Alan Okami is the Vice President of KoAloha Ukulele. He manages the operations and coordinates their PR and marketing efforts. He hopes to contribute in the area of creating greater public awareness of the organization’s programs and events. “HYS is dear to me. While I had the desire, I did not have the opportunity that these young men and women have. I have joined a terrific team and hope to help insure the continuance of HYS.”

Dean Taba is a freelance bassist, composer, and educator. After studying piano at an early age, Dean played french horn in the Hawaii Youth Symphony as well as the McKinley HS Wind Ensemble. His interest in Jazz and improvised music eventually lead him to the Berklee School of Music as well as the Dick Grove School of Music.

Dean has over 25 years of experience in LA studios, touring world wide, teaching, giving clinics and master classes, as well as 3 CDs of his own compositions. In 2005 he relocated to Honolulu but is still very active nationally and internationally.

Guest Bloggers

Linda Staton Community volunteer for Malama Na Honu. Alumni of Community Editorial Board for the Honolulu Advertiser, Member of the Ko Olina Kupuna. Retired owner of Holly Springs Newspaper. Master’s in Creative Writing from Denver University.  Member of National Association for Interpretation (Certified Interpretation Guide). Certified Yoga Instructor

Student Bloggers

Reynalyn Callejo is a Junior who attends Mid-Pacific Institute.  She plays the bassoon in Hawaii Youth Symphony I, sitting in third chair, and aspires to study psychology in college. 

Samantha Neudorf is a senior at Moanalua High School and plays viola in Youth Symphony I.