LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Community College’s music ensembles join forces Friday to commemorate their historic 25th anniversary. “A Silver Anniversary Concert” begins at 7 p.m. Friday at the KCC Performing Arts Center in Puhi. Each of the three ensembles — jazz,
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Community College’s music ensembles join forces Friday to commemorate their historic 25th anniversary.
“A Silver Anniversary Concert” begins at 7 p.m. Friday at the KCC Performing Arts Center in Puhi.
Each of the three ensembles — jazz, symphony orchestra and wind symphony — will perform individually, followed by a combined encore to conclude the show. The evening will feature various styles of music including different forms of jazz, classical, band and holiday favorites.
“Because we’ve got three different ensembles, there’s going to be music for everybody to enjoy, no matter what their interest is,” Wind Symphony Director Sarah Tochiki said. “There will be tunes for everyone.”
KCC is the only community college in the University of Hawai‘i system with a full instrumental music program, according to Tochiki. The late Larry McIntosh founded the ensembles in 1987 with the help of David Iha, the former head of KCC.
“(The event) will be a really nice night to celebrate that these ensembles have been around for 25 years,” Tochiki said. “Usually the ensembles each do their own thing. (This year) we decided we had to do something together.”
For the finale, which will be directed by KCC Chancellor Helen Cox, the trio of ensembles will perform “Sleigh Ride,” the popular Christmas tune composed by Leroy Anderson.
Tochiki says the concert will feature between 80 and 90 musicians — ranging from middle school students and retirees to college students and working professionals — performing in various combinations.
“This is our big deal,” she said.
Next semester, KCC will be adding an Introduction to Band course for people who want to get started on a band instrument for the first time.
“For people who have always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, this is their chance,” Tochiki said.
Symphony Orchestra Director Nina Saraos added that KCC encourages anyone to sign up for classes, whether it is for credit or continuing education.
“We’re always looking for people to play with us,” she said.
Admission to the Friday anniversary concert is free, but donations will be accepted at the door to help continue KCC’s unique music program.
For more information contact Sarah Tochiki at 387-6772, Nina Saraos at 652-5374 or Barry Toy at barrytoy@hawaii.edu.
• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.
