Youth Symphony I with Special Guests from Ohana Arts
Youth Symphony II Jazz I
Alumni of Classes 1970–2024
Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Ballroom
Sunday, May 4, 2025
11:00 am
(VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS)
(WINDWARD OʻAHU VIOLIN CLASSES)
Aloha!
hat an extraordinary season this has been; one for the memory books, especially as it is our 60th Anniversary!
Nearly 800 youth across our summer and school year programs have taken part in the fun and creative art of making music; all the while, developing themselves to their fullest potential and contributing to great art.
With each performance, HYS students live our organization's Core Values. They take inspiration from and dream courageously with musical legends, like Keola & Moanalani Beamer, Jake Shimabukuro, and the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra. They grow together when attending an orchestra workshop, or performing a new commissioned work—this season, thanks to the Keiko M. Sato Fund for New Music, they premiered works by Justin Park ’22, Dr. Byron Yasui, and Dr. Takuma Itoh—bringing life to music which has never yet been heard. And, through it all, they have fun; expressing the innate vitality, creativity, and joy that comes from being in an ensemble with your colleagues and friends.
At today's concert, we are honored to welcome back many alumni, who will share with us their lifelong passions for music by joining Youth Symphony I for a performance of Angel Pena’s “Royalty Overture.” Mr. Pena played in the Honolulu Symphony, starting in the mid 1960s, around the time HYS was born.
We are also honored and thrilled to introduce our friends from Ohana Arts, a youth musical theatre organization co-founded by HYS alumna Jenny Taira ’97.
We say thank you to our outgoing Youth Symphony II conductors, Susan OchiOnishi ’80 and Elton Masaki, who combined have led our orchestras for over twenty years. Through the years, some 2,500 students have been under their care, and their batons have graced nearly 300 pieces of music. We are grateful to them for the lasting impressions they have made on every student, and their legacies will always be a part of HYS’ story.
And finally, we congratulate and say a hui hou to our Class of 2025, to wish them the best on their next chapters, as they continue their journeys through life and with music.
HYS wouldn’t thrive as it has, without the community of employees, parents, friends, donors, and volunteers that surround us. You make HYS the trusted community treasure and resource through which youth learn, perform, and grow.
Thank you to all for supporting our Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony—and cheers to another 60 years!
Randy Wong ’99 President & CEO
Gladys Hirano
With thanks to a $25,000 challenge made in memory of former board member Gladys Y. Hirano, we are seeking contributions to honor and support the livelihood of HYS and our students’ musical journeys. All gifts made will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Hirano ‘Ohana, all of whom (Rik ‘75, Lorrin ‘77, Gregg ‘83, and Joy ‘84) are HYS alumni!
Support our programs with a donation today!
We are grateful to our community partners, whose generous support and special talents are invaluable to Hawai‘i Youth Symphony.
State of Hawai’i
Dr. Josh Green, Governor
Hawai’i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
Karen Ewald, Executive Director
City & County of Honolulu
Rick Blangiardi, Mayor
Accounting
KMH LLP
Evan Yamamoto
Robert Loke
Daniel Lott
Audio Engineers
Duane Padilla
Graphic Design
Commuter Industries
Halekulani
Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra
Amy Iwano, President & CEO
Chamber Music Hawaiʻi
James Moffitt, Board President
Christopher Cabrera, General Manager
Dr. Helen Liu, Education and Community Engagement Coordinator
Galliard String Quartet
Honolulu Brass Quintet
Spring Wind Quintet
Honolulu Chamber Music
Series
Jonathan Korth, Board President
Amy Mitsuda, Partners in Performance Committee
Ignace Jang, Clara Kim, and Aris Doike, Chamber Music Coaches
Program Design
Mark Nakamura
Printing
Edward Enterprises
Sanford Morioka
Justin You
Public Relations
Becker Communications
Susan Wright
Taryn Wells
Laura Young
Social Media
Vibe Creative Marketing
Erica Mau-Schank
Jessica Nelson
Jasmine Nip-Palmer
University of Hawaiʻi Music Department
Dr. Laurence Paxton, Chair
William Watson, Facility Coordinator
Kaimukī Middle School
Frank Fernandes, Principal
Niu Valley Middle School
Jeffrey Shitaoka, Principal
Boys and Girls Club of Hawaiʻi
Paddy Kauhane, President & Chief Executive Officer
Claudia “Lala” Fernandez, EVP & Chief Operations Officer
Danielle Trinidad (Spalding)
Kekoa Tupua (Nānākuli)
Symphony Program Coaches
Christopher Cabrera, YSI Percussion Coach
Aris Doike, YSII Cello Coach
Guy Lum, CO & YSII Percussion Coach
Allen Nii, YSII Brass Coach
Alexander Peña, CO String Coach
Jazz Concert Parent Volunteers
Michelle Funai
Wade Nobuhara
Concert Orchestra Concert Parent Volunteers
Marru Arellano
Stefanie Lawton
Kathleen Lu
Youth Symphony II Concert Parent Volunteers
Jill Kawaguchi
Roslyn Meinert
Michele Nuibe
Debbie Petilos
Youth Symphony I Concert Parent Volunteers
Margret Arakaki
Amy Carlson
Janet Maeshiro
Wade Nobuhara
Ben Gutierrez
Emcee, Hawaii News Now
Ben Gutierrez is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning weather anchor, weekend news anchor and general assignment reporter at Hawaii News Now. He is also a member of the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts, the home of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, and is a former member of its Board of Governors. He’s proud to be a longtime supporter of Hawai‘i Youth Symphony.
Erica Mau-Schank, Chair
Lauren Yoo, Vice Chair
Lorrin Hirano, Esq., Secretary
Collin Hoo, Treasurer
Directors
Sharon R. Himeno
Martin Hsia, Esq.
David Imanaka, Esq.
Richard Ing
Patti Look
Malcolm Lau
Michael Onofrietti
Aaron Salā
Jake Shimabukuro
Jean Tsukamoto
ADMINISTRATION
Randy Wong, President & CEO
Rachel Schultz, Chief Operating Officer
Joseph Stepec, Director of Orchestral Activities
Hannah Watanabe, Programs Director
Lauren Sergent, Operations Manager
Brent Ramos, Receptionist
Veronica Cox, Music Librarian
Symphony Program
Joseph Stepec, Conductor, Youth Symphony I
Elton Masaki, Conductor, Youth Symphony II
Susan Ochi-Onishi, Conductor, Youth Symphony II
Wayne Fanning, Conductor, Concert Orchestra
Academy Program
Michael Lim, Conductor, String Orchestra Ensemble & Concert String Orchestra
Carissa Miyamoto, Conductor, Beginning String Ensemble & Intermediate String Ensemble
Stefanie Lawton, Beginning String Ensemble Cello Instructor
Sayuri Yamamoto, Beginning String Ensemble Bass Instructor
Brent Ramos, Academy Coordinator
Jazz Program
Dean Taba, Jazz Program Director
Ryan Howe, Jazz Conductor
Noel Okimoto, Jazz Conductor
Super Strings Program
Laurie Shimabukuro, Instructor
Music in the Clubhouse
Abraham “Abe” Lagrimas, Jr., Honolulu Music4Kids Instructor
Veronica Cox, Nānākuli Music4Kids Instructor
Daniel Kawaiʻaeʻa Shaver, Nānākuli Strings Instructor
Pacific Music Institute
Jeremy Lawi, General Manager
Joseph Stepec, Artistic Director
Ignace Jang, Solo & String Quartet Program Director
Richard Scerbo, Orchestral Learning Alliance
Dean Taba, Jazz Intensive Director
Hawai‘i Youth Symphony
1350 South King St., Suite 201 Honolulu, HI 96814
Tel. (808) 941-9706
admin@hiyouthsymphony.org www.HIYouthSymphony.org
Federal Tax ID #99-0119771
awai‘i’s only state-wide music education organization, Hawai’i Youth Symphony reaches over 3,500 youth annually, 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 fostering fun and creative experiences for youth that inspire a deep appreciation for music and lifelong relationships within the culture of our islands through orchestral music, offering diverse programs including general music, string and band classes, jazz, symphony orchestras, summer intensives, and more. Contributions to HYS go toward its vision of A Hawai’i where Music Is A Right: to break down barriers to music education including financial hardship, geographic barriers, 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 loans, private lessons and air and surface travel for neighbor island students. 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 Hawai‘i's youth.
Sunday, May 4, 2025 ✽ Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Ballroom
Welcome
Ben Gutierrez, Master of Ceremonies
Nicholas Williams, Punahou School, Senior
Jodie Wung, Mililani High School, Senior Eli Wolf, University Laboratory School PCS, Senior
Lunch Service
Jazz I
Dean Taba, Director
Minuano
Pat Metheny
In Walked Bud Thelonius Monk, arr. students and faculty of Jazz I
Youth Symphony II
Elton Masaki & Susan Ochi-Onishi, Conductors
Hōkūpaʻa
Symphony No. 2 “Romantic,” Movement III
Butter
Justin Park, ‘22 Commissioned by the Keiko M. Sato Fund
Howard Hanson
Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Sebastian Garcia, Robert Grimaldi, Ron Perry, Alex Blowitz, and Kim Namjoon arr. Peter Yang
Final Countdown Joey Tempest, arr. Marc Garetto
Intermission
Youth Symphony I
Joseph Stepec, Conductor
Satchmo Louis Armstrong, arr. Ted Ricketts
Ashokan Farewell Jay Ungar, arr. Bob Cerulli
Performance of this piece is sponsored by Alice & Karl Blade
Youth Symphony I with Ohana Arts
When You Believe from “Prince of Egypt”
Peace On Your Wings
Stephen Schwartz
Jennifer Taira, ’97, lyrics by Laurie Rubin
Youth Symphony I with HYS Alumni
Royalty Overture Angel Peña
Senior Aloha Ceremony
Michael Lim, Conductor
Aloha ‘Oe
Queen Lili‘uokalani, arr. Michael-Thomas Foumai
The 2025 Ohana Arts touring cast of “Peace On Your Wings,” a musical written by two local writers and performed by a Hawai‘i based cast of youth, is honored to perform with the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony! “Peace On Your Wings” is a musical based on the true story of 12 year old Hiroshima atomic bomb victim Sadako Sasaki and her thousand paper cranes. The show is produced by Oahu based organization Ohana Arts which trains youth ages 6–18 in the performing arts. “Peace On Your Wings” has toured ten cities over the past ten years, including Honolulu and the neighbor Islands, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, as well as a Japan premiere in Hiroshima in 2023. After the show’s success in Hiroshima, Mayor Matsui invited “Peace On Your Wings” to return in August 2025 to take place as a Hiroshima City sponsored event and central event of the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The 2025 “Peace On Your Wings” cast will tour three cities this summer, including Honolulu with performances at the Kennedy Theatre on campus of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Fukuoka Civic Hall, and Aster Plaza in Hiroshima.
Sadako - Brooke Nakama & Amaya Mochinaga
Shizuka - Madison Mattoon & Danica Yamaguchi
Aiko - Maya Nakamoto & Ayami Kinoshita
Kenji - Peace Wong
Kazuko - Camryn Murakami
Kiyoshi - Cody Ellazar & GavynZane Hirahara
Minoru - Pono Wong
Masahiro - Casey Lauti & Jay Sasaki
Eiji - Tanner Nakamoto
Mitsue - Sammy DeCosta
Kiyo - Randie Lueder
Setsuko - Axs Wesley
Haru - Mari Nakamoto
Shigeno - Olive Shea
Reiko - Lily Hakoda
Itsue - Katie Loui
Ensemble
Maya Lai
Katie Walthall
Mikayla Walthall
Mika Erickson
Alexa Grean
Ethan Chun
Hope Shinsato
Jinu Kim
lahiki Kailihiwa
Jenny Taira Composer & Co-Bookwriter
Peace On Your Wings composer and co-bookwriter Jenny Taira '97 is known in Hawaii and beyond for her work in several genres, including musical theater, pop and choral music. An active performer, she has performed extensively throughout the United States as a clarinetist and collaborative pianist. Recent career highlights include international recital tours throughout North America and Europe, and performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Ravinia Festival, the Philharmonic Hall in Brasov Transylvania, Greenwich Music Festival, and the 92nd Street Y in New York City; and a Lucas Artist Residency at Montalvo Arts Center. As a clarinetist, she received top prizes in the Hennings-Fischer Foundation Young Artist Competition and Kingsville International Competition, and has performed with the Burbank Philharmonic, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, New Britain Symphony, Hawaii Symphony, and the Royal Hawaiian Band. In 2013, she and Laurie Rubin also branded as a new pop duo under the name, PureLand. An advocate for arts education, Ms. Taira is Co-Founder, Executive & Co-Artistic Director of Ohana Arts. She is a graduate of Northwestern University and the Yale School of Music
Laurie Rubin Lyricist & Co-Bookwriter
Peace On Your Wings lyricist and co-book writer Laurie Rubin is an author, motivational speaker and singer who performs in a variety of genres, including classical, pop, and musical theater. New York Times critic Anthony Tommasini praised her “compelling artistry,” “communicative power,” and the “earthy, rich, and poignant qualities” of her voice. Los Angeles Times critic Mark Swed described her as “a young mezzo-soprano whose voice is darkly complex and mysteriously soulful and who adds intense emphasis to every word of text.” Laurie has performed with the likes of conductor John Williams and opera star Frederica von Stade. She has given concerts at London’s Wigmore Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and the White House, among others, presenting programs that tell her unique story through music. Her album, Do You Dream In Color? was released in 2012, the same year as her memoir of the same name, published by Seven Stories Press. The title track of the album, co-written by Laurie and composer Bruce Adolphe, premiered in its orchestral version in a performance she gave at the International Human Rights Conference in Lucerne, Switzerland and in a performance she gave with the LA Chamber Orchestra. She and composer/producer, Jenny Taira form the pop duo PureLand. Laurie is Co-founder and Co-Artistic Director of Ohana Arts and is a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and the Yale School of Music.
Carolyn Chung Director
Carolyn Chung has directed numerous shows, and is known for her uncanny storytelling abilities and for creating striking pictures through her blocking on stage. She founded the performing theater at the Hongwanji Mission School in Honolulu, and served as director of the program for nine years, having directed nine shows with students ages 8–18. She went on to serve as the director of Central Theatre Arts Academy, one of the five performing arts learning center programs of the Hawaii Department of Education, serving public school students from around Oahu, and directed ten shows for students from elementary through high school. She has been stage director for “Peace On Your Wings” since its premiere in 2014, and has continued with the production over the past nine years. She is co-founder of Ohana Arts, and is co-artistic director and resident stage director, having directed over 20 productions for Ohana Arts.
Susan Ochi-Onishi Youth Symphony II 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 32nd 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 Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i 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 an oboe student of Ray Still (CSO) and studied the english horn with Grover Schiltz (CSO). 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 Hawai‘i Youth Symphony II and is an alumna of the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony Program where she served as Principal Oboe during her time as a student.
Elton Masaki
Youth Symphony II 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 co-conductor of Youth Symphony II. In the past, he has also taught orchestra at Mid-Pacific Institute, Kamehameha Middle School, and with the Hawai‘i 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, and O‘ahu Chamber Orchestra and has also subbed as a violinist with the Hawaii Pops, Maui Symphony, and Kona Symphony.
Violin I
Dominic Chi
Ethan Chow
Alina Evanoff
Hayden Freitas
Vincent Lau
Brian Lim, Concertmaster
Daniel Lin
Shiloh Mitsui
Minh Chau Nguyen
Hayley Okano
Rosalyn Olsen
Tenley Tanigawa
Rylan Terayama
Tri Truong
Keoni Wun
Eileen Zhang
Violin II
Xelhuan AndersonMartinez
Hailee Choi
Airi Choy
Sydney Chung
Elena de Lima
Charles Haring
Elizabeth Huang
Haley Lau
Kira Miyamoto
Cheyna Murakami, Principal
Bryce Nouchi
Lacey Park
Chloe Petilos
Zuri Phung
Kolleen Roessig
Taylor Rogers
Sherry Taguchi
Tobias Watanabe
Kirstin Wee
Shion Yamasaki
Viola
Analise Borrman
Leala Florendo
Rui Han, Principal
Kayla Howard
Sean Lee
Carly Mirafuentes
Cello
Princeton Co
Otto Ferguson
Rika Kamemoto
Kaitlyn Naputo
Paisley Sagadraca
Isabella Santos
Daniel Schoen
Evangeline Tjoeng, Principal
Ty Tokunaga
Harp
Beylih Moani Beale
Piccolo
Jason Okutani
Flute
Eunice Kim
Celine Lee, Co-Principal
David Na, Co-Principal
Jason Okutani
Baiyi Wang
Oboe
Ian Cho
Charlotte Gimber
Kamy Kaneshige
Nainoa Tindle, Co-Principal
Brandalyn Tran, Co-Principal
English Horn
Ian Cho
Clarinet
Nathan Amemiya
Junyu Blas
Lauren Chen
Anna Choi, Co-Principal
Matt Michibata, Co-Principal
Erin Suehisa
Bass Clarinet
Lauren Chen
Bassoon
Jerry Gao, Principal
Ashton Kim
Horn
Maile Judd
Morten Kjos-Hanssen
Samuel McNiel
Matthew Meinert, Co-Principal
Breydi Nuibe, Co-Principal
Kai Takenouchi-Amador
Eva Tramuto
Trumpet
Micah Kim
Jayce Labuguen
Javis Phan, Co-Principal
Akari Takayanagi
Daniel Tanaka, Co-Principal
Reimer Wolf
Trombone
Caleb Chinen, Co-Principal
Cy Kaneshiro, Co-Principal
Melissa Nishihara
Jason Sakata
Alex Shin
Bass Trombone
Cy Kaneshiro
Melissa Nishihara
Tuba
Slayter Kamimura, Principal
Charles Schulberg
Percussion
Keira Ida Ayu
James Kunihiro
Isaac Matsumoto, Co-Principal
Taitum Tanouye, Co-Principal
Youth Symphony II (YSII) is the second most advanced of HYS’s seven orchestras. For the 2024–2025 season, YSII is composed of 93 students from 25 public, private and homeschools across O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and the Big Island. Brian Lim, an eleventh grade student from Kalani High School is this season’s concertmaster.
Joseph Stepec
Director of Orchestral Activities & PMI Artistic Director Youth Symphony I Conductor
Joseph Stepec came to Hawai‘i from Cleveland, Ohio in 2016. He is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Orchestras at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Music Department. Under his direction, the University of Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra has premiered works of new composers, represented underperformed masterworks, and has collaborated with ensembles as diverse as the United States Marine Band and more. He is an active clinician that has guest taught many ensembles visiting Hawai‘i, on the mainland, and abroad in Shanghai, China.
Mr. Stepec studied violin with Gregory Fulkerson at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and conducting at the Eastman School of Music with master teacher, Neil Varon. Mr. Stepec additionally studied with Michael Jinbo at the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and pursued doctoral studies at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. In 2017, he was a conducting Fellow at the Menuhin Gstaad Music Festival where he worked closely with Jaap van Zweden, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic and noted conducting pedagogue, Johannes Schlaefli. In 2019, Mr. Stepec premiered a new translation of Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat set in colonial Hawai‘i with members of Chamber Music Hawaii to very favorable reviews.
As the Director of Orchestral Activites at the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony, Mr. Stepec conducts the top orchestra, Youth Symphony I. With that ensemble he has premiered new works by living composers and has worked with countless Hawai‘i based artists. He has toured with the ensemble to the outer islands and has been featured in concert at the Waikīkī Shell and Blaisdell Concert Hall. His work with the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony was recognized in 2024 with an induction to the Pacific Business News magazine’s “40 under 40,” which recognizes leaders in Hawai‘i.
❝I am honored to have been chosen to lead HYS’ symphony program. HYS’ mission and its goals are ones that I deeply resonate with from my own special and formative years playing in a youth symphony: the opportunity to learn to make music together at the highest level and with the greatest commitment is one that shapes lives and forges unbreakable friendships and memories. I am thrilled to be fulfilling this new position alongside my incredibly talented colleagues at HYS and PMI.
Violin I
Eric Camacho
Preston Chi**
Leia Choi
Ymin Guo
Ashley Jisue Hong
Jayden Kim
Vance Maeshiro**
Aya Okimoto
Max Shinno
Kaitlyn Sim
Sevastyan Swan**
Gwyneth Tenn**
Violin II
Nicholas Chi*
Flora Elham
Elizabeth Fink
Yanling Guo*
Kai Im
Coco Kim
Riya Krishnagopalan
Victor Lee
Lily Nomura
Christopher Oyama
Alexis Phansaithong
Sage Shiroma
Maria Swan
Katherine Wu
Daniel Yoo
Viola
Hyunwoo Chang
Haaon Cho
Eun Ha
Sophie Kaiser
Swan Kim*
Albert Ko*
Hannah Kwak
Kyla Miyamoto
Gray Nauwelaerts
Lulu Wang
Cello
Anson Akemoto
Dylan Kalā Campuspos
Sophia Chan
Leiyao Chang*
Ashlyn Ito*
Ian Jun
Jibhum Lee
Lucas Sanford
Reese Walther
Bryan Wood
Jodie Wung
Taigo Yuen
Bass
Seitaro Kobayashi*
Isabelle Morita*
Joshua Wung
Harp
Arabella Tan
Flute
Hope Bayudan
Flora Liao
Henry Rhee
Jessica-Holly Wiemer
Oboe
Kenton Chan
Maya Hokada
Sara Inao
Ayaka Yoshii
Clarinet
Yuto Kawaguchi
Jeannie Kim
Ellie Obara
Aiden Taheri
Bassoon
Daniel Kim
Spencer Lyau
Horn
Jake Miyakawa
Kobe Miyamasu
Maiah Oba
Nicholas Williams
Nicholas Xu
Trumpet
Kyle Ehara
Grace Hagino
Paige Kawana
Christopher Yara
Trombone
Kolten Hamana
Jae Koo
Andrew Li
Tuba
Xyon-La'Jount Jury
Percussion
Camden Funai
Mani Kovacich
Carter Nobuhara
Ian Pak
**Co-Concertmaster Students rotate seating for each piece.
*String Section Leaders
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 2024–2025 season, YSI is composed of 84 students, grades 9–12, from 18 public, home and independent schools across O’ahu. This year, YSI has four co-concertmasters. Preston Chi, a senior from Punahou, Vance Maeshiro, a senior from ‘Iolani, Sevastyan Swan, an eleventh grade homeschool student, and Gwyneth Tenn, a senior from Punahou.
Dean Taba
Jazz Program Director
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 Hawai‘i 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 Shimabukuo, 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 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
Jazz Instructor
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.
Saxophone
Maxwell Chin
Electric Guitar
Broderick Nakasone
Eli Wolf
Bass Guitar
Johann Machida
Drum Set
Isato Kimura, Senior Jazz II
Mani Kovacich
Carter Nobuhara
A relatively new HYS program, HYS Jazz celebrates its fifth 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 two levels for students ages 14–18. Jazz II for students who play an instrument but have little to no experience in jazz, and Jazz I for students who are advancing in their jazz and improvisation skills. 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, saxophonists and brass players 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, vocalist 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/. Registration for HYS Jazz usually begins in early July.
Melissa Blaisdell, Cello, Class of 2004
Manny Dayao, Trombone, Class of 1997
Aris Doike, Cello, Class of 2010
Maribelle Fernandez, Clarinet, Class of 2014
Kassi Hatakenaka, Clarinet, Class of 2018
Hayden Hawkins, Bassoon, Class of 2020
Tyler Katsura, Viola, Class of 2010
Michael Lim, Violin, Class of 2007
Sara Lin, Cello, Class of 1999
Calvin Liu, Viola, Class of 1985
Nancy Masaki, Cello, Class of 1970
Ruth Miyamoto, Cello, Class of 2009
Wyatt Nagao, Trumpet, Class of 2008
Parker Nakamura, Trumpet, Class of 2013
Brent Ramos, Violin, Class of 2015
Manami Sato, Violin, Class of 2024
Daniel Shaver, Violin, Class of 2010
Laurie Shimabukuro, Violin, Class of 1998
Lucas Toor, Tuba, Class of 2018
Fumiko Wellington, Violin, Class of 1970
Chris Yick, Bass, Class of 2016
HAWAII YOUTH SYMPHONY offers a complete spectrum of out-of-school music programs includingincluding its Symphony Program, Jazz Program, Academy Strings Program, and Music in the Clubhouse program. Through these programs, HYS serves 700 students annually from more than 100 public, charter, independent and home schools across the state.
MUSIC IN THE CLUBHOUSE offers entry-level programs, in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai’i and other community partners, to spark students’ curiosity and provide free or low-cost access to music. HYS provides instruments and materials, and no musical experience is required. Locations include the Spalding Clubhouse which holds beginning ‘ukulele lessons and Nanakuli YET Clubhouse which teaches beginning violin classes for students along the Waianae coast.
THE ACADEMY STRING PROGRAM offers students an opportunity to grow together and sharpen their orchestra string skills. School year and summer violin classes are available for beginning and intermediate players.
THE JAZZ PROGRAM invites students who are looking to learn, improve and elevate their ability to play popular, commercial and jazz styles.
THE SYMPHONY PROGRAM welcomes string, woodwind, brass and percussion students from all islands to audition and take part in full orchestras. Symphony Program students perform classical masterworks, newly commissioned pieces,
At HYS, we envision a Hawaiʻi where music is a right. In order to make progress toward our strategic vision, we bring music education and concerts to underserved communities. Out of over 200 DOE schools in the State of Hawaii, relatively few offer comprehensive music programs. Our nonprofit is a statewide music education organization that seeks to bridge that gap. Here’s how we make an impact!
keiki of all demographics & backgrounds to music education early in childhood.
DEVELOP their skills & confidence by providing a pathway of continuous improvement.
GIVE BACK to our Hawai‘i community. Show our students that they can inspire other kids by spreading the joy of music.
While it is difficult to recognize all of the people and moments that made our last 60 years possible, here are a few highlights:
1954 – 1958
A youth orchestra was formed as a special project of the Honolulu Junior Chamber of Commerce.
1962
By 1962, the orchestra had been reorganized by the Honolulu Jaycees.
1964
On December 24, 1964, HAWAII YOUTH SYMPHONY is incorporated to provide for the enrichment and cultivation of the minds and spirits of the youth in our community. Peter Mesrobian is founding Music Director.
1965 – 1968
HYS makes its neighbor island debuts with four concerts on Maui and Hawai‘i Island. In 1966, Harold Higa formed the Hawaii Junior Youth Symphony, which eventually becomes the HYS Academy String Program.
1977
HYS and the Honolulu Symphony partnered for “A TASTE OF THE SYMPHONY,” conducted by Sidney Rothstein at McKinley Auditorium and sponsored by Mayor Frank F. Fasi
1979-1984
Grant Okamura joins HYS as Music Director. During this time, Mr. Okamura’s students include future HYS faculty Susan Ochi-Onishi and Dean Taba.
1984
Henry Miyamura makes his debut as Music Director, as HYS articulates a new mission: to foster cultural enrichment of the community through the study of orchestral instruments and to present musical performances designed for youth and performed by youth.
THE PACIFIC MUSIC INSTITUTE, a project of Maestro Miyamura and Maui colleague Lance Jo, was held for the first time at Seabury Hall, Makawao, Maui.
HYS holds its first HE MAKANA O NĀ MELE: THE GIFT OF MUSIC gala.
HYS begins partnership with BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII.
HYS makes the final ballot for its first Nā Hōkū Hanohano nomination, “The Golden Ages of Waikiki: Hawaii Youth Symphony with Jimmy Borges and The WAITIKI 7”
In Maestro Miyamura’s final season as HYS Music Director, Youth Symphony I accompanies Midori and takes part in her Orchestra Residencies Program (and performs with her), becomes the first full orchestra featured on the nationallybroadcast radio program From The Top, and performs with renowned pianist Conrad Tao
HYS launches a new logo and its strategic vision to MAKE MUSIC A RIGHT HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA debuts the first of many Side-by-Side collaborative concerts. Music in the Clubhouse expands to Nanakuli, a partnership with National Orchestral Institute is established with PMI, and Super Strings is brought to the windward side in collaboration with Le Jardin Academy Fast Company recognizes HYS for its innovative work in Social Good.
Maestro Joseph Stepec is honored in Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40 and HYS MARKS 60 YEARS OF MUSIC in the islands, continuing to provide access and opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds.
MusicintheClubhouse - Bucket Drumming
“I grew up on the Big Island in Hilo. As a high schooler, it was exciting to get on a plane and be semi-independent, to come to rehearsal and have this opportunity to meet students from other islands and make music with them. You go back to your own program more inspired. I’m very grateful that students now still have that opportunity, and hopefully it’ll continue so that we can strengthen the programs around the state.”
– WAYNE FANNING, Concert Orchestra Conductor & HYS Alumnus (‘93)
We believe music is a right, meaning everyone should have the opportunity to make and listen to music regardless of who they are or where they live. To move towards this vision, we are constantly taking steps to increase access to music education across all islands, encouraging students throughout the entire state to join both our symphony and jazz programs. As of 2024, HYS has served students from every island across Hawai‘i. To ensure no child is turned away from a quality music education because of financial needs, HYS distributes more than $50,000 a year through its financial aid program. HYS offers assistance for:
• Registration fees
• Instrument loans
• Private lessons
• Air and surface travel for neighbor island students
The effects of music on a young person’s life are countless and everlasting. Through participating in HYS, students develop skills that they carry with them forever and are given the ability to create opportunities for themselves that they may not have had otherwise.
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 2024–2025 season, and we regret any errors or omissions have been made.
Ahuimanu Elementary School
‘Aiea Intermediate School
‘Āina Haina Elementary School
Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i PCS
Āliamanu Elementary School
Assets School
Castle High School
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
Eckstein Middle School
Einstein Middle School
Enlightium Academy
Ft. Shafter Elementary School
Hanahau‘oli School
Hawaii Baptist Academy
Hawai‘i Technology Academy
Hawaiian Mission Academy
Hickam Elementary School
Highlands Intermediate School
Hilo High School
Hilo Intermediate School
Homeschool
Hongwanji Mission
Honouliuli Middle School
‘Iolani School
Island Pacific Academy
Isobe Junior High School
iUniversity Prep
Jarrett Middle School
Jefferson Elementary School
Juana Briones Elementary School
Ka Waihona o ka Na‘auao PCS
Kāhala Elementary School
Kahuku High School
Kahuku Intermediate School
Kailua High School
Kailua Intermediate School
Kaimuki Christian
Kaimukī Middle School
Kaiser High School
Kalāheo High School
Kalani High School
Kamehameha Schools—Hawai'i
Kamehameha Schools—Kapālama
Kapolei High School
Kapolei Middle School
Kawānanakoa Middle School
King Intermediate School
Kulia Academy
La Pietra
Lanakila Baptist Middle School
Lanikai Elementary School
Le Jardin Academy
Liholiho Elementary School
Lincoln Middle School
Lunalilo Elementary School
Mānoa Elementary School
Mary, Star of the Sea School
Maryknoll School
Maui Waena Middle School
Mauka Lani Elementary School
McKinley High School
Mid-Pacific Institute
Mililani High School
Mililani Ike Elementary School
Mililani Mauka Elementary School
Mililani Middle School
Moanalua Elementary School
Moanalua High School
Moanalua Middle School
Momilani Elementary School
Myron B. Thompson
Nānāikapono Elementary School
Niu Valley Middle School
Noelani Elementary School
Nuuanu Elementary School
Palisades Elementary School
Pauoa Elementary School
Pearl City High School
Pullman High School
Punahou School
Radford High School
Roosevelt High School
Royal Elementary School
Sacred Hearts Academy
Sage Hill School
Saint Louis School
Salt Lake Elementary School
SEEQS
St. Andrew’s Priory
St. George‘s Classical Academy
St. Mark Lutheran School
Stevenson Middle School
The King's Academy
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
University Laboratory PCS
Waiākea High School
Waiākea Intermediate School
Wai‘alae School PCS
Wai‘anae High School
Waikīkī Elementary School
Waimānalo Elementary and Intermediate School
Waipahu High School
Waipahu Intermediate School
Waolani Judd N. School
Washington Middle School
Wilson Elementary School
Nathan Amemiya
Xelhuan AndersonMartinez
Dylan Kalā Campuspos
Leiyao Chang
Chloe Chen
Preston Chi
Maxwell Chin
Hailee Choi
Kyle Ehara
Flora Elham
Ashley Jisue Hong
Kai Im
Sara Inao
Isato Kimura
Seitaro Kobayashi
Jae Koo
Victor Lee
Spencer Lyau
Vance Maeshiro
Carly Mirafuentes
Kira Miyamoto
Isabelle Morita
David Na
Broderick Nakasone
Gray Nauwelaerts
Maiah Oba
Sage Shiroma
Kaitlyn Sim
Aiden Taheri
Gwyneth Tenn
Tri Truong
Tobias Watanabe
Kirstin Wee
Nicholas Williams
Eli Wolf
Reimer Wolf
Keoni Wun
Jodie Wung
Joshua Wung
Daniel Yoo
Ayaka Yoshii
Dear Class of 2025,
Congratulationsto on reaching this important milestone, your graduation!
I will look back fondly at this year's YSI. Together, we have given powerfully committed performances all year round. When I look back to the beginning of the year, I am astounded by how far we've come. Our Symphony performance for Spring Concert in particular was exceptionalit was exceptional because you put your heart into it. That really matters and I hope that is the lesson you take away from your music studies, your time in YSI.
In closing, I want to share that same Beethoven quote I shared earlier:
”To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.“
Put your heart into everything you do.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Mr. Joseph Stepec Director of Orchestral Activities Conductor, Youth Symphony I Artistic Director, Pacific Music Institute
Aloha Class of 2025 Seniors,
As this is also my final year conducting a HYS ensemble, it seems we are all about to embark on a journey that leads us into uncharted waters. While change is always a little scary, I can assure you that we all have bright futures ahead of us and I am excited for all of our next chapters in life. I have found that learning, teaching, and performing music has made me ready for most of the challenges life has thrown at me and I am confident you will find that your foundations (musical or not) will take you far. Since this is my last letter to seniors, I would like to leave you with one piece of advice that I have lived by since I was your age, ”Never stop learning.“
You can never tell what direction your life will take but if you keep learning, you will find your life can take directions you never thought of. As a high school student, I never thought I would be fixing computers, travelling, arranging music, or trading stocks and yet here I am doing just that! Everything I have learned has made me grow as a person and it has definitely helped me become a better teacher. I am proud that I had the chance to work at nearly all levels of education in HYS, was part of the operations crew, and even worked for the travel agency that organized trips to the outer islands! HYS has been good to me and I wish the best for the organization and future YSII conductor.
I have to thank Mr. Miyamura who started this whole journey for me. Without you I probably wouldn't be a music educator and I definitely would not be involved with HYS. You believed in me more than anyone else (myself included). Seniors, I hope you are all able to find the Mr. Miyamura in your lives who will support you in your passions, regardless of what they might be. Thank you all for being a part of the HYS ‘Ohana and I look forward to meeting you again and hearing about how awesome your lives are!
Yours Truly,
Mr. Elton Masaki
Conductor, Youth Symphony II
Aloha Hawai‘i Youth Symphony ‘Ohana and the Senior Class of 2025,
Being a member of the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony ‘Ohana as a student, clinician, parent, teacher, and conductor, has spanned over approximately 49 years of my life. I have been hooked on orchestral music since my days of playing in the Junior Orchestra directed by Mrs. Norma Parado. My musical journey took me to perform as the Principal Oboist under Maestro Peter Mesrobian and Maestro Grant Okamura. I returned later at the request of Maestro Henry Miyamura to serve as the Oboe Clinician for the Pacific Music Institute. As one of the original faculty members of the PMI, I was fortunate to participate in the growth of Mr. Miyamura's vision. The day came when Mr. Miyamura encouraged me to become one of the conductors for HYS. That was twenty years ago.
I will be forever grateful to the past and present Hawai‘i Youth Symphony ‘Ohana. Mahalo to the HYS Board of Directors, the HYS Administration, my colleagues, the HYS parents, and most of all, the wonderful HYS students! It has been an exciting, educational, and musically rewarding journey.
The Hawai‘i Youth Symphony Program continues to provide opportunities for students that have proven to be invaluable. These experiences have challenged students to go above and beyond to hone their musical skills. Their diligence and dedication in achieving a high level of musicianship are easily transferred to other areas in their lives. Our students are able to accept challenges with a positive mindset and understand the importance of team work. We are always happy to hear from our alumni about how their HYS experiences have impacted them in a positive way and what they are doing to keep music in their lives.
Seniors, no matter where the road leads you, I hope you will continue to enjoy the beauty and excitement of music. Whether you continue to perform on your instrument, compose music, attend performances, or support musical organizations such as HYS, please remember that your experiences have helped shape you into who you are. We will continue to cheer you on and we look forward to seeing or hearing wonderful news from you.
Best wishes to the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony Program. We all must strive together to keep the program going strong so future students may experience the benefits of participating in such an outstanding program. Mahalo everyone!!!
Musically yours,
Conductor, Youth Symphony II
Dear Class of 2025,
Iwant to congratulate all of you on all your accomplishments as you close out this chapter and begin your future as a young adult. With so many activities available to students, I am so proud that you decided to make music a part of your lives. The skills you have learned in music will help you wherever you go: communication, commitment, teamwork, responsibility, compassion, time management, flexibility, self-expression, and so much more!
As you have worked hard to develop your musical skills, I sincerely hope that you will remain a lifelong advocate of music in our schools and communities. Some of you will pursue music as a career, and others will not. Either way, you can still attend concerts and encourage your future children to be involved in music. Playing an instrument has contributed to who you are as a human being and as a society we need more people like you!
Before you receive your high school diploma, be sure to take a moment to thank everyone who has been helpful and influential in all your endeavors. The staff at HYS is very proud of you, and we cannot wait to hear about your accomplishments in the future! Best wishes to you always!
Aloha,
Mr. Wayne Fanning Conductor, Concert Orchestra
Dear Jazz Seniors (Brody, Eli, Isato, and Max),
On behalf of Mr. Howe and Mr. Okimoto, I can sincerely say that it has been our privilege and joy to watch you advance, grow and mature as musicians and as people in your time with HYS Jazz.
Together we have created a whole which is greater than the sum of its parts. This has always been and shall always be our goal. You can be proud to have achieved this!
We are delighted to see you all continuing your musical life in exactly the way you wanted, at the places you all wanted. We are so excited where this journey takes each of you. Please keep in touch and keep us informed of your musical activities. Some ideas that we have discussed and experienced that we think are important to remember:
• Adapt to changing circumstances with a minimum of fuss.
• Take chances. Don’t beware, be aware.
• How you do something is how you do everything.
• We only progress at the speed of trust. Trust in others and trust in yourself.
• If you love what you are doing, never be afraid to show it.
• Practice well and consistently to earn your humility.
With Love and Aloha,
Mr. Dean Taba, Mr. Ryan Howe and Mr. Noel Okimoto
Hi, my name is Xelhuan and I’ve been playing the violin with HYS from the Intermediate String Ensemble in the Academy Program. One of the most enjoyable parts of playing for HYS throughout the years is being able to play the instrument that I love with many other people that enjoy playing music. Seeing all the work that all of us put into rehearsals and witnessing the output in the form of the winter and spring concerts is a truly auspicious spectacle. Having played as part of this amazing organization has helped me develop a plethora of lifelong skills and lessons that I will take with me as I move forward in my life’s journey. I am truly grateful for all of the things this organization has done for me.
Kalā started his HYS journey in 10th grade after receiving encouraging support from his private teacher and friends. He really appreciated the pacing and dedication from all of the students and staff in HYS in putting together complete and well-rounded concerts each semester. Throughout Kalā's 11th and 12th grade years, YSI has affirmed to him that hard work and dedication leads to greater things, and showed that music really is a gift that is meant to be shared. His favorite parts are the service concerts and trips that YSI puts on each year.
In addition to being a member of YSI, Kalā also plays the upright bass and guitar for the ‘Iolani Hawaiian Ensemble, and continues his orchestral skills in ‘Iolani's Symphonic Orchestra 5, where he plays cello and timpani/percussion. While not playing music, Kalā paddles for school and for club, and partook in water polo in previous years.
Kalā plans on attending Pitzer College in Claremont, California where he plans to major in Environmental Sciences, continuing to study music on the side when able.
Kalā would like to thank his Mom and Dad, grandparents, and family who continued to support his music journey throughout school and also in HYS, as it wouldn't have been possible without them.
At the age of three, Lei Yao began his musical journey, inspired by the melodies that surrounded him and the music played by his older siblings. They would often play notes on the piano and ask him to identify them, sparking his interest in learning the instrument. Later, he took up the violin, following in the footsteps of his siblings. After a year of violin lessons, he fell in love with the cello at age six, captivated by its rich, deep tone and motivated by his desire to play in a piano trio with his siblings.
Outside of school and music, Lei Yao enjoys hiking, attempting to dunk basketballs, exploring new places, and relaxing at home.
Lei Yao is deeply grateful to Dr. I-Bei Lin, his cello teacher for nearly 10 years, for helping him refine his skills, interpret music, and choose pieces he loves. He also thanks the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony and the ‘Iolani Orchestra for providing him with invaluable opportunities. Joining HYS at age eight profoundly shaped Lei’s life, teaching him to share music with others. He is especially thankful to Maestro Stepec for his encouragement and humor during rehearsals. Lastly, Lei Yao would like to express heartfelt gratitude to his parents for their unwavering support and to his siblings for inspiring his musical journey.
Ijoined Hawai‘i Youth Symphony during my sophomore year as a bass player, following my school orchestra's Director Mr. Peña's recommendation. The next year, I transitioned to the harp - an instrument I have always loved playing. Being part of the Concert Orchestra opened up a whole new musical world for me. Playing in a symphony felt different and exciting compared to my previous experiences. I especially enjoyed exploring various genres and types of pieces. The Listen and Learn concerts became something I always looked forward to - seeing all the little kids get excited about music made those performances extra special.
Through HYS, I gained valuable skills that extend beyond music. I learned how to listen more attentively and to be intentional with my playing, lessons that I realize apply to many aspects of life.
After graduation, I'm planning to head to the East Coast for college where I'll study psychology, focusing specifically on child development. Looking back, I'm just really grateful I took that initial step to join HYS. I also want to thank Mr. Fanning, the HYS staff, and my amazing harp teacher Mrs. Uejio, for supporting me along the way!
Preston is a senior who attends Punahou School, and started his violin journey with Nancy Shoop-Wu when he was five years old. He became a part of Hawai‘i Youth Symphony in fifth grade as a member of the String Orchestra Ensemble, and has continued with HYS ever since. Throughout his time in HYS, he has learned to be more passionate and musical with the violin, and to be more collaborative and communicative with other musicians in an ensemble. He has also learned valuable life skills from HYS, such as time management and work ethic. Finally, HYS has helped him discover and continue to explore his interest in music, and he will be always grateful for that. Preston would like to thank his parents for supporting and sponsoring his violin and musical journey. He would also like to thank Mrs. Nancy, his private teacher for twelve years, for being an amazing and diligent teacher. Finally, he would like to thank the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony management, conductors, and mentors that he has had for the past eight years, who have taught and inspired him.
Performing with HYS has changed my life, and I am extremely grateful to be part of the program. Since I joined HYS Jazz in 2020, I’ve grown as both a musician and communicator, and learned countless life lessons along the way. Most importantly, I’ve discovered that the greatest joy of playing music comes from sharing it with others.
Outside of HYS, I perform in the Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble at Punahou School in addition to several rock and jazz bands – UV, Just in Case Combo and Carter & Friends. When I am not enjoying music, I love to surf the South Shore, go to the beach and hike the Ko‘olau mountains. After high school, I plan to further my education at Boston College, where I’ll be studying business.
I've always wished to be a part of something that made me feel like I lived in a realm of fantasy. From whimsical Disney films to energetic Broadway musicals, I found that it was its symphony of melodies that added that special flare to its world bending stories. With nothing but pure determination, I picked up the violin in the pursuit of my wishes to play in a group that played with the same dreams as me. Six years later, I auditioned for the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony in my sophomore year of high school and did just that. My time here has been shorter than most of my friends here, but I can confidently say I will never forget my experiences here and will continue to carry on the skills I've learned as a young musician into my future. It'll be tough attending college all the way in New York, but I know that with my violin and music surrounding me I'll flourish just as I have been in HYS.
Youth Symphony I / Trumpet / Pearl City High School
In my freshman year I blew out my chops for the video audition and I thought I was done for. I knew I sounded like the worst trumpet ever, but somehow I made it into YSII. My cousin Eric actually felt the same way with his audition. Somehow both of us made it in and he sat right next to me that year. It was kinda funny that we ended up both as first chairs in YSII that year. Initially I think we were both underqualified to play in the group, but given time we both rose to the occasion. My junior year I tried out again and made it all the way to YSI. That year was an eye opening experience. Everyone was playing at such a high level, something that I was foreign to. Being surrounded with the finest players in the State of Hawai‘i. Being in an environment where everyone had the same discipline, determination, and skill. People that were greater than me pushed me harder and motivated me to practice.
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou School
The Hawai‘i Youth Symphony has been an integral part of my life since elementary school. I have participated in Youth Symphony I & II, Concert String Orchestra, and the Intermediate String Ensemble. Especially in the more advanced ensembles, I've honed my skills individually while also learning to communicate musically with my peers. I think the most important lesson I've learned from HYS is that musical improvement can only truly happen when you invoke passion. Further, if you ever find yourself comparing your skill to others when learning an instrument, remember that the most crucial aspect of learning an instrument to begin with is learning to love music. I've found that my love of music has inspired me to keep going, even if it gets hard. When I graduate from high school, I plan to attend Tufts University, later double majoring in Biochemistry and International Relations.
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou School
Ashley Jisue began playing the violin in the first grade under the instruction of her mother. In the ninth grade, she started studying violin with Mr. Ignace Jang and also became a member of YSI. At Punahou School, Ashley is an active violinist in various ensemble groups, including the Punahou Symphony Orchestra and Punahou Chamber Music Program. Being a member of YSI has taught Ashley to not only become a better violinist but also a better communicator. Ashley is very grateful for all her experiences at YSI, especially for the rigorous repertoire from Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, the Maui Tours, and fun times with her friends from all around the island. Ashley plans to continue playing the violin in college as an orchestral player. She expresses her greatest thanks to Maestro Stepec, Mr. Ignace Jang, Mr. Craig Young, Dr. Jonas Carlson, Mrs. Helen Chao-Casano, and her wonderful parents for their mentorship throughout her musical journey.
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou School
Being a part of something greater than myself is something that will always be a significant feeling of pride for me. I joined HYS in 2014 and have been a part of the HYS family since. I joined HYS as a result of being invited to attend a Listen and Learn concert at my old school and this experience left a memorable impression on me. I started in ISE and eventually made it to YSI in my senior year of high school at Punahou School. Although I love music, I wasn't always sure about playing the violin, but the ability to make music as a collective ensemble was something that always drew me back into the program. The friends that I made and had throughout my journey in HYS were the things I liked most about the program. Throughout my life, I have always had a passion for serving and being a part of something larger than myself; therefore I hope to attend college and be commissioned as an officer in either the United States Navy or Army. Thank you to all my friends and family for being a part of my music journey!
Ihave been an oboist with the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony for three years, starting as a sophomore in CO. As a junior, I was in YSII, and I ended my time with HYS by finally reaching YSI as a senior. Excited to see my friends and make music with them, I looked forward to every Sunday rehearsal. My eyes were opened to the world of classical music I never thought I would enjoy. Today, I can confidently say that HYS has taught me to be a team player and take responsibility. Outside of YSI, I am on my school’s tennis team, math team, wind ensemble, and a Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders Fellow. After high school, I plan to pursue biology or public health in university and hopefully continue playing oboe. I’d like to give a special thank you to my oboe teacher, Mrs. O, for reminding me that “You never know if you don’t try,” which encouraged me to audition for HYS the first time. And, of course, I want to thank all my friends, family, band directors, and conductors who supported me along the way.
Jazz II / Drum Set / Punahou School
My name is Isato, and I've been with the HYS Jazz II Program since my junior year at Punahou. I had previously known Mr. Taba from private teaching, and he encouraged me to follow through on my interest in jazz by joining the program.
Through rehearsals and concerts, the jazz program at HYS gave me a peek into the expansive genre that is jazz, and helped me grow not only as a player but as a band mate as well. It also taught me the importance of coherence within a group as well as having a balance; in the band setting it was instrumentation and volume, and in the real world it can be applied to most anything.
I plan on attending New York University in the fall, and will start off in the Liberal Studies program and pursue a degree in business administration/management after. Music will always be a core part of my life, and the valuable lessons learned from the staff and programs at HYS will always stick with me.
Seitaro was invited to join YSI in his sophomore year and has enjoyed working alongside his fellow YSI musicians for the past 3 years. After picking up the bass during COVID, he has greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to work with the best student musicians on the island, and feels as though he has found a greater appreciation for music thanks to this program. His time with HYS has been so much fun, and the memories made with this program will stay with him forever.
Aside from HYS, Seitaro also plays bass for ‘Iolani School’s Orchestra 5, and has gone on tours to Spain and competed in the National Orchestra Cup in New York with this group.
When not playing the bass, Seitaro enjoys being active, playing basketball, water polo, and swimming while also going to the beach, and hikes as well. He also enjoys listening to music (of all kinds) and being goofy with his fellow orchestra friends.
Seitaro is planning on heading to college on the East coast to pursue a major in Political Science on the way to attend law school in the future.
Seitaro would like to thank not only his parents for driving him to all these Sunday rehearsals, but all his music teachers and peers he has performed alongside.
Jae Koo
Youth Symphony I / Trombone / Mid-Pacific Institute
Istarted playing trombone at the age of eight in Long Island, New York. I moved to Hawai‘i in sixth grade and continued to play the trombone in the MidPacific Middle/High School band. After being invited to play in Hawai‘i Youth Symphony II for a year, I decided to audition for YSI and got to perform for two more years. I am also currently part of their brass quintet.
The trombone is an indispensable instrument in my life. I always wanted to express my musical side by taking advantage of every opportunity to perform on trombone. I have accomplished the Mid-Pacific School of Arts Certificate in music for four years, have auditioned and participated in the OBDA select band, and also played in the Hawai‘i Trombone Choir. For summer festivals, I joined the Pacific Music Institute and the Brevard Brass Seminar. As a senior, it was a valuable experience going to live auditions for various colleges in order to pursue my undergraduate as a trombone performance major. My goal is to continue my Masters and Doctorate degree in trombone performance and perform around the world.
Lastly, I would like to thank HYS for giving me the opportunity to experience playing in a symphony orchestra with so many talented musicians.
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou School
This year was my first year in any HYS ensemble, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play alongside such phenomenal musicians and friends. More than anything else, my favorite part of our Sunday rehearsals and variety of concerts is basking in the unapologetic passion that everybody exudes. It provided me with an environment where a love for classical music was normal—no, encouraged! I would like to thank Ms. Neela Kinariwala, Dr. Helen Liu, and my family for their unwavering support and for being so patient with me through the past 13 years of playing violin. I will forever cherish the many memories and lessons that came along the way.
Ifirst started learning music in the sixth grade when my music teacher at the time gave me a choice: tuba or bassoon. I had no idea what a bassoon was but I knew the tuba was huge. With my scrawny arms in mind, I chose the bassoon. Looking back, it was a decision that turned out to be one of my best. Not only did I enjoy playing the instrument and improving my skills, but I also met so many new friends including those in HYS. I joined HYS in the ninth grade to challenge myself and grow as a musician. As a freshman I played for YSII, then moved up to YSI from sophomore year on. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and lessons HYS has given me. Beyond music, I run for the Iolani cross country and track teams, winning three cross-country state championships in my tenure. I also love watching sports, hanging with friends, making YouTube videos (@MrSpence), and eating out. Next year, I plan to attend and run for Grinnell College. Finally, I want to thank my parents and Mr. Hotoke for their support throughout my music journey.
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou School
Vance has been playing the violin since he was three years old. He began his musical journey with Ms. Ellie LaRoux, then Ms. Wehrman, then finally with his current teacher, Mrs. Hafner, and Vance has enjoyed every second of it. Having been a part of the Hawai’i Youth Symphony for three years, Vance is proud to be the concertmaster of Youth Symphony I. He is also grateful for his opportunities to play chamber music through the youth symphony program.
At ‘Iolani, Vance has been in the orchestra program for nine years. He is currently the concertmaster of ‘Iolani’s Symphonic Orchestra 5, which recently placed in the Orchestra Cup - National Orchestra Championships at New York’s Lincoln Center. Vance is also a winner of ‘Iolani’s annual Concerto Competition. Outside of the orchestra, Vance loves playing violin in the Tam and Young Sextet of ‘Iolani’s Chamber Music Program.
When he’s not practicing the violin, Vance can be found at the pool playing water polo or doing springboard diving. He enjoys studying math and science and hopes to study biochemistry in college. Vance hopes to continue playing the violin for the rest of his life whether it be professionally or at an “amateur” level. He would like to thank his parents for their support for years of lessons, his sisters, and Mr. Peña, Mrs. Hafner, and Dr. Stepec.
Youth Symphony II / Viola / Kamehameha Schools
This is Carly's first year in YSII. Carly has been playing the viola since her freshman year of high school. She learned all she knows from Mr. Masaki. She does not know what the future holds for her but she looks forward to whatever comes her way.
Youth Symphony II / Violin / Mililani High School
I've been a part of HYS for one year and it has been a very memorable experience for me. I began playing the violin in fourth grade and have been playing on and off since. Being a part of YSII has allowed me to find joy and create friendships through music. I plan on going to college this coming year to study nursing.
Youth Symphony I / Bass / Punahou School
Music has been a constant part of my life, and I am happy to have continued in HYS during my junior and senior years of high school. I started playing the double bass in my school's beginning orchestra in fifth grade and was playing it in school by the time I joined YSI, but I feel that I improved drastically after being able to challenge myself with different pieces and be inspired by the talented and motivated musicians around me. I am very grateful for Mr. Stepec, Ms. Yamamoto, and the concert parents' guidance and support during our rehearsals, lessons, and concerts. I had a great time while playing in YSI and will look back on this experience happily after I graduate!
Jazz I / Electric Guitar / ‘Iolani School
Brody aspired to be an Activision video game Guitar Hero at an early age. When that wasn’t challenging enough, he switched to a real guitar in 2015. Following his idol Eddie Van Halen, Brody learned rock and blues. In 2018, Brody picked up the drums which enhanced his guitar playing while allowing him to play percussion in the ‘Iolani marching and concert bands. The 2021 Pacific Music Institute opened the door to jazz and to HYS Jazz where Brody has been fortunate to learn from the best teachers (Dean Taba, Noel Okimoto, Ryan Howe) and his fellow musicians. This diverse musical background has prepared Brody as he embarks on his musical journey to the Berklee College of Music this coming fall. Brody is grateful for all the support he’s received from his music ‘Ohana.
Youth Symphony I / Viola / University Laboratory School PCS
I've been part of HYS for as long as I remember. Through ups and downs I'm glad I'm ending my time on a high note. I never thought I would make it into YSI and it has shown me how fun playing music is. HYS gave me the rigorous orchestra experience that my high school could not (go jr. bows). I am eternally grateful to everyone at HYS for making me feel like I belong and giving me an exciting final year. I plan to go to college and medical school and become a medical examiner. Along with playing viola, I love to sculpt and make zines. I will not lose the art that makes me whole. Art tells the truths that power fears.
Youth Symphony I / Horn / Pearl City High School
For the last two years, I have played in the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony and made many fun memories. Because my school doesn't have an orchestra, joining HYS put me in a different environment, allowing me to expand my music perspective. I love listening and playing with all the instruments in an orchestra rather than playing in just a band. The vibes hit different, and playing with people from other schools is exciting.
My favorite part of HYS was performing at the Listen and Learn Concerts. It was heartwarming to hear the kids sing along to our performances. I hope our performances inspired the students to pick up an instrument in the future. After graduation, I will major in nursing (at a school that has yet to be determined). I also hope to continue playing in an orchestra in college. Thank you, HYS, for two years of unforgettable memories and music!
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Hawai‘i Baptist Academy
Ibegan playing violin for HYS in seventh grade as a member of SOE, working my way up one level at a time to YSI. It was always amazing to be able to play a piece of music I thought to be impossible, whether that be the insanely fast Tchaikovsky or hitting high notes I never thought even existed in Shostakovich. Dashing around the fingerboard wasn’t the only benefit: I learned that great works cannot be done alone; teamwork will be a vital component in my mechanical engineering major at Stanford University. Outside of music, I enjoy competing in Science Olympiad, placing first in both the Regional Optics and Fossils event. I have also done Mock Trial for four years, finally taking the State Championship with my team in my final year at HBA.
As of 2025, HYS has been a part of my life for the past 10 years. That means everyone I've met through HYS has grown 10 years older with me while creating music together at the same time. And that's a LOT of time that we've dedicated to music (and why I love HYS so much)! Thank you mom & dad for driving me every single weekend too! It's especially weird being a senior for me because I idolized YSI and recorded every single concert I could go to. But now, we’re the ones that have the power to inspire another mini-me. My journey through SOE with Ms. Doike, CSO with Mr. Uyehara, CO with Ms. Watanabe & Mr. Fanning, and my final four years in YSI with Mr. Stepec is the path I took to get to where I am today. Yet, the best thing is that I've created so many special memories and amazing friendships along that journey, despite the different paths we've all taken to get to where we are now. I’ll miss my time with HYS, my friends, and. Mr. Stepec’s chocolate chip cookies… but I know that everything is going to be okay in the end. That’s because music brought us together, and it will continue to bring us, and even more people together in the future. Love you all!
Youth Symphony I / Clarinet / Punahou School
My musical journey began with the piano. Inspired by my father’s performances at home, I eagerly started lessons alongside my older sisters, embarking on a path that would shape the rest of my life. A few years later, I picked up the clarinet for the first time and was instantly captivated by its mellow tone and expansive range. I joined my middle school band, steadily improving before earning a spot in the Georgia All-State Band in 7th and 8th grade. Then, everything changed. When my family moved, I lost my friends, my band, and my teacher. I felt as though my musical dreams had been shattered. But, after finding a new teacher, she introduced me to the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony. I auditioned—and the rest is history. Being part of HYS has immersed me in the vast and diverse repertoire of symphonic music. From the contemporary brilliance of Corigliano to the emotional depth of Tchaikovsky, my experience in YSI has deepened my appreciation for the beauty that unfolds through performing these masterpieces. Though I enjoyed concert band, the allure of playing alongside strings drew me to the symphonic world. While I do not plan to major in music, my love for it will never fade. Music has had a profound impact on me, and I will continue to perform for the rest of my life.
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou
Gwyneth's musical journey began at the age of three under the instruction of Mrs. Mariko Yuen. Since joining the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony when she was nine, the program has been integral in shaping her into the musician she is today. As a current violinist in Youth Symphony I, she is immensely grateful for the privilege of leading and growing alongside incredibly talented peers. Beyond the technical skills she has gained, she has also formed invaluable connections and friendships that she will cherish forever. Outside of HYS, Gwyneth is a member of the Punahou Symphony Orchestra and Punahou Chamber Music Program. In her free time, she enjoys studying astronomy, having conducted research with the UH Mānoa Institute for Astronomy and participated in the Science Internship Program at UC Santa Cruz. She also loves to travel, golf with her family, and go to the beach with her friends. In college, Gwyneth plans to major in astrophysics while continuing her musical pursuits. She would like to extend a huge mahalo to all of her teachers and mentors who have guided her musical journey, as well as to her family for their unwavering support.
Youth Symphony II / Violin / Wai‘anae High School
Ihave always been surrounded by music throughout my life. I live in Wai‘anae, or the leeward side of the island, which is rich in music but lacking in music education. Being a member of HYS expanded my horizons on the essence of music and music education. I joined HYS during my sophomore year of high school, starting from CO, and moving my way up to YSII. I joined HYS because I wanted to connect and play together with like minded people who love music. HYS gave me just that and I was able to meet new people and friends that fueled my passion for music. I also learned valuable skills and lessons like teamwork, punctuality, and the most important skill I learned is the ability to persevere. HYS brought me deeper connections, and lifetime enjoyment, with music and music education. Even though I will pursue a different path after high school, I want to continue playing music.
Youth Symphony II / Violin / Hawai‘i Baptist Academy
Trying to carry on my family's music legacy stressed me out at times. I started playing the violin at 3 years old, but it took me nearly a decade before I started to enjoy performing. HYS and the incredible conductors who have allowed me to learn about and create music are a big part of why I enjoy playing violin today. In addition to HYS, I am grateful for my incredible private teachers Ms. Sheryl Shohet and Mrs. Joan Doike for their countless hours of teaching that have played a big part in helping me hone my craft and enjoy playing even more. Learning to enjoy the violin has also allowed me to use my musical skills to sing in my school's Soldiers of Light choir and spread the word of God. After high school, I plan on attending the University of Utah to use my math and science skills to pursue a civil engineering degree as well as a minor in business while learning about musical instrument repair and continuing to play violin.
Youth Symphony II / Violin / Hawaiian Mission Academy
Istarted violin from a young age but later quit. In my freshman year of high school, I grew inspired and decided to take lessons again. At first, I couldn’t even read music, but I wanted to improve and continued to practice, and in my junior year, I made it into YSII. Being in HYS has been a valuable opportunity for me, especially because my school does not offer a strings program. I improved a lot through it and made friends with people who shared an interest in music. In college, I plan on majoring in biology, but I want to continue my passion for music, learning violin on the side and playing in my college’s orchestra.
Nicholas started whistling while he was still a toddler (so say his parents) and continued his musical journey with piano lessons and then french horn. He joined HYS in 11th grade and became principal french horn player in his senior year. He enjoys the symphony community and the opportunity to meet people from other schools. In other musical adventures, he was the Drum Major for the Punahou Marching Band. Outside of music, he is passionate about robotics and captained his high school’s team to a State Championship in 2024. He intends to study engineering on the mainland and plans to continue playing music in college and beyond.
In the eleven years I have been playing music, I learned more about it in the four years I was at HYS then I did the other seven I wasn't. Being able to play with such great musicians and learn from even better ones has been an incredible experience. The opportunities I have been given to improve my playing have been numerous. Some memorable ones included playing with stars like Keola Beamer and Jake Shimabukuro, getting the opportunity to sit in at various Jazz ‘Ohana nights and bar gigs, and the numerous jazz clinics I had the chance to attend. My experience has been incredible and I look forward to continuing to learn more about music after I graduate.
Reimer has been involved with music for over seven years. His passion began when he first picked up trumpet and piano in middle school. Since then, he has devoted countless hours to taking private lessons and honing his craft, all despite moving multiple times. Reimer joined HYS his junior year and has served as the principal trumpet of the Concert Orchestra for two years in a row. Through HYS, Reimer has not only developed his musical abilities, but also his discipline and drive. He has made many friends through his experience, all of whom are equally dedicated to music. In addition to HYS, Reimer is the trumpet section leader at Kalāheo High School. He has also proudly participated on Kalāheo’s outrigger paddling, cross country, and track teams. Reimer plans to attend a 4-year university and major in Mechanical Engineering. He hopes to continue his musical endeavors after high school by getting involved with his college’s music community. Reimer will cherish the memories he has gained from this experience, and will continue to apply the skills he has learned from HYS throughout college and beyond.
Youth Symphony II / Violin / Kamehameha Schools
Istarted off playing multiple instruments, jumping around from one to another until I decided to stick with the violin. Unlike many of my peers, music or even practicing my instrument wasn’t something I took seriously until I started high school, which was when I joined my school’s orchestra. In addition to teaching me the many disciplines of self-motivation and hard work, I was inspired by peers who put dedication into their craft and music making. From that point on, I began taking private lessons more seriously and dedicated more effort to learning my instrument, eventually leading to me becoming one of our concert masters at school and joining HYS in my senior year. Although short-lived, being a part of HYS has been a fun journey, becoming friends with people I would have never thought I would be friends with, and even joining a quartet. Outside of music, I am a part of my school’s math team as I love to do math and have done some sports but stopped due to some injuries. After high school, I plan to attend college on the mainland and pursue a degree in either mechanical or aerospace engineering. My passion for math and space, combined with the discipline and connections I’ve gained through music, fuels my ambition to innovate in engineering—and maybe, one day, explore the stars myself.
Youth Symphony I / Cello / Mililani High School
Driven, expressive, and deeply curious, I’ve always sought out opportunities to grow—whether through service, leadership, travel, or music. I began playing the cello at eight years old, and it has since become a defining part of who I am. I joined Hawai‘i Youth Symphony in ISE and, after years of growth and dedication, now perform with YSI. Along the way, I’ve learned that excellence in music demands consistency, teamwork, and resilience— qualities that have shaped every aspect of my life.
Some of my most meaningful memories have come from performing. I still remember sitting in the audience as a child, inspired by the sound of an orchestra. Now, I play with the hope that I might pass on that same spark to someone else.
Beyond music, I serve as secretary for both Key Club and Model United Nations, and recently attended the NAIMUN 63 conference in Washington, D.C. I’ve practiced taekwondo since I was five and now teach as a third-degree black belt. I received the Presidential Service Award for completing over 348 hours of community service in a single year. In my free time, I enjoy traveling the world and spending time with my five rescued bunnies, three cats, and one fish. I plan to study political science while keeping music an essential part of my life.
Symphony
Joshua began his musical pathway in kindergarten, when he learned to play the piano. After taking up string bass, his father's instrument, in fourth grade, he joined HYS's BSE and eventually joined YSI in 10th grade. Playing string bass, Joshua participated in Mililani High School's Symphony Orchestra for two years, while also accompanying Mililani's orchestras as a pianist for three years. Joshua is also a dedicated pianist, winning First Prize in the Hawaii State Music Competition (Level V). Outside of music, Joshua enjoys teaching Taekwondo as a Third Degree Black Belt Volunteer Instructor, volunteer service, and is particularly interested in researching neuroscience, having interned at the University of California, Santa Cruz for psychology research. Joshua also loves traveling with his family to historical sites including in Peru, Türkiye, Egypt and Jordan, while helping take care of five rabbits, three cats, and one fish in the household. He has been accepted to Brown University, University of Pennsylvania, and UCLA, and has yet to determine his college of choice.
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou School
The Hawai‘i Youth Symphony has been a huge part of my life as a student musician. I was a violinist in SOE, CSO, YSII, and YSI. Throughout the years, I was able to connect with students from schools across the island, and it was a pleasure to play alongside them. Additionally, I gained various musical insights from my conductors as I progressed through the program. It was a privilege to learn from them.
What I love most about HYS is the opportunities to perform in front of different audiences. I enjoyed the chances to play music in front of my community. These performances have taught me that showcasing music is something I love doing, and I plan to continue music as a hobby, spreading the love of music and aloha wherever I go.
Youth Symphony I / Oboe / Kalani High School
Ihave poured countless hours of music throughout my high school life and I am grateful to HYS for providing many opportunities for me to prove those practices useful. In addition to simply being collaborative and creative in playing, I enjoyed the feeling that my music could actually inspire someone and not end as a mere hobby. Events like the Listen and Learn School Concerts and the Maui tour encouraged me the most, showing the potential inspiration that music could provide. Other than HYS, I participated in various things such as marching band, FFA, kayaking, cross country, paddling, and most notably the robotics team, which was difficult and fun to try to balance. After I graduate from high school, I plan to attend Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and possibly participate in graduate school after that. I plan to major in biotechnology through my passion for biology and engineering, and I hope to continue music there too.
Randy Wong President & CEO
Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Randy Wong is a distinctive voice in arts administration and musical communities. He is among the first of a new generation of orchestra executive directors who bring a unique perspective as alumni of their own youth orchestras, as well as being a professional musician and educator.
As the President & CEO of Hawai‘i Youth Symphony (and a proud alumnus), Randy passionately champions its strategic vision of a Hawai‘i where Music Is A Right. This vision was recognized in 2023 by the international business magazine Fast Company in its list of Best Workplaces for Innovators, and was given top honors in the category of Social Good. Together, Randy and HYS have garnered numerous accolades and honors for executive nonprofit leadership, public relations, marketing, communications, television, and more.
Simultaneous to leading HYS, Randy is also a bassist in the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Outside of classical music, he champions ’marginalized’ music, in genres such as Exotica and Open Flow Jazz. His best known side project (which he co-founded with fellow HYS alumnus Abe Lagrimas Jr.) is The WAITIKI 7, an Exotica septet that has been profiled by the LA Times, Boston Globe, NPR Morning Edition, Global Village, Mother Jones, Giant Robot, The Feast (NBC); has performed with orchestras, in Berlin at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt, and at Halekulani’s House Without A Key. His other side project—the free jazz trio Red Nova—was featured in the Odesa (Ukraine) Jazz Festival, and was nominated for a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for its debut album Presence of Mind.
In his free time, Randy gives back, serving as Vice Chair for the League of American Orchestras’ Youth Orchestra Division, volunteering as a mentor for first-generation college students in ‘A‘ali‘i Mentoring, and co-chairing the State Foundation on Culture & the Arts’ ARTS FIRST Committee on Advocacy.
Randy is also an alumnus of leadership cohorts at the League of American Orchestras, the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the American Express Leadership Academy.
Prior to HYS, Randy was program director & information architect for the Music-in-Education National Consortium, and faculty & staff at New England Conservatory. He holds an Ed. M (Arts in Education) from Harvard University, a performance degree (with honors, and a Concentration in Music-in-Education) from New England Conservatory, and is one of just a handful of Certified Fund-Raising Executives in the state of Hawai‘i.
Rachel Schultz Chief Operating Officer
Rachel Schultz brings over a decade of dedicated leadership in music education and community engagement to Hawai‘i Youth Symphony. She joined HYS in July 2024 as its Chief Operating Officer; a newly created role in which she oversees the areas of operational leadership and administration, human resources and staffing, and financial management.
A highly organized professional with a strong work ethic, Rachel blends experience from both the arts/non-profit and commercial/for-profit sectors. Rachel moved to Toledo as a founding member of the Toledo Symphony School of Music (TSSM) in September 2009. From 2010 to 2024, she served in various capacities: piano faculty member, TSSM Director, Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Toledo Symphony, and eventually, as Vice President of Education and Community Engagement for the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA).
A self-motivated leader, Rachel is skilled in identifying and implementing program improvements while streamlining processes. In fall 2018, she was one of 12 orchestra professionals chosen to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program of the League of American Orchestras. During this time, she also played a role in the merger negotiations between the Toledo Symphony and Toledo Ballet, resulting in the formation of TAPA.
As the head of TAPA’s education initiatives, Rachel oversaw education, engagement, and outreach programs for the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Ballet, TSSM, and Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras. Programs of pride include the innovative Noisy Library Program, Plastic Band Project, Introduction to the Orchestra: A STEAM Experience for Head Start students, work within the Juvenile Court system, and TAPA in the Parks, the first community engagement program of TAPA to feature both music and dance components.
Prior to her time in Toledo, Rachel was a faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Bowling Green State University, the Preucil School of Music in Iowa City, and the Music Settlement in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as interim director of the Suzuki Program. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Dalcroze Eurhythmics, a Master of Music, and a Professional Studies Certificate in Collaborative Piano, all from the Cleveland Institute of Music. She has also received extensive training in the Suzuki approach to music education.
Rachel’s drive for change and innovation has strengthened organizational stability and enhanced community impact throughout her career.
Lauren Sergent holds a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Public Relations with a Minor in Music from Carthage College. Her experience as a vocalist and percussionist has allowed her to perform for diverse audiences on tours across the U.S., Japan, Italy, Hungary, and Slovenia. Over the past few years, Lauren has been a member of groups such as Master Singers of Milwaukee, Oahu Choral Society, and Windward Choral Society. Committed to promoting youth engagement in music, she has previously made impactful contributions working for Drum Corps International. Outside of HYS, Lauren is a massage therapist with advanced training in treatment and self-care for common musicians’ injuries.
Hannah Watanabe Programs Director
Hannah Watanabe works for the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony as Programs Director. She served as the conductor for HYS’s Concert Orchestra from 2006–2023, and conducted the Beginning & Intermediate String Ensembles for the Academy Program from 2024–2025. 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 Instrumental Music. Ms. Watanabe is an alumnus of the Hawai‘i 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 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, Disney World where the orchestra won Best in Class, the Gold Award, and received a superior rating twice at Festival Disney, to 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 instruments in an 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 (NAfME), Hawai‘i Music Educators Association (HMEA), American String Teachers Association (ASTA), and the Hawaii Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (HASTA) where she serves as Webmaster on the board for HASTA.
Brent Ramos Academy 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, Brent 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 since 2021, and started working as the HYS Office Receptionist in 2022. Besides his roles at HYS, Brent is a violinist with the Hawai‘i 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.
Veronica Cox Librarian, Nānākuli Music4Kids Teacher
Veronica Cox grew up playing saxophone and singing in choirs in Ohio, where she graduated from the University of Akron, receiving a Bachelor of Music in Music Education PreK–12. She also holds a Hawai‘i Teaching License in Music, K–12 and works in Hawai‘i Public Schools. Veronica has been an active member in the National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, and Ohio Music Education Association since 2017. Throughout her life, Veronica has participated in Concert and Marching Bands, along with Concert and Chamber Choirs, touring around Ohio and Germany. Being surrounded by music her whole life, Veronica is excited to work with HYS to help make music a right!
Hawai‘i Youth Symphony extends its heartfelt gratitude to the generous philanthropists listed below. Their enduring commitment through cumulative gifts and pledges celebrates the transformative power of music education for our youth. Over the past 60 years, these dedicated supporters have contributed, in aggregate, over ten million dollars as champions of our mission, vision, and youth. Mahalo!
Anonymous
A. Link LLC
Aaron & Erica Mau-Schank
ABC Stores, Inc.
Action Realty Corporation
AIG Hawaii Insurance Company, Inc.
Alaska Airlines Foundation
Aloha International Piano Festival
Altres, Inc.
Arleene D. Skillman
Atherton Family Foundation
Avalon Commercial, LLC
Bank of Hawaii & BOH Charitable Foundation
Bob Hayashi
Buzz & Kitty Wo
Cades Foundation
Carlton '70 & Elsie Gushiken
Carnegie Hall (PlayUSA)
Cathy Monseur
City and County of Honolulu
Commercial Data Systems
Cooke Foundation, Limited
Daniel & Linda Momohara
Dr. Ross Tanoue
Edith Leong
Eileen Exton
First Hawaiian Bank Foundation
Foodland Super Market, Ltd.
Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc.
Garry & Jill Shimokawa Higa
Geoffrey S. & Esther Sewell
George Mason Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Ginny Tiu
Gladys Hirano & Hirano Ohana
Gloria Kosasa Gainsley Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Gov. Benjamin & Vicky Cayetano
Hawaii Community Foundation
Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
Hawaiian Host, Inc.
Hazel H. Takumi Foundation
HDG, INC.
Helen K. Higa
Island Insurance Companies & 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
Keiko M. Sato Fund
Kent & Jean Tsukamoto
Kosasa Foundation
Lauren Yoo '98
Lorrin Hirano
LVMH
Louise and Y.T. Lum Foundation
Ludwick Family Foundation
Maestro Henry Miyamura
Malcolm S. & Carol Koga
Marjorie Tanoue
Mark M. Yoshida
Martin Hsia, Esq.
Mary D. and Walter F. Frear
Eleemosynary Trust
Maurice and Joanna Sullivan
Family Foundation
McInerny Foundation
Michael & Amy Onofrietti
Michael and Terrina Wong
Nancy Masaki '70 / Masaki School of Music
National Endowment for the Arts
Ohata Chun Yuen LLP
Olivia De Jane
Owen & Carol Fukumoto
Pacific Property Group, Inc.
Patti Look
Phil Olsen
Randy Wong '99 & Helen Liu
Wong
Richard '77 & Susan Ing
Robert E. Black Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Roy E. King, Jr.
SBA (Small Business Administration)
Serendipity II Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Sheridan and Julia Ing Family Foundation
Stephen & Gloria Gainsley
Steven & Marilyn Katzman
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 Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation
The Gift Foundation
The Hot Topic Foundation
The LRY Charitable Foundation
The Resort Group
The Thomas J. Long Foundation
The Vilcek Foundation, INC
Thomas & Mi Kosasa
Top of Waikiki Revolving Restaurant
Trinity Real Estate Investments LLC
Ward Village Foundation
Warren Price III & Sharon R. Himeno
Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony deeply appreciates these donors, who made contributions between July 1, 2024 and April 22, 2025. Contributions of all amounts make a significant difference in our ability to achieve our mission and vision. We have made every attempt to keep this list up to date and apologize if any errors or omissions have been made—please let us know at development@hiyouthsymphony.org if you spot any mistakes! Thank you very much!
$25,000 and above
Aaron & Erica MauSchank '07
ALTRES, Inc.
Cades Foundation
Carnegie Hall
Halekulani Corporation
Kosasa Foundation / ABC Stores
Lorrin Hirano '77 & Hirano Ohana (Rik '75, Gregg '83, Joy '84)
Maurice and Joanna Sullivan Family Foundation
McInerny Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
Stephen & Gloria Gainsley
The Al Sherman Foundation
$10,000 to $24,999
Anonymous
Action Realty
Corporation
Alan Stockton
Alika & Tanya Mau
Gov. Benjamin & Vicky Cayetano
Brushfire Records, Inc.
Cooke Foundation, Limited
First Hawaiian Bank & Foundation
George Mason Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Ginny Tiu
Hawaii Community Foundation
Island Insurance Companies & Foundation
Jean and William K. H.
Mau Foundation
John R. Halligan
Charitable Fund
Karl & Alice Blade
Kent & Jean Tsukamoto
Lauren Yoo '98
Louise and Y.T. Lum Foundation
Sheridan and Julia Ing Family Foundation
The Arthur and Mae Z. Orvis Foundation
Thomas & Mi Kosasa
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous
Avalon Commercial, LLC
Cathy Monseur
Steve & Georgia Wong
Halekulani Corporation
Henry and Colene Wong Foundation
Jillson Fleener & Pearl
Ling
John & Clifford
Mirikitani Foundation
Johnson Ohana Foundation
Steven & Marilyn Katzman
Martin Hsia, Esq.
Pacific Property Group, Inc.
Randy Wong '99 & Dr.
Helen Liu Wong
RMA Architects Inc.
Robert Saracco
Kenneth Fink - Robin Kobayashi Ohana
The Dods Foundation
The Resort Group
$2,500 to $4,999
Anonymous
Alan '77 & JoAnn Arizumi
Carlton '70 & Elsie Gushiken
Collin Hoo
David & Nicole Imanaka
Princess Dialta Alliata
Foodland Super Market, Ltd.
Honolulu Chamber Music Series
Jason Mraz Foundation
Leighton Taylor
LPL Financial
Malcolm S. & Carol Koga
Mitchell & Marie Imanaka
Masaki School of Music
Michael and Terrina Wong
Steven & Pamela Nishi
The Ebbtide Family Fund
$1,000 to $2,499
Anonymous
Allen Murabayashi '90
Autumn Woods & Barney Brennan
Becker Communications, Inc.
Beth Tamayose '98 & Ron Siu
Bob Hayashi
Chelsea Maeda '04
Colleen Hanabusa
Cory Beall
Daniel & Mia Kim
Darlene Abt
Diane Weissman & Mark Brown
Gaylord & Carol Wilcox
Harrison Miyahira
HDG, INC.
Herbert & Nancy Conley
Hyunjong Koo
Chris & Jadine Nielsen
Janet Cooke
Jason Tokunaga
Jonathan Y. C. Ching Revocable Trust
Jose L. Romero Memorial Fund at HCF
Kenneth Matsuura
Kerry Kim
Kristen Bronner
Lee Oung
Patti Look
Peter Grossman & Cathy Ching
Pikake Foundation
Richard & Susan Ing
Richard Malins '00
Ritchie & Sunny Mudd
Robert H Armstrong
Ed & Roselle Chin
Ross Murakami / KMH LLP
Schwab Charitable Fund
Sharelle Ito
Taylor-White Charitable Fund
Terrence White
Watumull Stores/ Jhamandas Watumull Fund
Wendy Umino
Yan Yang Gao
$500 to $999
Anonymous
Amy A. Taniguchi
Audrey Mueh
Ayako Iwata
Bill Holowecki
Carmen Di Amore-Siah
Chad & Marni Sakumoto
David Landis & Sean Dowdall
Ed & Roselle Chin
Foodland Give Aloha
George I. Nagao
George Wellington, Jr. '76
Heidi Hahn
Izumi Rhee
Jaewon Choi
Jake Shimabukuro
Jean McIntosh
John Noland
John Yamano
Joyce Torrey
Justin V. Redona '10
Karen Dempsey
Karen Takemoto
Maylani Chang
Michael Onofrietti
Monica Chan
Monsicha Dinh
Nina Hayashi
Rachel Schultz
Sharon R. Himeno & Warren Price III
Stephen & Rosemarie Love
Steven and Izumi Rhee
Su-Jie (Nam) Hong
Maureen Shimabuku
Thomas & Karen Shigeta
Valerie Yee
Vivien Tham
Wade Nobuhara & Cecile Sebastian
Walter & Margery
Nobuhara
Wayne Higuchi
Yi-Chuan Ching
Yong Li Li
$100 to $499
Anonymous
Alicia Moy
Alison Lihalakha
Amanda Pump
Amy H. Mitsuda
Andrea Snyder
Ann Botticelli
Ann Castelfranco
Ann Doike
April K.Y. Leong
Ben Gutierrez
Benjamin Marx
Bonny Amemiya '77
Brenda Tang
Brenda Teranishi
Brennan Wong '09
Burr McCutcheon
Burt Yoshimi
Carl Matsuura
Carl Yee
Carol Aki
Carol S. Heape
Carolann Biederman
Carolyn Hong
Carolyn Ing
Castle & Cooke Resorts, LLC
Cecile Sebastian
Chanel Shiraishi
Cheryl Kojima
Chester J. Malins
Chester Kaneshiro
Clara Kim
Clifford Char
Craigside Retirement Residence
Cyrinthia Richards
Darren Sueoka
David and Annette
Jackson
David Lum
David Masunaga
David Nako
David Yang
Dean K. Taba '81
Deanna Oda
Deborah Hashimura
Dennis Higashiguchi
Dennis Kohara
DJ Wong
Donald R. Womack
Dorette Luke
Dr. Richard Kennedy & Mr. Steven Prieto
Earl Kim
Elizabeth Hale
Elton Masaki
Eric Chen
Ernest Hanaumi
Eujeania Hwang
Evan Yamamoto
Fidelity Charitable
Frances E. Oshita
Fumiko Wellington '70
Gary Batungbacal
George Masaki
Hannah Watanabe '96
Henry O'Neill & Carol Muranaka
Howard Jr & Jayne Kim
Iris Huang
James Joyner
James Lin
Jane Say Wei
Janna R. Wong & Neil Healy
Jean Kirschenmann
Jennie Lau
Jennifer Battle
Jennifer Lau
Jennifer Miyahira '94 & Reid Townsend '89
Jennifer Oyer
Jim Elsea
Jim Guss
Jim J. & Sandy Wong
Jingjing Wang
Joan Carlson
Joanne Na
Joannne Huber
Jodi Goh
Joe Stepec
John Devlin
John Kovacich
Jonathan Wung
Jonn Saruwatari
Joseph Conyers
Kamuela Kahoano
Kapiolani Street
Karyn Komatsu
Kathleen (Kay) Mattos
Kathryn Inouye
Kathryn MacDowell
Kay J. Newnam
Keita Hirashima
Keith Muraoka
Kendrick Y. & Joy Au
Kenneth Jim
Kent Koike
Kim Taira
Kimi Ide-Foster
Kirk Shitaoka
Lana Au
Lance Oba
Larry T. Takumi
Laura Baker
Laura Peterson
Laurel Johnston
Laurene Taira
Leah Chun
Leah Lee
Lealei Magat-Hino
Leo Nakano
Leslie Ikawa
Lila Yee
Lloyd Oshiro
Lois Lloyd
Louise Y. Wong
Lucky Tree Fund
Ly Nguyen
Lynne Aki-Steele
Lynne Johnson
Marc Isobe
Marcia Isenberger
Marie Tai
Mark Verrey
Marvin Taba
Mary Ann Kobayashi
Melvin K. Wong
Meredith and Norma Maeda
Merle N. Bratlie
Merwyn Lee
Michael Hee
Michael Miyahira
Mike Kobayashi
Milton & Marlin Liu
Ming Peng
Mitch Blaisdell
Miyeko S. Hashimoto
Mohamed Wong
Mr. Grant Ito & Ms. JoAnn Yosemori
Myrtle Kaneshiro
Nancy D. White
Nancy K. Sonoda
Nate Lam
Noe Baladad
One Kalakaua Senior Living
Owen Sekimura
Pamela Yee
Patricia Chang Moad
Patricia Takemoto
Paul Komeiji
Peter, Juli, & Jack Shaindlin
Pranita Suvarna
R. Dougal Crowe
Randall Hee
Richard Cundy
The Hon. Richard Perkins
Robert E. Black Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Robert G. & Patricia Peters
Robert Schornstheimer
Robert Weiner
Robert Wong
Robin Chun Hunter
Robyn Fong
Robyn Weber
Rochelle Uchibori
Roland Thom
Roslyn Meinert
Ross Tanoue
Roy E. King, Jr.
Ruth Oshiro
Sarah Miyahira
Sarah Nanbu
Scott B. Gomes
Scott Simon
Seth Markow
Shannon Igarta
Sharene Taba
Sheryl Nicholson
Shinnyo-En Hawaii
Stella Anderson
Stephanie Laws
Stephen Ly
Steven Casano & Helen Chao-Casano
Suellen Barton
Suji Cho
Tamae Shiraishi
Tami Leong Ho
Target Foundation
The Blackbaud Giving Fund
Tilden Osako
Todd Seeber '81
Tom and Maria Stepec
Tricia Matsukawa
Valerie Coryell
Van Lu
Van M. Goto
Velma C. Akinaka
Velma Lee
Vernon & Joyce Wong
Wayne Kawamura
William E. Seehafer
Yumiko Ueda
Yuxuan Yang
$1 to $99
Anonymous
Akari Hatanaka
Alyssa Kawamura
Andrew S. Tanji
Anthony Wong
Ayari Tochika
Barry and Wendy Kikuno
Betty Ohigashi
Brandon Kamigaki
Brent F. Ramos '15
Calvin T. Hamada
Catherine Camp
Christine Ewing
Claire Sakai-Hazzard '68 & Don Hazzard
Clifford Okumoto
Crowdstake Foundation
Daniel Wilson
David Anderson
David De Witt
Diane Bartosik
Diane Morimoto
Doris S. Oshiro
Dr. George Chu & Ms.
Diane Wong
Dustin Ebesu '75
E. Richard Bartosik
Frederick Harris
Gaye Humphrey
Gerald Young
Gladys H. Young
Glenn Fernandez
Harold M. Chang &
Debbie Yeoh
Ira Tagawa
James Moffitt
Jared Perez
Jasmine Nip-Palmer
Jason Poplin
Jean Adair-Leland
Jennie Li
Jeremy Lawi '06
Jerry Ono
Jessica Nelson & McCraigan True
Judith A. Mick
Julia Fujioka
Karyn Lau
Kenneth H. Burtness
Kenneth Hashi
Kevin Nazal
LaSaundra Belcher
Lauren Sergent
Lawrence Lau
Leona Kamoku
Leslie G. Crandall
Lily Chu
Linda Katsuki
Lynn Hokama
Marissa Ross
Michael Lyman
Mike Boomsma
Mitzi Maeshiro
Nainoa Mau
Nancy Halevi
Nicole Ward
Noah Kephart
Pamela Young
Philip Brown
Rachel Odo
Robert Boruchowitz
Ruby Arii
Sara Lin '99
Shinogu Sato
Susan Imai
Sylvia Flores
Tertia Freas
Thu Nguyen
Vicki Soo Hoo
Tributes
In Honor of Bradley T. Hamada ‘94
By Calvin T. Hamada
In Honor of Lorrin Hirano ‘77
By Colleen Hanasuba
In Honor of Sarah M. Wilson ‘14
By Daniel Wilson
In Honor of Mari Kohara ‘03
By Dennis Kohara
In Honor of Hannah Watanabe ‘96 By Jennifer Oyer
In Honor of Gray Nauwelaerts ‘25
By Joan Carlson
In Honor of Jaymes Lau By Karyn Lau
In Honor of Chelsea Maeda ‘05
By Meredith and Norma Maeda
In Honor of Kenton Chan
By Monica Chan
In Honor of The Class of 2025
By Randy Wong ’99 & Helen Liu Wong
In Honor of Matthew K. Meinert ’26
By Kevin & Roslyn Meinert
In Honor of Lauren Dods ’01
By The Dods Foundation
In Honor of Andrew Li ‘27
By Yong Li Li and Jin Dong
In Memory of Geoffrey Au ‘97
By Kendrick & Joy Au
By Randy Wong ’99 & Helen Liu Wong
In Memory of Gladys Hirano
By Hirano Ohana
By Kathrynn Raymon
By Randy Wong ’99 & Helen Liu Wong
In Memory of Yujen E. Hsia
By Martin Hsia, Esq.
In Memory of Ronald Kihara
By Lois Lloyd
