Naulu Winds of the University of Hawaii West Oahu

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

Located on the Leeward side on the Island of Oahu, the Naulu Winds of the University of Hawai?i West O?ahu is the largest community-based ensemble in the state of Hawai?i. Under the direction of Dr. Chadwick Kamei and Mr. Michael Nakasone, the ensemble is comprised of 105 musicians from the University of Hawai?i 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 O?ahu who want to continue making music. When the UH West O?ahu 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 Naulu Winds 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. 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 are excited to have the opportunity share our passion and music with our colleagues at the Midwest 2024 Clinic. Mahalo for your time!

Naulu Winds of the University of Hawaii West Oahu

Conductor's Bio

Dr. Chadwick Kamei is the director of the Naulu Winds of the University of Hawai?i West O?ahu, which is a community-based ensemble. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from Boston University and received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music Education from the University of Hawai?i at Manoa. Dr. Kamei is also the Director of Bands, Fine Arts Department Head, and Music Learning Center Coordinator at Pearl City High School in Pearl City, Hawaii. Dr. Kamei is a Conn Selmer Educational Clinician and has adjudicated and guest conducted at numerous festivals around the US. He is currently a member of the Revelli Composition and IDEA committees for the National Band Association. He holds memberships in the American School Band Directors Association, National Band Association, and the Oahu Band Directors Association. Mr. Kamei is a Legion Laureate of the John Philip Sousa Legion of Honor and in 2016 was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.

Additional Directors

Michael Nakasone