in their educational and pops concert series. As the director of two of the top educational ensembles in the state of Hawai‘i, he has been featured on numerous broadcasts that have reached thousands.

In addition to leading orchestras, Mr. Stepec also maintains an active and varied teaching schedule. He teaches a private conducting and violin studio at the University of Hawai‘i. Mr. Stepec studied violin performance at the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College and Orchestral Conducting at the Eastman School of Music and Indiana University’s Jacob’s School of Music. His teachers have included renowned pedagogues David Effron, Arthur Fagen, and Neil Varon.

In his free time, Mr. Stepec enjoys hiking in the beautiful mountains of Hawai‘i and spending time with his mischievous cat, Mimi.

Senior Concerto Competition Winner

Ylang Guo

Youth Symphony I / Violin / ‘Iolani School

Ylang Guo started playing the violin at age three with her older sister. She never thought it would become so much more than a cool hobby. She has been playing with the Hawaii Youth Symphony for 10 years and is excited to end her HYS career playing the first movement of Sibelius Concerto with YSI.

Ylang performed with the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra, Maui Chamber Orchestra, ‘Iolani Orchestra, and Honolulu Festival Orchestra. After winning the 2018 MTNA Junior String Competition's state round, Ylang placed alternate in the Southwest Regional Competition. She was named a finalist at the Osaka International Music Competition and won first prize at the Hawai‘i

Music Teachers Association Competition five times. Ylang appeared on National Public Radio’s “From The Top” Show in January 2021. She has attended the Meadowmount School of Music for five summers and participated in the Hawai‘i Chamber Music Festival and Pacific Music Institute.

Ylang loves running cross country, reading historical fiction, and Koko the family lovebird very much. Ylang would like to thank her family and her teacher Mr. Iggy Jang for supporting her musical endeavors. Ylang hopes to study biology and violin performance in college and is genuinely grateful for all the amazing musicians and experiences she has encountered through HYS.

Violin I

Erika Kwee, Concertmaster

Teo Lubecke, Assistant Concertmaster

Ylang Guo

Keanna Lau

Jacob Matsuda

Cody James Nakagawa

Sevastyan Swan

Belise Swartwood

Gwyneth Tenn

Kate Wong

Violin II

Preston Chi

Leia Choi

Yxing Guo

Ashley Jisue Hong

Hinano Kawaiaea, Principal

Emi Okumoto

Sakura Saito

Max Shinno

Kaitlyn Sim

Viola

Maggie Chen

Trevor Hyun

Jonathan Kwon

Taylor Ohta

Keon Sagara, Principal

Cassidy Sakamoto

Cello

Pyotr Alvarado

Leo Bala

Leiyao Chang

Yun Hao He

Cassidy Ibanez

Ashlyn Ito

Celina Lim, Principal

Emma Newman

Jason Vierra

Bass

Samantha Barayuga, Principal

Seitaro Kobayashi

Joshua Wung

Youth Symphony I

Flute

Shane Komeiji

Brooke Morita

Iris Sim

Noelani Velasco

Oboe

Jeny Gorospe

Tiffany Nagano

Kyle Siu

Ayaka Yoshii

Clarinet

Grace Kawaoka

Haley Muramatsu

Leanne So

Chelsea Takushi

Bassoon

Spencer Lyau

Horn

Gabriel Cole

Irene Kim

Jennifer Moritaka

Caleb Tamargo

Trumpet

Dawson Chan

Juan Fangon

Joel Lee

Trombone

Archer Aloiau

Graysen Oumi

Timothy Shimizu

Luke Watanabe

Percussion

Travis Chen

Brady Schultz

Harp

Arabella Tan

Please note that wind and percussion students rotate part assignments for each piece.

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, was a finalist in the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, and had the special honor of performing on From The Top, a nationally-broadcast radio show. For the 2022–2023 season, YSI is composed of 65 students, grades 9–12, from 16 public, home and independent schools across O‘ahu. Erika Kwee, a senior from Punahou School, is this season’s concertmaster.

ACADEMY PROGRAM, SUPER STRINGS & MUSIC IN THE CLUBHOUSE

Spring Concert

Saturday, April 29, 2023 ✽ 3:00 pm

Kaimukī High School Auditorium

Music4Kids & Pālolo Pākeke Ensemble

Christopher Cabrera, Instructor

Program to be announced from stage.

Super Strings & Nānākuli Strings

Laurie Shimabukuro, Super Strings Instructor

Yuseon Nam, Nānākuli Strings Instructor

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Variations & Theme arr. Shinichi Suzuki

Performed by the Super Strings Beginning, Intermediate & Nānākuli Strings Classes

Beautiful Skies Mark O’Connor

Performed by Super Strings Beginning & Nānākuli Strings Classes

Do-Re-Mi from The Sound of Music Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II arr. Laurie Shimabukuro

Performed by Super Strings Intermediate Class

Boil Them Cabbage Down American Folks Song arr. by Hall/Shimabukuro

Performed by the Super Strings Beginning, Intermediate & Nānākuli Strings Classes

Beginning String Ensemble

Michael Lim, Conductor

Program to be announced from stage.

Intermediate String Ensemble

Chad Uyehara, Conductor

Burst! Brian Balmages

Luminescence Alan Lee Silva

Medieval Battlefield: Intro to Spring Ian N. Taira ISE bassist & composer

Ode to Joy: Theme from Symphony No. 9 Ludwig van Beethoven arr. John Caponegro

String Orchestra Ensemble

Michael Lim, Conductor

Dionne Reel and Mouth of the Tobique arr. Nick Neumann

May it Be Enya, arr. Larry Moore

The Idylls of Pegasus Richard Meyer

Concert String Orchestra

Chad Uyehara, Conductor

Sinfonie a Grande Orchestra: Allegro Molto Casimir Anton Cartellieri arr. Robert McCashin

Concerto in G Major for Two Violas Georg Philipp Telemann I. avec douceur

IV. Vivement

Anna Womack, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra

Trevor Hyun, Youth Symphony I soloist & HYS Academy alumnus

Taylor Ohta, Youth Symphony I soloist & HYS Academy alumnus

Keon Sagara, Youth Symphony I soloist

Craig Young, Punahou School Orchestra Director, continuo

Evangeline Tejoeng, CSO continuo cello

HYS String Teacher Recognition of Service

Anna Womack

Craig Young

The Magical World of Pixar arr. Robert Longfield

Yunju Cho, violin soloist

String Orchestra Ensemble & Concert String Orchestra Grand Finale

Danse Bacchanale from Samson and Delila Camille Saint-Saëns, Ethan Chow, violin soloist arr. Jamin Hoffman

HYS String Teacher Recognition of Service

Anna Womack

Anna Womack is a violist with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, instructor of viola at the University of Hawai‘i, and a member of Chamber Music Hawai‘i’s Galliard String Quartet. She also maintains a private violin and viola studio in Hawai‘i Kai. Her students have won prizes in competitions and have been asked to perform in both Europe and Asia. She loves to play tennis in her spare time.

Craig Young

Aviolinist, violist, and pianist, Craig Young began his orchestral experience with what was then, the Honolulu Youth Symphony, and later became the Hawaii Youth Symphony. He entered the Honolulu Youth Symphony as a seventh grader under the direction of the late Peter Mesrobian and was also the concertmaster from 1968–1970. He is grateful to the Hawaii Youth Symphony, its music directors and staff, both past and present, for providing many of his private students with the opportunity to experience the unique collaborative efforts that it takes to become a fine instrumental ensemble such as Youth Symphony I and II.

Currently, he is the Director of Orchestras at Punahou School, having taught there for 35 years, and taught orchestra for six years at his alma mater, Iolani School. He owns the Craig Young School of Music, providing private violin, viola, and cello instruction to the community.

Mr. Young received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music where he studied violin performance with Zvi Zeitlin and piano performance with Maria Luisa-Faini. He also has a Master of Music degree in piano performance from the University of Colorado where he studied with Paul Parmelee. He is grateful to be able to be a part of today’s performance with the Concert String Orchestra.

Music in the Clubhouse (MITCH)

Nānākuli Strings

Aaxstyn Kaeo Kanehailua

Kiani Kea

Vincent Kea

Shylee Lopes

Khayzden Mara

Music4Kids

Grades 2–3 Class

Mela Anjolok

Nevaeh Aona

Aanchal Aryal

Ashley Chen

Joseph Nguyen

Aura Singh

Saint Spriggs-Kahalewai

YUSEON NAM

Nānākuli Strings, Violin Teacher

Grades 4–5 Class

Hi'ilei Arakaki

Rafael Erhan

Mihail (Michael) Frunza

Hilohak Kwak

Cora Lawton

Dr. Yuseon Nam has quickly made a positive impact on the musical community of Hawai‘i since her arrival in the fall of 2017. She is a full-time member of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, and also maintains a large private studio. She teaches violin lessons at ‘Iolani School and is the current Vice President of the Hawai‘i Music Teachers Association.

Dr. Nam did her undergraduate studies at Seoul National University and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, summa cum laude, studying with Ik-Hwan Bae. Dr. Nam completed her doctoral degree in violin performance and literature at the Eastman School of Music, studying with Federico Agostini. She was Professor Agostini’s teaching assistant, and also taught violin courses at the University of Rochester. Dr. Nam also studied with Mimi Zweig at Indiana University to complete her master’s degree in violin/viola pedagogy. While at Indiana, she taught students in the Indiana University String Academy.

Dr. Nam is an active soloist and chamber musician. She has performed throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Dr. Nam was the founder of the Felix Trio, and they were featured at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Yujung Arts Center in Seoul, and invited as a resident trio at the Banff Centre Chamber Music Residency. Dr. Nam has been a prizewinner in numerous competitions and has performed as a soloist with orchestras across the world including Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Korean-American Youth Orchestra, and Romanian State Orchestra. Also an accomplished viola player, Dr. Nam was invited as a viola guest artist to the International Chamber Music Festival of Puerto Rico.

About Music in the Clubhouse

For over a decade, HYS has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i to provide low-cost, entry-level classes to Clubhouse youth. Made possible through the generosity of private foundations, public support, and contributions to HYS, the classes provide free instrument loans, sheet music, and instruction on a weekly basis throughout the school year. More than 5,000 Honolulu-region youth (largely from Mo‘ili‘ili, McCully, Ala Wai, Pauoa, and Nu‘uanu) have had a chance to play music, thanks to our classes at the Spalding Clubhouse.

In 2019, HYS launched its Music in the Clubhouse initiative at the Nānākuli Clubhouse along the Wai‘anae coast. Carnegie Hall recognized HYS as Hawaii’s first recipient of a PlayUSA grant, a program that supports a wide range of instrumental music education projects across the nation, all with a specific interest in reaching low-income and underserved students on a local level. HYS also works with string students at Kaunakakai Elementary on Moloka‘i, and provides travel reimbursements and scholarships to Symphony Program and PMI students from Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i islands.

Pālolo Pākeke Ensemble

J Paul Erakdrik

Kiwit Kachuo

Stylen Kelekolio Scanlan

Shayzen Keomaka

Nerveza

Harrison Silk

CHRISTOPHER CABRERA

Pālolo Pākeke Ensemble & Music4Kids Instructor

Christopher Cabrera is Associate Principal Timpanist and Section

Myjohnson Stos

Reann William

Percussionist with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Born and raised in San Francisco, Christopher began his percussion studies in public school during the 3rd grade; a product of the San Francisco Symphony’s AIM program. After graduating from Ruth Asawa’s San Francisco School of the Arts (’11), he spent 6 years in northeast Ohio receiving a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and a Master of Music from Cleveland Institute of Music. A student of the late Richard Weiner, Christopher received the Bruce Collie Award For Percussion Excellence upon graduating from CIM.

About Pālolo Pākeke Ensemble

Pākeke in Hawaiian means “bucket” and our Pālolo Pākeke Ensemble is a new partnership for HYS with Pālolo Elementary School. Students at Pālolo Elementary’s after school program have the opportunity to sign-up and learn the basics of music through bucket drumming! This is the inaugural year for this program, and we hope to see it continue and grow so more students have the chance to experience music and learn valuable life lessons while making music together.

Super Strings

Beginning Class

Grace Koki

Yurim Lee

Keana Pegg

Joseph Sanfilippo

Mia Sanfilippo

Intermediate Class

Ava Colon

Kiane Durand

QuirogaVerhaaf

Gigi Gibson

Katelyn Higa

Mikayla Kim

Milla Poliahu

John Tavares

LAURIE SHIMABUKURO Super Strings, Violin Teacher

Laurie Shimabukuro grew up on O‘ahu studying the violin under the Suzuki Method from age four. She joined her first orchestra ensemble in the seventh grade as the concertmaster of the Punahou Advanced Orchestra and the Hawaii Youth Symphony in the eighth grade as the concertmaster of the Youth Symphony II orchestra. As a senior in high school, she was the concertmaster for both the Punahou Symphony and Youth Symphony I orchestras. She was the winner of several awards and competitions, including the Honolulu Symphony’s Talent Pool, Morning Music Scholarship, HMTA, and MTNA competitions in Hawaii. She continued her music studies with Daniel Rouslin at Willamette University, where she served as the concertmaster for the University Chamber Orchestra and concertmaster/ soloist for the Salem Chamber Orchestra. She graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and Chemistry from Willamette University and earned a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Hawai‘i. Music has provided her with several amazing opportunities. She participated in masterclasses/ workshops with Yehudi Menuhin, Kyoko Takezawa, The Emerson String Quartet, Almita Vamos, John Kendall, and other inspiring teachers. She also traveled to Europe with the Ambassadors of Music from Hawai‘i and performed Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with Japanese chorus groups in Hawai‘i and Japan. Her musical theater collaborations included the world premier and encore productions of Ohana Arts’ original musical “Peace On Your Wings” in Hawai‘i and other local community plays.

Through her first job as a math tutor in high school and teaching English in Japan and violin from the time she was a college student, Laurie has enjoyed working with students and helping them develop the confidence to succeed in their future endeavors.

Laurie currently teaches violin part-time and enjoys playing chamber music. Prior to the pandemic, she also performed with the O‘ahu Civic Orchestra and University of Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra while maintaining her accounting career and volunteering as a Master Gardener, Consulting Rosarian, and treasurer of the Honolulu Rose Society.

About Super Strings

Started in the summer of 2021, Super Strings at Le Jardin Academy is for Windward O‘ahu students who are interested in learning to play the violin and experiencing the joy of music through the violin. Students learn instrumental technique, rhythmic patterns, note reading skills, listening skills, concepts of musicality, basics of group playing, improvisation, and a variety of musical styles. This year, we have students from 11 different public and private schools participating in the Super Strings program! We have also started our summer registration for the Super Strings Summer Program. You can find information on our website at https://hiyouthsymphony.org/event/super-strings-summer-2023/

Academy Strings

Beginning String Ensemble

Violin

Rosella Mae Galapon

Seraphina Gower

Jade Liao

Yaoqi Liu

Maxwell Pacheco

Kanani Reid

Sarena Silva

Cello

Alisa Gardner

Veronica Lau

Travis Lou

Isabella Tran

Intermediate String Ensemble

Violin

Hannah Aceret

Addison Aun

Katelyn Ewing

Eileen Kim

Sue Lee

Makai Muraoka

Quynh Chi Nguyen

Rona Ross

Olivia Schank

Griffin Tano

Aya Wismeth

Jana Wu

Kate Wong, YSI student volunteer

Viola

Olivia Schank

Kate Wong, YSI student volunteer

Cello

Elora Asano

Isaiah Asano

Emi Mochinaga

Alexia Sakaida

Bass

Farrah Li

Ian Taira

Derek Higashi, guest musician

String Orchestra Ensemble Concert String Orchestra

Violin

Ivy Frame

Charlie Haring

Sophia Kawashima

Annaka Lau

Kaylee Liang

Audrey Luciano

Shiloh Mitsui

Lilian Polley

Fara Ross

Noah Tanaka

Isaiah Wane

Runxin Wang

Jeannie Wu

Kara Young

Viola Asa Thompson

Cello

Madeline Ebisu

Ethan Lim

Joseph Perez

Violin Geon Cha

Dominic Chi

Kangmin Cho

Yunju Cho

Ethan Chow

Clara Elham

Olivia Kawashima

Victoria Lu

Yzelle Messinger

Minh Chau Nguyen

Zuri Phung

Noah Swan

Elena Tjoeng

Suriel Wane

Lantana Widana

Felicia Yang

Viola

Ethan Chow

Cello

Eliana Chang

Rex Lin

Evangeline Tjoeng

Bass

Derek Higashi, guest musician

Academy Strings

CHAD UYEHARA

Academy String Program Director & Conductor

An alumnus of HYS, Chad Uyehara conducts the Intermediate String Ensemble and Concert String Orchestra, and also serves as Academy String Program Director. He received his Master’s of Music in Music Education and Viola Performance from Northwestern University where he studied viola with Roland Vamos. He earned his Bachelor’s of Music in Violin Performance, studying with LaVar Krantz, Bachelor’s of Arts in French, and membership in Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Additional studies include the Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival, the Conductor’s Workshop of America, Mimi Zweig’s Retreat for Violin and Viola Teachers, Suzuki Association of the Americas teacher training, and Paul Rolland String Pedagogy certification.

Mr. Uyehara has performed on violin and viola with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Desert Springs Chamber Orchestra, and the Honolulu Symphony. He currently performs with the Maui Pops Orchestra, with local music theater companies, and as part of a violin-piano duo. He has taught orchestra for the Clark County School District in Nevada, the Las Vegas Youth Philharmonic, the Hawai‘i Department of Education at Kalani High School, Kaimukī Middle School, and Moanalua Elementary, Hanahau‘oli School, and St. Andrew’s Schools. Mr. Uyehara also served as interim conductor for the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Symphony Orchestra during the 2014–2015 school year. Currently, he directs orchestras for the Hawaii Youth Symphony and Moanalua Middle School. He also maintains a private violin and viola studio. For many years, Mr. Uyehara served as president of the Hawai‘i chapter of the American String Teachers Association (HASTA) and organized the HASTA Solo & Ensemble Festival and Junior Festival Orchestra. Other professional affiliations include the Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Society, Suzuki Association of the Americas, Music Teachers National Association, National Association for Music Education, American Viola Society, and the Hawai‘i Association for Curriculum Development. He has been honored with the 2018 Teacher of the Year award from the Hawai‘i Music Teachers Association. Mr. Uyehara particularly enjoys teaching at the middle school level and serves on the Teacher Leaders Committee of the Association for Middle Level Education.

About Academy Strings

The HYS Academy Strings is composed of four string ensembles with entry points for students of beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. In proud partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubhouse of Hawaii, the Academy offers children ages 8 and older the opportunity to play violin, viola, cello, or string bass in group settings that emphasize the fundamental skills necessary for musical success. This season’s Academy students represent more than 40 public, independent, and home schools.

During the summer, the Academy offers Summer Strings, daily instruction over a five-week session for beginning and intermediate players. All Academy classes are held at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii’s Spalding Clubhouse. If you are interested in our summer programs, please go to https://hiyouthsymphony.org/summer/ for more information!

Academy Strings

MICHAEL LIM Conductor

Michael Lim is a dedicated music teacher and professional violinist. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i, he began his musical career at the age of four with the piano, and started his violin studies at the age of seven. A graduate of Punahou School, Michael was involved in Punahou’s orchestra and string quartet program, and was a member of Hawaii Youth Symphony’s YSII and YSI orchestras during his middle school and high school years. He is a graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he received his Bachelors and Masters of Music in violin performance. After returning to Hawai’i, he completed his Post-Baccalaureate Certificate of Music Education at the University of Hawai’i Mānoa, and currently teaches orchestra and choir in grades 6–12 at Mid Pacific. In addition to his music teaching career, Michael is also a full-time member of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra violin section, teaches private violin and viola lessons, and has served on the board of the Hawai’i Music Educators Association. He is a passionate educator and performer, and hopes to share his love of music with his students and inspire a new generation of musicians to cherish and preserve the art of music.

BRENT RAMOS Academy Strings Program Coordinator & Office Receptionist

Brent Ramos is a graduate from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance. He is an HYS alumni who started in the Academy Strings Program, and in his senior year of high school was concertmaster of Youth Symphony I. After graduating from high school and while in college, Mr. Ramos was a Teacher’s Assistant for the Moanalua Middle School Summer Orchestra Program for many years. He has been the HYS Academy Strings Program Coordinator for two years now, and started working as the HYS Office Receptionist this past year. Besides his roles at HYS, Mr. Ramos also plays violin with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, teaches private lessons at the Masaki School of Music, and volunteers his time to help out as a violin coach at several local schools.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Spring Concert

Saturday, May 13, 2023 ✽ 2:00 pm

Studio 909, Musicians Association of Hawai‘i

Intermediate Contemporary Ensemble

Program to be announced from stage

Advanced Contemporary Ensemble

Program to be announced from stage

Intermediate Contemporary Ensemble

Flute

Dena Brennan

Clarinet

Desmond Maurer

Bass Clarinet

Desmond Maurer

Alto Saxophone

Desmond Maurer

Tenor

Saxophone

Max Chin

Electric Guitar

Ash Bu

Eli Wolfe

Bass Guitar

Kiron Toma

Keyboard

Kyli Taketa

Drum Set

Henry Powell

Advanced Contemporary Ensemble

Bari Saxophone

Josh Uchima

Electric Guitar

Michael Lockwood

Brody Nakasone

About Jazz Program

Electric Bass

Jett Takazawa

A relatively new HYS program, HYS Jazz celebrates its fourth anniversary this year! Under the leadership of HYS Jazz Director Dean Taba, and with the support of our dedicated faculty including Dean, Noel Okimoto, and Ryan Howe, HYS Jazz offers Intermediate Contemporary Ensemble and Advanced Contemporary Ensemble for students 14–18. Advancing Hawaii Youth Symphony’s ongoing commitment to making music education accessible to all students, HYS Jazz also recently launched its Beginning Improvisation Group for ages 12 and up. HYS Jazz students are taught the skills necessary to play as a rhythm section, accompany others, and improvise. We are proud to have guitarists, keyboardists, drummers, and saxophonists among our student body, though HYS Jazz is a wholly inclusive environment and welcomes students from all orchestral instruments.

HYS Jazz frequently collaborates with highly-respected artists, and in its short history has already performed with Jake Shimabukuro, trumpeter Eric Miyashiro, saxophonist Steve Treseler, vocalists Shari Lyn, and John Valentine! Though the focus of HYS Jazz is music performance, many entrepreneurial facets of being a professional musician or working in the music industry are addressed throughout the year. Students have direct access to top audio engineers, influential musicians, and music business gurus. Learn more about all that HYS Jazz has to offer at https://hiyouthsymphony.org/hysjazz/

HYS Jazz

DEAN TABA

HYS Jazz Director & Conductor

Ahighly regarded studio and freelance musician, Dean Taba began his musical studies on the piano at the age of 6 and played French horn in the Hawaii Youth Symphony. It was a desire to play in the high school jazz band that introduced him to the bass and improvised music. After extensive studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and a refinement of his skills on both the acoustic and electric bass, Dean relocated in 1984 to Los Angeles to become one of its most in demand musicians.

Also a respected clinician and educator (Los Angeles Music Academy, Musician’s Institute, Cal-Poly Pomona, Grove School of Music) Dean has recently performed/recorded with Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Mark Murphy, Jake Shimabukuro, Andy Summers, Sadao Watanabe, The San Francisco Symphony, Hiroshima, Rick Braun, The American Jazz Institute Orchestra, Dave Koz, Jeff Richman, Pauline Wilson, The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Daniel Ho, Bill Watrous, and many others as well as playing on countless CDs, TV shows, and movie soundtracks.

RYAN HOWE Conductor

Ryan Howe graduated from Maui High School and completed both his Bachelor’s in Music Education and Master’s in Bassoon Performance at the University of Hawai‘i. He currently teaches middle school band at Moanalua Middle School.

Mr. Howe says: “I have two things that I love to do in life, teach music and cooking. Both are great ways to express one’s self and a great medium to change people’s perspectives in life and to teach humanity and good fellowship. Other than music, I like to play sports such as tennis, basketball, and golf. I believe that in order to be a healthy and effective teacher, you must have a balanced life. Mind, body, and soul. I look forward to working with all students and parents. Please feel free to ask questions, because I believe that everyone is important, and they deserve to be heard.”

NOEL OKIMOTO Conductor

Born and raised in Honolulu, Noel Okimoto has been playing professionally since the age of ten. Noel’s primary instrument is the drum set, but is also an accomplished orchestral percussionist, vibraphonist, composer and clinician. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Percussion from the University of Hawai‘i. Noel has played in Hawai‘i, the mainland USA, and internationally with Freddie Hubbard, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, Richie Cole, Bill Watrous, Ernie Watts, Bud Shank, Barney Kessel, Lew Tabackin, Sadao Watanabe, Wynton Marsalis, Ronnie Cuber, Makoto Ozone, Jeff Richman, Larry Coryell, Nestor Torres, Gene Harris, Take 6, David Benoit, Henry Mancini, Nelson Riddle, Steve Allen, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Bob Hope, Rosemary Clooney, Patti Page, Dionne Warwick, and Jake Shimabukuro, among others. He was also a member of the Gabe Baltazar Group for five years. He is also the percussion section leader of the historic Royal Hawaiian Band.

Okimoto recorded an award-winning jazz CD in 2004, entitled ‘Ohana, that received a 4-Star review in Downbeat magazine and positive reviews in other national and international publications.

HYS Administration & Staff

EMMANUEL HOBRO Librarian

Emmanuel “Manny” Hobro graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa with his Secondary Education degree with a focus in Music K–12. He graduated from Leilehua High School. Manny has been a part of the UH Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Marching Band, Concert Choir, and Chamber Singers.

CARISSA MIYAMOTO Operations Manager

Carissa Miyamoto is a passionate music educator, violinist, and trumpet player. She grew up participating in the Hawaii Youth Symphony program from BSE through YSI. She is a Moanalua graduate and recently earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She was a member of the 2019 Sacramento Mandarins on lead trumpet, placing in the top 12 for DCI finals. In 2021, she aged out as a member of the Santa Clara Vanguard. She currently aspires to serve the communities and organizations that helped her foster her own love for music and education.

CYRINTHIA (TIA) RICHARDS Development Coordinator

We’re thrilled to welcome Cyrinthia Richards to our office staff! Originally from Southern California, Tia just moved to Honolulu from New Mexico, where she earned her B.A. in Music and minor in Arts Administration. She is passionate about uplifting the music community, and has previously worked with various music educational organizations, including Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization.

“I have been in music playing the French horn for 13 years and love everything it has to offer. I am so excited to be a part of the Hawaii Youth Symphony!”

— Tia Richards

HYS Administration & Staff

RANDY WONG President

&CEO

After serving as the organization’s executive director since 2012, Randy Wong was named President by the HYS Board of Directors in 2018. Mr. Wong oversees all administrative, strategic planning, fundraising, educational, and operational aspects of the organization and is an alumnus of HYS.

A musician himself, Mr. Wong performs professionally in the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, and studied classical double bass with Todd Seeber and Jeffrey Turner. He leads The Waitiki 7, an ensemble inspired by midcentury exotica music, and co-founded the label Pass Out Records.

Mr. Wong holds degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and New England Conservatory. He has published research on music’s essential roles in communities and education, and served on the NEC faculty from 2009–2018. He is also an alumnus of the Emerging Leaders Program (League of American Orchestras), the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders (Stanford Graduate School of Business), and the AmEx Leadership Academy (Center for Creative Leadership). In 2018, the Hawai‘i Community Foundation presented him with a Ho‘okele Award for nonprofit leadership.

Mr. Wong currently serves on the board of the League of American Orchestras’ Youth Orchestra Division, chairing its Professional Development committee, and on the leadership team of Hawai‘i Public Radio’s Generation Listen.

Mahalo to Our Schools

HYS is grateful to the many public, private, and home schools that play their part in helping to advance music’s role in their communities. The following schools are represented in our various HYS programs this year. We are deeply grateful to all the music educators and private music teachers whose expertise, encouragement, and support mean so much to our students. Every attempt has been made to publish a complete listing of schools for the 2022–2023 season, and we regret if any errors or omissions have been made.

Academy of the Holy Angels

Ahuimanu Elementary School

‘Aiea High School

‘Aikahi Elementary School

‘Aina Haina Elementary School

Ala Wai Elementary School

Aliamanu Middle School

Alvah Scott Elementary School

Bergen County Technical High School

Borel Middle School

Castle High School

Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School

Chinese American International School

Corona Del Mar High School

Crowden School

Fort Lee High School

Ft. Shafter Elementary School

Haha‘ione Elementary School

Hawaii Baptist Academy

Hawaii Tech Academy

Hawaiian Mission Academy

Highlands Intermediate School

Hōkūlani Elementary School

Homeschool

Honouliuli Middle School

Ho‘okele Elementary School

Huakailani School for Girls

‘Ilima Intermediate School

‘Iolani School

Island Pacific Academy

Jarett Middle School

Ka‘elepulu Elementary School

Kahala Elementary School

Kailua High School

Kailua Intermediate School

Kaimuki Christian School

Kaimuki Middle School

Kaiser High School

Kalaheo High School

Kalani High School

Kamehameha Schools

Kamilo‘iki Elementary School

Kapalama Elementary School

Kapolei High School

Kaua‘i High School

Kawānanakoa Middle School

King Intermediate School

Koko Head Elementary School

Koloa Elementary School

Laurel Springs

Leeward Community College

Le Jardin Academy

Lewis F. Cole Intermediate School

Lincoln Elementary School

Ma‘ema‘e Elementary School

Mary, Star of the Sea School

Mānoa Elementary School

Maryknoll School

McKinley High School

Mid-Pacific Institute

Mililani High School

Mililani Middle School

Moanalua High School

Moanalua Middle School

Myron B. Thompson Academy

Nānāikapono Elementary School

Niu Valley Middle School

Noelani Elementary School

Palolo Elementary School

Pauoa Elementary School

Pearl City High School

Pearl Harbor Christian Academy

Pine Lake Middle School

Pomona College

Punahou School

Radford High School

Roosevelt High School

Sacred Hearts Academy

Salt Lake Elementary School

San Domenico School

Science Medicine Academy at Deep Creek High School

SEEQS

St. Andrews Priory

St. Mark Lutheran School

Stevenson Middle School

The Pegasus School

Trinity Christian School

University Laboratory School

Waiākea High School

Waiākea Intermediate School

Wai‘anae High School

Waikīkī Elementary School

Waimanalo Intermediate School

Waipahu High School

Waipahu Intermediate School

Waldorf School

Washington Middle School

Wheeler Middle School

Wilson Elementary School

Founder’s Circle

Hawaii Youth Symphony is especially grateful to the philanthropists listed below for their long-term commitment made in the form of cumulative gifts and pledges honoring the talent of Hawaii’s youth and our mission to make music a right, not a privilege. Mahalo nui loa!

Anonymous

Action Realty Corporation

AIG Hawaii Insurance Company, Inc.

Alaska Airlines Foundation

Aloha International Piano Festival

Altres, Inc.

Atherton Family Foundation

Bank of Hawaii Charitable Foundation

Cades Foundation

City and County of Honolulu

Commercial Data Systems

Cooke Foundation, Limited

Dennis & Tina Lau

Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Gainsley

Dr. & Mrs. Geoffrey S. Sewell

Dr. Arleene Skillman

Dr. Mark M. Yoshida

Dr. Ross Tanoue

First Hawaiian Bank Foundation

Foodland Super Market, Ltd.

Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc.

George Mason Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

Gladys Hirano

Gloria Kosasa Gainsley Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

Hawaii Community Foundation

Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

Hawaiian Host, Inc.

Hazel H. Takumi Foundation

HDG, INC.

Island Insurance Foundation

Janet Cooke

Jean and William K. H. Mau Foundation

John R. Halligan Charitable Fund

Johnson Ohana Foundation

Jonathan Y. C. Ching Revocable Trust

June Olson Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

Karl Hedberg Photographer

KoAloha Ukulele

Kosasa Foundation

Louis Vuitton

Ludwick Family Foundation

Luella Spadaro of the Hawaii Community Foundation

Macy’s Foundation

Maestro Henry Miyamura

Marjorie Tanoue

Mary D. and Walter F. Frear Eleemosynary Trust

Masaki School of Music

Maurice & Joanna Sullivan Family Foundation

Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts

McInerny Foundation

Michael J. Y. & Terrina G. Wong

Mr & Mrs. Richard Ing

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Momohara

Mr. & Mrs. Kent Tsukamoto

Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm S. Koga

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Onofrietti

Mr. & Mrs. Owen Fukumoto

Mr. & Mrs. Roy E. King, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Katzman

Mr. Bob Hayashi

Mr. Garry Higa & Ms. Jill

Shimokawa Higa

Mr. Martin Hsia, Esq.

Mr. Phil Olsen

Mr. Randy Wong & Dr. Helen Liu

Mr. Warren Price III & Ms. Sharon R. Himeno

Mrs. Edith Leong

Mrs. Helen K. Higa

Mrs. Joyce Torrey

Ms. Ginny Tiu

Ms. Patti Look

National Endowment for the Arts

Ohata Chun Yuen LLP

Olivia De Jane

Robert E. Black Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

Serendipity II Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

Small Business Administration

Strong Foundation

Stupski Family Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

Susan M. Kosasa Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

Teruya Brothers, Limited

The Al Sherman Foundation

The Carnegie Hall Corporation

The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation

The Gift Foundation

The Hot Topic Foundation

The Keiko Sato Memorial Fund

The LRY Charitable Foundation

The Resort Group

The Thomas J. Long Foundation

Trinity Real Estate Investments LLC

United Laundry Services, Inc.

Vibe Creative Marketing

Ward Village Foundation

Mahalo to Our Donors

Hawaii Youth Symphony appreciates these contributions made between July 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. All attempts to create a complete and accurate listing have been made, however, errors and omissions are possible! We apologize for any errors and request that kindly you let us know.

Please feel free to contact Cyrinthia Richards, Development Coordinator, at cyrinthia@hiyouthsymphony.org. Thank you very much for your support of Hawaii Youth Symphony!

CONDUCTORS’ CIRCLE

($50,000 & up)

Anonymous

The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation

Maurice and Joanna Sullivan Family Foundation

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

($10,000 to $49,999)

Anonymous

Aaron & Erica Mau-Schank

Altres, Inc.

Arline L. Akina Trust

Atherton Family Foundation

Cades Foundation

Carnegie Hall (PlayUSA)

Cooke Foundation, Limited

City & County of Honolulu

First Hawaiian Bank Foundation

George Mason Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

Jean and William K. H. Mau Foundation

John R. Halligan Charitable Fund

Louise and Y.T. Lum Foundation

The LRY Charitable Foundation

McInerny Foundation

Serendipity II Fund of the Hawaii Community Founda

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Kosasa

ANGEL’S CIRCLE

($5,000 to $9,999)

Anonymous

Action Realty Corporation

Central Pacific Bank

First Hawaiian Bank Foundation

Dr. and Mrs. Geoffrey S. Sewell

Ms. Ginny Tiu

Gloria Kosasa Gainsley Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

Island Insurance Foundation

John & Clifford Mirikitani Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. John Morris

Johnson Ohana Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Kent Tsukamoto

Michael Roeder Fund of HCF

Mr. Randy Wong & Dr. Helen Liu

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ing

Schwab Charitable Fund

State of Hawaii

The Resort Group

Trinity Real Estate Investments LLC

BENEFACTOR

($2,500 to $4,999)

Anonymous

Avalon Commercial, LLC

Becker Communications, Inc.

The Dods Foundation

The Ebbtide Family Fund

Foodland Super Market, Ltd.

Hawaii Symphony Orchestra

LPL Financial

Mr. & Mrs. Martin Hsia

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Onofrietti

Pacific Property Group, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Gainsley

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Williams

Mr. & Mrs. David Imanaka

Mr. Lorrin Hirano

Mr. Malcolm D. Lau

Mrs. Gladys Hirano

Ms. Cathy Monseur

Ms. Marie Imanaka

Ms. Patti Look

Donors

PATRON

($1,000 to $2,499)

Anonymous

Ms. Amy A. Taniguchi

Blacksand Capital, LLC

Mr. Boyd Judd and MaryAnn Judd

Mr. Brian Bennett

Mr. Collin Hoo

Mr. Daniel Dae Kim and Mia Kim

Mr. and Mrs. Gregg Yamanaka

Hawaiian Airlines

Hazel H. Takumi Foundation

HDG, INC.

Ms. Heidi Hahn

Mrs. Janet Cooke

Ms. Jillson Fleener

Jose L. Romero Memorial Fund at HCF

Kamaka Hawaii Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm S. Koga

Masaki School of Music

Dr. Steven Nishi and Dr. Pamela Tauchi-Nishi

Pikake Foundation

Mr. Randolph Moore & Dr. Lynne Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kim

Dr. Sandi Kwee and Dr. Leilani Kaanehe

Tammy Koo

Taylor-White Charitable Fund

Vanguard Charitable

Vive Hotel Waikiki

SPONSOR

($500 to $999)

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Alex M. Kwon

Ms. Ann K. Yoklavich

Bank of Hawaii Charitable Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Barney Brennan

Mr. Bill Holowecki

Mr. & Mrs. Carlene Toshi

Ms. Chelsea Maeda

Corey Matsuoka

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Muramoto

Dr. and Mrs. Don Cha

Foodland Give Aloha

Mr. and Mrs. Gavan Sagara

Germaine's Luau, Inc.

Helen and Charles Higa

Dr. Hong-Ru Chen

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Muramoto

Mr. & Mrs. Chris Nielsen

Dr. and Mrs. Don Cha

Island Movers Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Judith Niimi

Dr. & Mrs. Kenin Coloma

Drs. Len Tanaka

Marnie Murdoch

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Y. Wong

Ms. Mollie M. Y. Lee

Mr. Morris Kimoto

Mr. Peter & Fiona Li

Dr. and Ms. Kenneth Fink

Mr. & Mrs. Rodney M. K. Pang

State of Maryland

Dr. & Mrs. Tilden Osako

PARTNER ($250 to $499)

Anonymous

ACW Group LLC

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Ms. Audrey Mueh

Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund

Ms. Beth Tamayose

Ms. Brenda Tang

Carole Sheridan Memorial of the Hawaii Community Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. David Nako

Mr. & Mrs Dean Taba

Miss Eliana Chang

Eunjin Kim

Mr. Gary Yee

George Wellington, Jr.

Mr. and Ms. Ignace Jang

Miss Iris L. Sim

Mr. Jason Chin

Jason and Beverly Kravitt

Mr. & Mrs. Keith M. Sakamoto

Mr. Larry T. Takumi

Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Hong

Mr. Lynn Chang and Dr. Lisa Wong

Ms. Mary E. Whitehead

Mr. Melvin K. Wong

Mr. and Mrs. W. Peter Kwong

Mrs. Miyeko S. Hashimoto

Mr. & Mrs. Randall Hee

Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Momohara

Dr. & Mrs. Robert G. Peters

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wo Jr.

Mrs. Ruth Oshiro

Dr. Ryan Lee

Samuel Kim

Dr. Vernon and Joyce Wong

Dr. and Mr. Vivien Tham

Dr. and Dr. Wade Nobuhara

Mrs. Wendy Chang

Mr. & Mrs. William E. Seehafer

Ms. Yuko Harada

Anonymous

Mr. Abraham Lagrimas, Jr.

Mrs. Janice Trubitt

Ms. Amy Okinishi

Mr. Andrew Akemoto

Andrew V. Bates

Mrs. Ann M. Ho

Ms. Anne Lee

Mr. Aris Doike

Miss Ayari Tochika

Ms. Barbara Hudman

Ms. Beatrice Affron

The Blackbaud Giving Fund

Mr. Brian Dote

Brian Umamoto

Mr. Byron Kelly

Dr. and Ms. Carl Yee

Ms. Carolyn Ing

Mrs. Carolyn Inoue

Ms. Cheryl Kojima

Mr. and Mrs. Chester J. Malins

Mr. & Mrs. Chester Kaneshiro

Christine Benoit

Mr. & Mrs. Claire Sakai-Hazzard

Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Takemoto

Mr. Clifford Cordeiro and Ms. Naoko Miyamoto

Ms. Colleen Sack

Ms. Corynn Sakamura

Craigside Retirement Residence

David Kamida

Mr. David Nijhawan

Dr. David Ross and Ms. Ann Castelfranco

Deanna Oda

Mr. Dennis Higashiguchi

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Kohara

Mr. and Mrs. Derek Tenn

Dr. Donald and Anna Womack

Ms. Donna Von

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Chin

Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Hanaumi

Ms. Frances E. Oshita

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Hook

Mr. Glen Teraoka

Mr. Glenn Fernandez

Mr. Henry Sakata

Mr. Howard Jr & Jayne Kim

Mr. & Mrs. Ivan Morita

Mr. James Aceret and Ms. Wendy Krause

Honorable and Mrs. James Kawashima

Ms. Janna and Neil Healy

Mrs. Jean McIntosh

Mr. & Mrs. Jean Toyama

Ms. Jeannette M. Omoto

Dr. and Mrs. Jonn Saruwatari

Mr. Joshua Flores

Ms. Karen J Cox

Ms. Kathleen (Kay) Mattos

Mrs. Kats Tateishi

Mrs. Kaylene Yee

Keita Hirashima

Mr. and Ms. Kenneth Jim

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Taira

Mr. Lance Oba

Laura Baker

Lauren Chun

Ms. Lauren Inouye

Mr. Laurence B. Goldstein

Laurie Young-Kagamida

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence So

Mrs. Lee Ann LaFortune

The Lee Joint Trust

Mr. McCraigan True and Ms. Jessica Nelson

Ms. Marie Tai

Mr. Mark Arimoto

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Nakamura

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Tomomitsu

Ms. Martha Child

Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Taba

Ms. Mary Ann Kobayashi

Mr. and Ms. Michael A. Wachtel

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hee

Mr. & Mrs. Mike Kobayashi

Mildred E. Uegawachi

Mrs. Nancy D. White

Ms. Nancy K. Sonoda

Network For Good

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hallman

Ms. Pamela Young

Paul Casey

Paul Nakatani

Mrs. Phyllis Wong

Mr. Richard Byron

Mr. Richard Gilsdorf

Mr. Robert Strand and The Honorable Linda Luke

Ms. Rochelle Uchibori

Mr. Ross K. Shimokawa

Mr. and Ms. Salvador Petilos

Mr. Scott Simon

Mrs. Selene Patterson

Mr. & Mrs. Sharon Lee

Mr. Shawn Conley

Donors (Continued)

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Shimabukuro

Ms. Suellen Barton

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas & Maria Stepec

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Shigeta

Mr. & Mrs. Van M. Goto

Ms. Veronica Prado

Mr. & Mrs. Walter Loo

Dr. Yutaka Niihara

FRIEND (Up to $99)

Anonymous

Ms. Agnes Kamana

Ms. Aileen Gushiken

Mr. Alvin and Karen Fuse

Amber Solidum

Mrs. Ann Doike

Dr. Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti

Mr. Art Deakins

Mr. and Mrs. Barry Kikuno

Mr. & Mrs. Carol S. Heape

Ms. Carole H. Toguchi

Mrs. Charlotte De Witt

Mr. Christopher M. Cabrera

Mr. Craig Watanabe

Mr. Dan Miyamoto and Dr. Karen Miyamoto

Ms. Doris S. Oshiro

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wong

Elaine Chang

Mr. Eleuterio Arista Jr

Dr. and Ms. Eric K. S. Yee

Erin Wong

Mr. Ernest Kobayashi

Mrs. Francis Bowers

Mr. Frederick Harris

Ms. Gail Maida

Galen Kawasaki

Mr. Gerald Young

Mr. Gordon Rapozo

Gregg Yamauchi

Mr. & Mrs. Guy Kamitaki

Mr. Hai Nguyen and Mrs. Quynh Tran

Han-Jae Cho

Ms. Hannah Watanabe

Ira Tagawa

Mr. James K. Michishima

Ms. Jan M. Tamura

Ms. Jane Jamison

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Poplin

Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Ono

Jessica Lum

Mrs. JoAnn Lamolino

Ms. JoAnn Maruoka

Dr. & Mrs. John B. Thompson

Dr. and Mrs. John Devlin

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Lyau

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Tran

Ms. Juanita C. Rafal

Ms. Julia Fujioka

Mr. Justin McClain

Ms. Karyn Komatsu

Ms. Kasumi Hara

Mr. Kenneth H. Burtness

Mrs. Kiyomi Abut

Mr. and Ms. Keane Nishimoto

Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Lau

Mr. & Mrs. Leslie G. Crandall

Ms. Lisa Kaauwai

Mr. Lloyd Lim

Lorraine Pascual

Mrs. and Mr. Lynn Hokama

Ms. Mary Bertolino

Mrs. Mary Schornstheimer

Ms. Michelle Muraoka

Michelle N. Ige

Naomi Lyum

Mr. and Ms. Nick Yee

Ms. Nola Nahulu

Miss Noweo Kai

Dr. Peter Leong

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Brown

Ms. Rachel Odo

Mr. Randall Kusaka

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Springer

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Lum

Ms. Rosina Cannizzaro

Ms. Ruby Arii

Ms. Ruby Shimabukuro

Ms. Sara Poland

Ms. Sonya Yara

Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Wong

Dr. Steven Azuma

Ms. Susan Imai

Ms. Susan Lape

Ms. Susan Wright

Ms. Sylvia Flores

Mr. & Mrs. Teresita Amore

Tisbest Philanthropy

Mr. Van Warren

Mrs. Willetta Centeio

Yoshiko Carrel

Tributes

Alisa Yee

In Honor of Jason K. Yee

Carl Yee

In Memory of Michiko

Noguchi

Cathy Monseur

In Memory of John & Agnes

Pecorino

Darren and Tammy Nakagawa

In Honor of Cody Nakagawa

David Nijhawan

In Honor of Heavy Metal

Glen Teraoka

In Memory of Jordan H. Teroka

In Honor of Jean Tsukamoto

Jason Kravitt

In Honor of Richard Ing

Laurie Young-Kagamida

In Honor of Collin

Mark Tomomitsu

In Honor of Alexander S.

Tomomitsu

In Memory of Masami

Tomomitsu

Serendipity II Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

In Memory of Joe & Luella

Spadaro

Gift in Kind

Agnes Terao-Guiala

Avery Farm

Stephen & Gloria J. Gainsley

Herbert Conley

Peter Shaindlin

Ginny Tiu

Jadine Nielsen