MARCH 2023 ENCORE
Tune in to HNN during March Madness for a He Makana O Nā Mele 2022 Encore! Airing: Thursday, March 23 2023 from 9-10pm HST on KGMB.
We also invite you to join us Sunday, March 26 2023 at 4:30pm HST at Consolidated Theatres Ward Village for a Nā Mele-Thon! This event will be a back-to-back showing of our 2020, 2021, and 2022 Nā Mele specials in collaboration with Consolidated Theatres. Tickets are available to pick up free of charge- please make an appointment at the HYS office, or contact our admin office for more information!
WATCH NOW
2022: ENCORE VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER
Hawaii Youth Symphony (HYS) believes every child should have access to the beauty and power of music, and that “Making Music Is a Right, not a Privilege.” The pandemic has made access to music education even more difficult than before. Yet, our youth need music more than ever. The chance to play together, in a safe and positive environment, enriches children’s abilities to learn, connect, and grow.
Music uniquely connects mathematics, language, culture and creativity, and is a catalyst for academic and social-emotional growth. Making music fosters the critical life skills and innovation Hawaii’s youth will need to thrive in the future!
The television special will feature performances by Raiatea Helm, Ginny Tiu, Ignace “Iggy” Jang, along with over 100 young performers from across Hawaii Youth Symphony’s orchestral, jazz, string, and Clubhouse music programs. Stay tuned!
Pre-recorded at stunning locations across Oʻahu and televised!
Television presents an incredible opportunity to introduce the HYS mission and showcase our performers to a broad audience. HYS is partnering with Hawaii News Now to produce this special one-hour television event.
Interview segments will share student success stories with viewers and remind them of the importance of music education. HYS relies on the generosity of supporters like you to further our mission while navigating new times. We appreciate your consideration of sponsorship of this year’s event. Your contribution will go towards breaking down barriers like financial hardship, access to qualified music teachers, and the high cost of instruments.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Raiatea Helm
Growing up with her family on the island of Molokaʻi, Raiatea gained a deep love and appreciation for her surroundings and culture. Today, she strives to share her experiences and knowledge of Hawaiʻi’s rich history through traditional song and dance.
She is musically trained in the style of “leo kiʻekiʻe” (Female falsetto), and is currently working towards creating a University Degree in Musicology with an emphasis in Hawaiian music, language and culture. Eventually, she hopes to teach future generations and to encourage others to preserve the authenticity of mele “Hawaiian Music.”
Raiatea’s success as an artist also includes many prestigious awards including 2 Grammy nominations, 6 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, and Native Arts & Cultures Fellowship.
Ginny Tiu
Ginny Tiu was a child prodigy, who started playing the piano when she was 3 years old. She was discovered by Ed Sullivan at the age of 5 years old.
Ginny has performed throughout the world including at Carnegie Hall, before President Kennedy and President Bush, and was in a movie with Elvis Presley at 8 years old, titled “Girls! Girls! Girls!”
She is now very involved with and supportive of our community, including serving on the Board of the Hawaiian Humane Society, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, UH Board of Trustees, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the Cameron Kravitt Foundation.
Iggy Jang
Ignace Jang serves as concertmaster of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. His playing has received praise in the United States, Europe, and Asia for its excellent sense of style, impressive musicianship, and uniquely beautiful timbre.
Born to Korean parents in Grenoble, France, Mr. Jang began violin studies at the age of five. After receiving training—first from Flora Elphege and then from Gerard Poulet at the Paris Conservatory—he received a Premier Prix in 1985 and was the youngest laureate that year.
HYS is fortunate to have Iggy’s passion and talents as our Director of the Solo String Quartet program each summer at the Pacific Music Institute.
HYS STUDENT PERFORMERS
Youth Symphony I & Maestro Joe Stepec
Composed of over 70 students from more than a dozen schools, Youth Symphony I is HYS’ most advanced orchestra.
HYS Jazz
Drawing from diverse musical influences from Classical to Jazz, the HYS Advanced Contemporary Ensemble provides unique, improvisation-based experiences for students who wish to discover the worlds of popular and improvised genres.
Concert String Orchestra
Our most advanced string orchestra, for students ages 8 & up. They are led by our alumnus Chad Uyehara. You won’t believe how good these young musicians are!
Music in the Clubhouse: Nānākuli Violin Class
Beginning and intermediate violinists from the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi’s NFL YET Clubhouse along the Nānākuli coast participate in HYS at no charge, thanks to the generous support of our donors and Carnegie Hall’s PlayUSA initiative.
For Nā Mele 2022, they will be performing Haunani Apoliona’s “Alu Like,” with their violins,ʻukuleles, and voices.
Mahalo to:
CORPORATE SPONSOR
Halekulani Corporation
PLATINUM SUPPORTER
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Kosasa
GOLD BATON
Waikiki Shopping Plaza
Vibe Creative Marketing
VISIONARIES
Ben & Vicky Cayetano
Richard & Susan Ing
Island Insurance Foundation
Ms. Ginny Tiu
MAESTROS
Action Realty Corp.
Central Pacific Bank
First Hawaiian Bank
Geoffrey & Esther Sewell
The Resort Group
Trinity Real Estate Investments
Jean & Kent Tsukamoto
SOLOISTS
Becker Communications, Inc.
Stephen & Gloria Gainsley
Martin Hsia, Esq.
David & Nicole Imanaka
Mitchell & Marie Imanaka
The FundDevelopment Group
Pacific Property Group
Michael & Terrina Wong
Randy & Helen Wong
2022 Event Co-Chairs
Collin Hoo
Erica Mau-Schank
Additional Mahalos
Audio Engineering & Sound Recording:
Duane Padilla
Event Logo, Graphic & Apparel Design:
Event Publicity:
Event Social Media:
Ms. Tiu’s Piano Courtesy of
Orchestral Arrangements:
Program Booklet Design:
Mark Nakamura
Catering