LIHU‘E — Sarah Tochiki, the band instructor at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School and conductor of several of the Kaua‘i Community College bands, announced the calendar of free concerts for May.
Starting with the Kaua‘i Community College Wind Symphony Spring Concert, with the Kaua‘i Youth Honor Band, the free concert will take place on May 3 at 7 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center, which recently opened following a period of repair and renovation.
“Come join us for an evening of music with special guest conductor, Michael Nakasone,” Tochiki said. “Michael is the recipient of numerous awards, including the John Philip Sousa Foundation Legion of Honor Award in 1995, Hawai‘i’s State Teacher of the Year in 1996, the United States Collegiate Wind Bands Citation of Honor Award in 1998, the Living Treasures of Hawai‘i Award in 2013, and the National Band Association 2022 Al & Gladys Wright Distinguished Legacy Award.”
Tochiki said Nakasone was also inducted into the High School Band Directors National Hall of Fame in 2013, and will be receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Hawai‘i on May 4, the day following his concert at Kaua‘i Community College.
On May 12, Tochiki announced the Kaua‘i Community College Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert, with the Kaua‘i Opio and Keiki Orchestra starting at 4 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center. This is another free event open to the public.
May 15 wraps up Tochiki’s calendar for May with the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Band 23rd annual Spring Concert, which will open at 7 p.m. at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall. There is no admission charge.
“Join us for an evening of music with the 200 musicians of the CKMS Band,” Tochiki said. “We will be featuring all of our band students, from beginners to advanced players.”
Mary Lardizabal, the director of the Kapa‘a Middle School Choir and ‘Ukulele Band, announced that May 15 is the group’s Spring Choral and ‘Ukulele Band Concert, which will take place at Kapa‘a Middle School’s Covered Court starting at 6 p.m.
The concert is free and open to the public, Lardizabal said. There will also be some craft vendors available.
Presented by the KMS Choir Boosters Club, a nonprofit organization, the Kapa‘a Middle School Choir and ‘Ukulele Band was recipient of two gold rankings from the WorldStrides Music Festival in Anaheim, California, for its presentations sharing culture and island style. Lardizabal is appreciative of Co-Director Loke Sasil for sharing her gift and talent with the students.
