A smiling woman in a flowing skirt entered the room and sang in a high, melodic tone, “Hello, everybody, so glad to see you,” and the children, sitting in their chairs, looked up and chanted, “Hello, Mrs. Miike, so glad
A smiling woman in a flowing skirt entered the room and sang in a high, melodic tone, “Hello, everybody, so glad to see you,” and the children, sitting in their chairs, looked up and chanted, “Hello, Mrs. Miike, so glad to see you.”
No, this is not a scene from “The Sound of Music.” This is Kilauea Elementary School, and it’s time for Morgan Miike’s music class.
Miike teaches daily half-hour classes at Kilauea Elementary School, kindergarten through sixth grade. In less than one school year, all of Miike’s students have had hands-on experience with percussion instruments, including bongos, rhythm sticks, tone blocks, triangles and maracas. They also all play the recorder. The fifth and sixth grades have even been introduced to composing music.
Students recently made their own instruments out of recycled objects. Every month Miike introduces world music linked to the holidays. Students learned Native American music in September, African music in October, and Japanese and Chinese New Year songs in December and January. Coming up in May is Hispanic and Caribbean music in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. For Miike, who has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Music and two small children of her own, her position at Kilauea School is a perfect fit.
“I am proud to be a part of this community which shares my belief that music and art are an integral part of a balanced education,” she said.
Miike’s position, along with various other art teachers, is part of the PTSA’s effort to keep art and music in the classrooms. In order to continue the programs for next year, the PTSA is hosting a Save the Art and Music fundraiser from 5-10 p.m. tomorrow at the Princeville Hotel.
Students, teachers and staff made art projects for the auction, including stepping stones made with recycled glass, sand art, and murals.
The auction prizes also include items donated from the community, such as Hawaiian quilts, a koa headboard, hand-painted furniture, painted surfboards, jewelry and a 2008 Nissan Frontier donated by Kuhio Motors.
A $40 ticket includes a dinner buffet, live and silent auction and music from Titus and the Kaua‘i Boys, The Mango Brothers, Surf Jones, and Mark McGuiness. A $15 ticket includes the auction and music from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets are sold at Bounty Music, Hanalei Surf Shop, and the Kilauea School office. For more information call 828-1212.
