LIHU‘E — Recipients of The Mokihana Club Music Scholarships literally worked for their scholarships, performing before the club’s members during the club’s regular monthly meeting on April 5 at the Lihu‘e Parish Hall on the grounds of Lihu‘e United Church.
“The club members vote on the students’ performances,” said club member Elyse Litvack.
“Then, the results need to be verified by the board before the scholarships are announced.”
This year, four auditioned for the scholarships: Blake Hiraoka and Kenneth Hiraoka of Kaua‘i High, Robin Mizushima of Kapa‘a High and Rayna Shafter of Island School.
Following the protocol, Kenneth Hiraoka, aspiring for a career in computer engineering, was voted first place, earning a $2,500 scholarship. He performed with a flute, an instrument he has been playing with since he was 7 years old.
He was initially taught by his mother, who was a recipient of a Mokihana Music Scholarship.
He continued his study with Professor Patricia George, retired from Idaho State and Brigham Young universities, and plans to continue his study with George beyond high school. He also plays the piccolo, piano and vibraphone.
Mizushima, a piano student for more than 12 years, was voted to receive a $1,500 scholarship to use when he attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona on his career path toward becoming a pilot. Mizushima has been a piano student of Tomasa Irek and Monica Chung. In addition to playing for various audiences, Mizushima has been playing weekly at the Church of the Pacific in Princeville for the past six years.
Receiving $500 scholarships were Blake Hironaka, Kenneth’s brother, and Shafter, a vocalist, pianist and composer.
Shafter has performed in many local productions, including the Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre, Kaua‘i Community Players, and Na Leo Hou – Hawai‘i All-State Chorus. Shafter is a substitute accompanist at the St. Michael &All Angels’ Episcopal Church, and teaches piano and voice to young students at the Bandwagon Music Center at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e.
She has studied voice with Dolly Kanekuni since 2018, and is currently studying classical voice with Amy Shoremount-Obra, who teaches at the Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College in New York.
Blake Hironaka has been studying music and playing the trumpet for eight years. He plays in the school bands as well as the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony on O‘ahu. Since 2019, he has been studying with Zachary Silberschlag, principal trumpet of Hawai‘i Symphony and trumpet teacher at Punahou Schools. He plans to continue his music studies while attending college.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
