Located on the Leeward side on the Island of Oahu, the University of Hawaii West Oahu University Band is the largest community-based ensemble in the state of Hawaii. Under the direction of Mr. Chadwick Kamei and Mr. Michael Nakasone, the ensemble is comprised of 120 musicians from the University of Hawaii West Oahu, community musicians, as well as high school musicians. Created in the Spring of 2014, the band rehearses once a week for two hours, culminating in a concert each fall and spring semester. This ensemble was formed to create a space for instrumentalists on the west side of Oahu who want to continue making music. When the UH West Oahu campus opened in 2012, students noted that there were no opportunities nearby to continue music. Through the hard work of the university administration and stakeholders, the University Band was formed which created a wonderful opportunity for all musicians in the islands. Particularly notable is that the ensemble includes intergenerational musicians with many parents playing alongside their children. Several members have also performed at the Midwest Clinic in 1990 with the Pearl City High School Band, under the direction of Michael Nakasone. These members are looking forward to the opportunity to perform onstage again, this time with their children. The University of Hawaii West Oahu Band has performed numerous concerts over the years but was most recently honored to be the official entertainment for the 75th Anniversary Remembrance Gala Concert on December 6, 2016, as part of the commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This event drew many Pearl Harbor survivors as well as political and military dignitaries. In spring 2023, the band was also invited to perform at the 35th Hamamatsu Festival in Japan by Honorary Chairman Mr. Toshio Akiyama. The band continues to grow and flourish as we come out of the pandemic. We have recently welcomed Professor Ray Cramer in Spring 2022, and Dr. Rebecca Phillips in April 2023 to guest conduct at our concerts. We are extremely fortunate to have this opportunity and supportive mentors that encouraged us to apply for this prestigious event. We hope that we will have the opportunity share our passion and music with our colleagues at the Midwest 2024 Clinic. Mahalo for your time!
University of Hawaii West Oahu - University Band
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