UHWO University Chorus, Band, and Hawaiian Ensemble launch new season

UHWO University Band in 2016.

UHWO University Band in 2016.

The University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu University Chorus and the University Band will begin rehearsals this week, but are still accepting new members through Aug. 30.  Additionally, students who can sing or play an instrument are welcome to join the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu Hawaiian Ensemble.

University Band

The UH West O‘ahu University Band welcomes new members as the band begins its fourth season at the University.  The band typically attracts 40 to 50 members who must pass an audition and are expected to have prior experience and adequate training on their instrument.  The band plays original wind compositions, transcriptions/arrangements of orchestral compositions, light music, and popular tunes.

Chadwick Kamei, Pearl City High School director of bands, and leader of the award-winning Pearl City High School “Charger” Marching Band, will co-teach the UH West O‘ahu University Band (MUS 419) course with longtime band veteran Michael Nakasone. Eligible band members include:

  • UHWO students, faculty, staff, and community members with band experience;
  • O‘ahu high school junior or senior band students participating in the Department of Education Running Start program that offers simultaneous high school and college credit; or Early Admission program that offers college credit only; and,
  • Hawai‘i State Department of Education teachers taking MUS 419 for teacher reclassification credit.

All band members will receive two Diversification Arts UH West Oʻahu course credits for University Band MUS 419. The first rehearsal takes place on Wednesday, August 23, in the Pearl City High School band room from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

High school students interested in joining the UH West O‘ahu band should speak with their college counselor about applying for the Running Start or Early Admission program. All interested participants should contact Kamei at ckamei@hawaii.edu to schedule an audition. For all other questions, contact UH West Oʻahu Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Jon Magnussen at jonmagnu@hawaii.edu.

View a video performance of the UH West Oʻahu band rehearsing at Pearl City Cultural Center.

UHWO University Chorus in Spring 2014.

UHWO University Chorus in Spring 2014.

University Chorus

The UH West Oʻahu University Chorus (MUS 114), under the direction of Magnussen, also welcomes new members for its fall 2017 season.  There is no audition for the Chorus and participants learn vocal technique, musicianship, listening and ensemble skills. The ability to read music is not required.

The Chorus typically attract 15 to 20 people with rehearsals beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 22, and continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. at UH West Oʻahu. The University Chorus welcomes community musicians in addition to UH West Oʻahu students, faculty and staff. Members will sing choral literature from the Renaissance to the present.

Highlights of the University Chorus’ fall semester include the Winter Concert. For more information, contact Magnussen at jonmagnu@hawaii.edu.

View a video performance of the UH West Oʻahu University Chorus performing in the UHWO Library.

Hawaiian Ensemble

The UHWO Hawaiian Ensemble (MUS 211/MUS 311) is open to all students who can sing or play an instrument, such as  a guitar, ukulele or bass.

Directed by kumu Kamuela Kimokeo, students work in small groups on Tuesday and Thursdays from 12:30-1:50 p.m. to create arrangements in the nahenahe (sweet, gentle) style and practice group performances, honing their kani ka pila (style of Hawaiian music produced in a group setting during an impromptu jam session) skills as collaborative musicians. During the semester, students participate in Hoʻokani Kulanui – with well-known local Hawaiian musicians. This semester Sean Naʻauao (Oct. 12) and Nathan Aweau (Nov. 9) will join the classes, thanks to support by the PIKO Project (Title III) and the Humanities Division.

For more information, contact Kimokeo at kamuelam@hawaii.edu or Magnussen at jonmagnu@hawaii.edu

To apply to UH West Oʻahu, visit www.uhwo.hawaii.edu/admissions, call (808) 689-2900 or email uhwo.admissions@hawaii.edu.

 

Image courtesy of Jon Magnussen