Dr. Brent Rubio

Medical personnel, researchers and first responders are sacrificing their health and wellbeing every day for the safety of our community. And while their bravery rarely goes unnoticed, what the public may not see are the personal lives behind the heroes, the talents and passions that fuel their lives beyond the bounds of their professions. Talents and passions like music. Learn more about these community connections in our Summer 2020 Newsletter

Dr. Brent Rubio is a part of the Hawaii National Guard team currently deployed on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19.

“I fell in love with the arts in 1992, when a new set of braces steered me to percussion under the direction of Mr. Boniface Leong at Highlands Intermediate School,” recalled Dr. Rubio. “As a percussionist and drum major in high school, I auditioned for Youth Symphony I, where Mr. Henry Miyamura became my longtime mentor. Now as a percussionist with the 111th Army Band, Hawaii Army National Guard, I can confidently say my HYS training greatly contributed to my lifelong obsession with music.”

When asked about the restorative quality of music, he cited his own experience in the 111th Army Band. “We are essential to the military’s morale and bring a spirit that cannot be replicated by pre-recorded music. Our music helps to soften the fears and anxieties of our bravest citizen soldiers and airmen. For me, music is also my own personal outlet for stress; I always feel better with a couple of sticks in my hand.”

Dr. Rubio also discussed the special connection between music and medicine. “Doctors listen to music during surgeries to stay focused and calm, while patients listen to music as a means of relieving stress. Music can transport you to places far away, when you’re isolated in a small hospital room or even quarantined at home.”

Now, in support of the people of Maui County, Dr. Rubio and the 111th Army Band are sharing the healing power of music amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They have supported Kahului Airport temperature screenings, quarantine monitoring, mobile COVID-19 testing, Food Bank distribution sites, and Maui Police Department checkpoints. “But of course, even here on Maui, I keep a pair of drumsticks with me at all times.”

We are essential to the military’s morale and bring a spirit that cannot be replicated by pre-recorded music. Our music helps to soften the fears and anxieties of our bravest citizen soldiers and airmen.