PRESENTED
BY THOMAS & MI KOSASA
MAHALO TO OUR SPONSORS!
GOLD BATON
Kent & Jean Tsukamoto
Richard & Susan Ing
Vibe Creative Hawai‘i
VISIONARY
Action Realty Corp.
First Hawaiian Bank
Island Insurance
Stephen & Gloria Gainsley
MAESTRO
Avalon Development
Collin Hoo / David Imanaka
Dr. Vivien Tham & Pacific Vision Institute of HI
Lauren Yoo
Lorrin Hirano
Pacific Property Group
The Resort Group
The Wong ‘Ohana
SOLOIST
Martin Hsia
Sharon R. Himeno / Robin Kobayashi, Esq.
PRINCIPAL
Commuter Industries
Serafin Icasiano
Jean McIntosh
Jan Tamura
April Terayama
Wilfred Miyasaki
KMH LLP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair Erica Mau-Schank ♪
Vice Chair Lauren Yoo ♪
Secretary Lorrin Hirano, Esq. ♪
Treasurer Richard Ing ♪
Directors
Ben Gutierrez
Sharon R. Himeno
Collin Hoo
Martin Hsia, Esq.
David Imanaka, Esq.
Robin Kobayashi, Esq.
Malcolm Lau
Michael Onofrietti
Aaron Salā
Jean Tsukamoto
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Randy Wong,♪ President & CEO
Rachel Schultz, Chief Operating Officer
Hannah Watanabe,♪ Programs Director
Lauren Sergent, Operations Manager
Wailani Kontic, Philanthropy & Outreach Manager
Brent Ramos,♪ Office Receptionist
Mckenzee Espiritu, ♪ Music Librarian
SYMPHONY PROGRAM
Joseph Stepec, Director & Conductor (YSI)
Alexander Peña, Conductor (YSII)
Wayne Fanning,♪ Conductor (CO)
Amy Carlson, Chamber Music Coordinator
ACADEMY STRING PROGRAM
Jeff Hamano,♪ Summer Strings
Michael Lim,♪ Conductor (SOE & CSO) ʻAlohi Igarta, ♪ Coordinator
Carissa Miyamoto,♪ BSE & ISE
Laurie Shimabukuro,♪ Super Strings
JAZZ PROGRAM
Dean Taba,♪ Director
Ryan Howe,♪ Faculty
Noel Okimoto, Faculty
PACIFIC MUSIC INSTITUTE
Jeremy Lawi,♪ General Manager
Joseph Stepec, Artistic Director
Ignace Jang, Solo & String Quartet
Dean Taba,♪ Jazz
Richard Scerbo, Orchestral Learning Alliance
MUSIC IN THE CLUBHOUSE & COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Kauʻionalani Mead, Music4Kids – Nānākuli
Daniel Kawaiʻaeʻa Shaver,♪ Nānākuli Strings
Abe Lagrimas Jr.,♪ Music4Kids – Honolulu
Jake Lui, Rock Band — Windward
Maia Mayeshiro, Music4Kids — Windward
CONTACT INFO 1350 South King Street, Suite 201 Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 (808) 941-9706 | EIN: 99-0119771
Aloha, distinguished Nā Mele guests!
Our world needs voices who are creative, passionate, persevering; whose hands, hearts, and minds are in alignment.
For some, the pursuit of music brings with it the comfort of finding a body of likeminded souls. For others, it’s the opportunity to craft an individual, artistic spirit. A spectrum of possibilities abound; some joys only to be uncovered after years of practice and dedication.
At Hawai‘i Youth Symphony, that harmony of spirit and skill begins to take shape. Youth begin their lifelong relationship with music under the care and mentorship of our dedicated, masterful faculty & staff.
The role that you play in the future of HYS tonight is one that will have ripples of impact over the coming generation. Our mission, to foster fun and creative opportunities for youth that inspire a deep appreciation for music and lifelong relationships within the culture of our islands, is one that resonates throughout our work and beyond, to our students and all of the lives that they touch.
We are grateful to you for your belief in our youth.
Sincerely,
RANDY WONG President & CEO HYS ‘99
What does music do for Hawai‘i’s keiki?
It gives our youth a chance to learn, to play, to discover their voice through an instrument. It provides them with a supportive community with which to experience creativity and collaboration. It connects them with each other, with audiences, with trusted teachers and mentors.
The joy of this connection was evident to me when attending rehearsals for last season’s side-by-side concert. On the stage of Blaisdell Concert Hall, I watched our youngest musicians, beginning ‘ukulele students, stand alongside young string students, advanced symphonic players, and the professional musicians of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra. When all 180 played together, the sound was full and joyous. More impactful was the feeling of accomplishment you could sense from all of the musicians - the smiles on their faces, the pride in their stance. I was inspired knowing that we’ve really given these students an amazing opportunity through music.
At the core of this experience, even during a time where the future can seem uncertain, HYS allows our students to simply have fun; I know these students truly were.
Today, more than ever, the support of our community is so vital in helping Hawai‘i Youth Symphony reach more youth across the state. Mahalo nui for coming together this evening to share in that fun and joy of music we hope to give to Hawai‘i’s keiki. With your generosity, we can make music a right for all.
Me ke aloha,
ERICA MAU-SCHANK Board Chair HYS ‘07
CORE VALUES
INSPIRE
We connect and uplift our communities through music.
HAVE FUN
We celebrate creativity, curiosity, and the joy that comes with making music.
DREAM COURAGEOUSLY
We dream and act with authenticity. Be bold!
GROW TOGETHER
We play, listen, and learn with kindness and respect.
BUILDING MUSICAL FUTURES
800 STUDENT MUSICIANS
enrolled in HYS’ string, chamber, orchestral, jazz, and ‘ukulele programs
4,500 CHILDREN
125 ARTIST FACULTY
attending FREE narrated “Listen &Learn” and school outreach concerts
whose careers include the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Hawaiian Band, UH Mānoa Music Department, and the DOE; each dedicated to the mentorship of our aspiring young musicians
100+ SCHOOLS represented by youth seeking accelerated musical training
3 CLUBHOUSES
(Nānākuli, Spalding, & Windward) in the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i network, where our entry-level general music, ‘ukulele, violin, and rock band1 classes introduce keiki to lifelong passions
EVERY ISLAND & BEYOND
EACH YOUTH
HYS students hail from every island statewide, and our popular Pacific Music Institute summer program also enrolls youth across the continent!
with their own story, passion, and ability to achieve through music. All students benefit from HYS fundraising; no student pays more than one-third of the full cost to participate.
HYS will disburse over $100,000 in financial aid funding for qualified and neighbor island students this year.
1 Coming 2026!
Q&A with Youth Symphony I Conductor JOSEPH STEPEC
How has music impacted your life and career?
I can’t imagine not having music in my life. I wake up every morning thinking about it and am constantly researching or learning about music. It is an endless well of inspiration. Teaching music honestly makes me a better person. It has taught me how to be patient and how to be disciplined; it has also taught me how to think with both my brain and my heart.
Why are you an advocate for music education?
Music changes lives. Period. It teaches us about each other in the most beautiful and unexpected ways. In music, you have to learn how to listen to others and how to devote yourself to a cause. Both of these are lessons that are firmly rooted in the tradition of music and follow us throughout the course of our lives.
What about the students inspires you the most?
I am constantly inspired by how much of themselves our students give to their communities. HYS students very often do more than just music; they are involved in so many extracurriculars and they are often model students. I am also really inspired by the spirit of aloha that I see in the students at each rehearsal. When something goes right, they are quick to clap for their colleagues in support of a job well done.
Q&A with Guest Artist
MAGGIE HERRON
How has the intersection of classical and jazz impacted your life and career?
Classical training gave me a solid foundation in technical ability on the keyboard with a melodic sensibility. Jazz players influenced a rhythmic sensibility in me and gave me the desire and courage to improvise. When you wed classical with jazz in your playing, you feel an even deeper level of excitement, passion and inspiration.
Through HYS, students have access to both classical and jazz training. How does this benefit their learning?
I feel that the more knowledge and training a musician has, in both classical and jazz, the more their world is opened up in terms of their ability to improvise and to write music. The more in love they become with music. The more you know, the more you have to draw from in your creative process.
Why do you support music education?
Learning to play an instrument trains the young minds in a unique way compared to other pursuits. It teaches them to be more intuitive and able to process information more easily. Not only does it benefit them on a creative level, but also helps them with memorization, and solving problems. Playing with the young musicians is an uplifting experience. They have so much curiosity and drive to absorb knowledge.
“In HYS, we have the privilege of creating complex art together. With events like our neighbor island tours, we are blessed with all sorts of opportunities that most high schoolers—and even some college students—never get. HYS, along with all the amazing people I have met, the incredible pieces I have gotten to perform, and unforgettable memories I have made a long the way, will always hold a special place in my heart.”
– ASHLYN ITO
STUDENT SPEAKERS
ASHLYN ITO
‘Iolani School, Cello & ‘Ukulele
SEVASTYAN (SEVA) SWAN
Homeschool, Violin
“Over the years, HYS has instilled confidence within myself so that auditions and performances are a celebration of learning rather than a stress-filled experience. Beyond the music, HYS has taught me a strong work ethic and a willingness to persevere even when something seems difficult. I would not be where I am today, as a person or as musician, without HYS inspiring me to grow.”
– SEVASTYAN SWAN
XYON-LA’JOUNT (LJ) JURY
Kapolei High School, Trombone & Electric Guitar
“Throughout my family’s many moves, music has been my anchor. It provided community when I was the newcomer, creative expression when words weren’t enough, emotional connection in unfamiliar places, and a language for abstract concepts that transcend geographical boundaries. Here in Hawai‘i, I finally found my musical home within HYS, where I’ve discovered not just exceptional music and direction, but a community that truly embodies the belief that music is a right.”
- MATTHEW MEINERT
“Every Sunday we practice for up to 3 hours together and even though it can be strenuous, it’s always fun. Despite the hard work, HYS brings joy and has allowed me to make connections with other student musicians from around Hawai‘i. Thank you for supporting HYS because this is what keeps the music alive and possible for students like myself.”
- LJ JURY
MATTHEW MEINERT Kalaheo High School, Horn
ARABELLA TAN
‘Iolani School, Harp
“Over the past four years, Hawai‘i Youth Symphony has been a meaningful part of my life. From bonding with fellow musicians from across the islands, to performing for schools and communities, to playing side-by-side with professional musicians, every moment has been unforgettable. Your help makes it possible for me, and hundreds of students like me, to discover the beauty of music. Thank you!”
- ARABELLA TAN
SUNSET SOIRÉE PROGRAM
Youth Symphony I
Joseph Stepec, Conductor
A Tribute to Henry Mancini by Henry Mancini, arranged by Calvin Custer
Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla, arranged by Robert Longfield
Max Shinno, violin soloist
Cole Porter Salute by Cole Porter, arranged by John Whitney
Merry Mount Suite by Howard Hanson
Introduction to Act II and Maypole Dances Children’s Dance
BALLROOM PROGRAM
Concert String Orchestra
Michael Lim, Conductor
Entrance to the Queen of Sheba by George Frideric Handel
Jazz I
Dean Taba, Jazz Director
I Mean You by Thelonius Monk
Ornithology by Charlie Parker
Wolf by Maggie Herron & Dawn Herron
YSI Strings & Jazz I, with Guest Artist Maggie Herron
Joseph Stepec, Conductor
Fields of Gold by Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, arranged by Ari Barack Fisher
Can’t Help Falling in Love by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore & George David Weiss, arranged by Ari Barack Fisher
Here Comes the Sun by George Harrison, arranged by Ari Barack Fisher & Maggie Herron
STUDENT ROSTERS
Scan to view the names of tonight’s student performers
FEATURED PERFORMERS
Symphony Program
YOUTH SYMPHONY I
Youth Symphony I (YSI) is the most advanced of HYS’s seven orchestras and is one of the finest youth symphonies in the country. In its history, YSI has performed with renowned guest artists, was a finalist in the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, and had the special honor of performing on From the Top, nationally-broadcast radio show.
Jazz Program
JAZZ I
HYS Jazz, comprised of Jazz I and Jazz II, helps students to find their groove by teaching them how to play as a rhythm section, accompany others and improvise. While our current participants are made up of guitarists, keyboardists, drummers, saxophonists and brass players, HYS Jazz is a wholly inclusive environment, where all orchestral instruments are welcome.
Academy String Program CONCERT STRING ORCHESTRA
Concert String Orchestra is the most advanced of four ensembles that make up HYS’s Academy Strings program. In proud partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubhouse of Hawaii, the Academy offers children ages 8 and older the opportunity to play violin, viola, cello, or string bass in group settings that emphasize the fundamental skills necessary for musical success.
MAHALO TO OUR DONORS
Hawaii Youth Symphony deeply appreciates these contributions made between January 1, 2025 and October 10, 2025. Thank you for helping us to work towards a Hawai‘i where music is a right! We apologize if we’ve made any accidental errors or omissions; please let us know by emailing our development team: development@hiyouthsymphony.org.
CONDUCTORS CIRCLE • $50,000 & ABOVE
Glenn D. Fernandez Trust
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE • $10,000 TO $49,999
Aaron David Mahi Trust
Aaron & Erica Mau-Schank
Action Realty Corporation
Altres, Inc.
Charles and Mitch Ota Foundation of the Hawaiʻi
Community Foundation
First Hawaiian Bank Foundation
George Mason Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Hawaii Community Foundation
Honolulu Chamber Music Series
Island Insurance Companies
Jean & William K.H. Mau Foundation
Kent & Jean Tsukamoto
McInerny Foundation
Richard & Susan Ing
Stephen & Gloria J. Gainsley
The Al Sherman Foundation
Thomas & Mi Kosasa
ANGEL • $5,000-$9,999
Anonymous
Blue Note Hawaii
Foundation for an Engaged Pacific
Jillson Fleener & Pearl Ling
Karl & Alice Blade
Lorrin Hirano
Martin Hsia, Esq.
National Orchestral Institute + Festival Pacific Property Group, Inc.
Randy Wong & Helen Liu
Richard & Susan Ing
Schwab Charitable Fund
Steven & Marilyn Katzman
The Dods Foundation
The Resort Group
Dr. Vivien Tham & Pacific Vision Institute of HI
BENEFACTOR
• $2,500-$4,999
April Terayama
Collin Hoo
David Imanaka
GuavaGar Westfall Charitable Fund at HCF
Kristen Bronner
Lauren Yoo
Leighton Taylor
Malcolm S. Koga
Martin Hsia, Esq.
Michael J. Y. & Terrina Wong
ʻOhina Labs
PATRON • $1,000-$2,499
Anonymous
Aloha United Way
Anthony Carr
Carl Yee & Mary Wong
Carlton & Elsie Gushiken
Chelsea Maeda
Chris & Jadine Nielsen
Franklin K. Yanamura
Ginny Tiu
HDG, INC.
Jan M. Tamura
John Noland
Jonathan Y. C. Ching Revocable Trust
Jose L. Romero Memorial Fund at HCF
Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda LLP
LPL Financial
Masaki School of Music
Meagan M. Yoshimoto-Clark and Adam Clark, the Ebbtide Family Fund
Myrna Kuo
Robert H Armstrong
Robin Kobayashi & Kenneth Fink
Ruthann Yamanaka
Sadie Kim
Sharon Himeno
Steven and Izumi Rhee
Takumi Family Fund
Tayler Y. & Renee Mori
Terrence White
Watumull Stores/Jhamandas Watumull Fund
Wilfred Miyasaki
Yoon Jee Kim
SPONSOR • $500-$999
Anonymous
Alexander Ishii
Ann Chang
Beth Tamayose
Brandi Falcon
DAFgiving360
Daniel & Linda Momohara
David Landis & Sean Dowdall
David & Amy Monk
Gloria K Ching
Helen K. Higa
Jaewon Choi
Jake Shimabukuro
James Lin
Jean McIntosh
Karen Dempsey
Kim Coco Iwamoto
Kosasa Foundation
Lauren Chun
Lutheran Church of Honolulu
Monica Chan
Nathan Momohara
Patti Look
Ratana Puapong
Robert Littman
Roselle Chin
Ross Tanoue
Scott Simon
Seitoku Takahashi
Serafin Icasiano
Sharelle Ito
Stephen Love
Su-Jie (Nam) Hong
Wade Nobuhara & Cecile Sebastian
Wayne Higuchi
Wayne Katayama
Yi-Chuan Ching
MAHALO TO OUR DONORS CONTINUED
PARTNER • $250-$499
Anonymous
Andrei Kotchetov
Arthur Furukawa
Autumn Woods & Barney Brennan
Big Island Candies
Darcy Nishimura
David Jackson
Emi Kurihara
Eric Chen
Fidelity Charitable
Gary Yap
Joe Stepec
Justin V. Redona
Kent Koike
Laurel Johnston
Lynne Morikawa
Mark Verrey
Miyeko S. Hashimoto
Nick Morabito
Rochelle Uchibori
Roselle Chin
Roy Esaki
Selena and Christopher Ching
Shigeki Yamane
Taylor L. York
William E. Seehafer
CONTRIBUTOR • $100-$249
Anonymous
Alison Lum
Allison Hirakami
Andrew Akemoto
April K.Y. Leong
Ayako Iwata
Beverly Hamada
Brian & Tammy Walther
Byron Kelly
Calvin K. Lee
Carol Aki
Challa Chi
Cheryl Kojima
Clayton Pang
Cristin Gallagher
Darren Sueoka
David Masunaga
Deborah Hashimura
Dennis Higashiguchi
Edward Masunaga
Frank J. Hook
Frederick Harris
Friends of the Library of Hawaii
George Masaki
Georgia Wong
Glenn M. Nakao
Glenn Toma
Hayden L. Hawkins
Huyen Truong
Jann M. Fujimoto
Jean Shimabukuro
Jeffrey Boeckman
Jodi Goh
Kahala Senior Living Community, Inc.
Kim Taira
Kirk Shitaoka
Lance Oba
Leona Kamoku
Linda Hattemer
Lois Lloyd
Mark Nakamura
Micah Ewing
Milton Liu
Najean Lee
Nancy D. White
Nancy K. Sonoda
Nicole Crawford
Noel Okimoto
Patricia Takemoto
Rachel Schultz
Ralph K. Oshiro
Robyn Fong
Roslyn Meinert
Ruth Komatsu
Ryan Lee
Sandy Chen
Sara Amick-Van Horn
Shannon Igarta
Sheryl Shohet
Shigeki Yamane
Tamae Shiraishi
Target Foundation
The Blackbaud Giving Fund
Van M. Goto
Velma Lee
Vern Miyagi
Warren Chew
Wilene Lum
FRIEND • $1-$99
Anonymous
Abby Goldy
Aileen Gushiken
Akari Hatanaka
Alyssa Kawamura
Andrew V. Bates
Ann Doike
Carolyn Berry
Charities Aid Foundation America (Cybergrants)
Crowdstake Foundation
Cyrinthia Richards
Dan Miyamoto
Daniel Wilson
Dezarae Miyahira
Diane Bartosik
Doris S. Oshiro
Eric Chang
Gail Taylor
Gerald Young
Glenn Shimabukuro
Gordon T. Yang
Hannah Watanabe
Isaac Tejada
Jerry Ono
Judith A. Mick
Julia Fujioka
Julie Okamura
Julie Yeaman
Karen Lagrimas
Kathryn Spadaro
Kenneth H. Burtness
Kimi Ide-Foster
Lauren Sergent
Lily Chu
Lisa Tasaka
Lloyd Lim
Madeleine Powell
Michelle Funai
Nadine Mask
Noah Kephart
Pamela Young
Patti L. Horio Evans
Petula Shimabukuro
Rina Chung
Shentang Wang
Stacey Sergent
Stanley K. Tanaka
Tammi Okamura
Thalia Woodward
Werylend Tomczyk
SILENT AUCTION DONORS
Anonymous
Aaron & Erica Mau-Schank
Aaron Sakai
Abe Lagrimas Jr. & Randy Wong
Alex Hayashi & HYS Pickleball Posse
Big Island Candies
Brick Fire Tavern
Calvin & Susie
Chamber Music Hawai‘i
Chris Kajioka
Pickles at Forté
City Mill
Consolidated Theatres Hawaii
Daniel Dae Kim and Mia Kim
Diamond Head Theatre
Duke’s Waikiki
Galliard String Quartet
Germain’s Original
Giovedi
Halekulani Hotel
Hawaii Potters’ Guild
Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra
Hawaiian Host Group
Helen Liu & Randy Wong
Hide Sushi
Honolulu Museum of Art
Honolulu Theatre for Youth
Kala Brand Music, Co.
Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP
Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club
Masaki School of Music
McKinley Car Wash
TRIBUTES
Midas
Misha Hawaii
Moké’s Bread and Breakfast
Outrigger Resorts & Hotels
Pure Joy Day Spa
Richard & Susan Ing
Rosalie Prussing
Skull & Crown
Sugar Bar Hawaii
The Ing Family Lands
The Pacific Club
The Resort Group
The Wong Family
Vibe Creative
Waipahu Racquet Shop
Waitiki International LLC
Watanabe Floral, Inc
Westman Corporation
White Sands Hotel
Yoga Room Hawaii
In Honor of Hannah Liu Rosales by Randy Wong & Helen Liu
In Honor of Lauren Dods by The Dods Foundation
In Honor of Matthew K. Meinert by Roslyn Meinert
In Honor of Sarah M. Wilson by Daniel Wilson
In Honor of the Class of 2025 by Randy Wong & Helen Liu
In Memory of George Berry by Carolyn Berry
In Memory of Maestro Henry Miyamura by Erica Mau-Schank by Ratana Puapong by Randy Wong & Helen Liu
In Memory of Mildred A. Yee by Carl Yee
In Memory of Steven Evans by Patti L. Horio Evans
In Memory of Steven Shimabukuro by Clayton Pang by Franklin K. Yanamura by Glenn M. Nakao by Glenn Shimabukuro by Jean Shimabukuro by Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda LLP by Lynne Morikawa by Randy Wong by Sheryl Shohet by Stanley K. Tanaka by Vern Miyagi
Mahalo Nui Loa
With heartfelt gratitude, Dr. Vivien Tham and Pacific Vision Institute of Hawaii thank Maestro Joseph Stepec and Mrs. Sharene Lum Taba for the extraordinary opportunities, mentorship, and inspiration given to Arabella Tan over the past five years with HYS.
Your dedication to music and to nurturing young talent has created a foundation that will last a lifetime.
MAHALO TO THE ORGANIZERS, ARTISTS, AND KEIKI OF NĀ MELE!
Celebrating the gift of music. Proud sponser of the Nā Mele Gala. www. pacificpropertygrouphawaii.com Your Neighborhood Partner in Commercial Real Estate,
CONGRATULATIONS
Hawai‘i Youth Symphony for 61 seasons of music for our keiki.
Cheers to making music a right!
