Page 7 - Hawaii Island MidWeek - Jan 5, 2022

T he only statewide mu- sic education organi- zation, Hawai‘i Youth Symphony has a bold vision to “make music a right” for every child — and what an inspiring vision to get behind. Bringing young people together through the joy of musicmaking from all walks of life, from every economic background, and from over 100 schools across the islands, HYS believes all children should have the opportunity to hold an instrument in their hands and have access to the life skills and self-confidence that music education imparts. Providing financial aid, neigh- bor island travel assistance,
instruments and scholarships, HYS strives to ensure that no child is held back from their fullest growth potential.
The energy from these in- credible young people, all getting to perform together and at this level of excellence, is such a moving experience.
org/namele and is also pre- sented in Japanese via the HI Now Japan streaming player at hawaiinewsnow. com/hinow/japan. Please consider donating to HYS at namele2021.givesmart.com, and follow us at the hashtag #MakeMusicARight.
Making Music A Right For Youth
By Jake Shimabukuro, board member and educator with Hawai‘i Youth Symphony
The annual He Makana O Nā Mele: The Gift of Music beautifully showcases the talent and dedication of these students, with this year’s gala inviting audiences to a musical journey spanning from Hawai‘i to Japan. I’ m so excited to perform along- side HYS students and Amy Hānaiali‘i — and thanks to Hawai‘i Tourism Japan, we connect with junior orches- tras from Hawai‘i sister cities in Ehime, Hokkaido and Oki- nawa, and the ‘Ukulele Junior Orchestra from Kanazawa.
Established as a nonprofit in 1964, HYS serves more than 700 students ages 7-18 every year, offering gener- al music, string and band classes, jazz, symphony or- chestras, summer intensives and more. Nā Mele benefits all HYS programs, break- ing down barriers to music education such as financial hardship, access to qualified music teachers and the high cost of instruments. The gala is available to stream now on hiyouthsymphony.
Playing music, at any lev- el, fosters confidence, resil- ience and self-development in young people — so vital to success and joy in life. Together with the support of audiences watching this ex- hilarating Nā Mele, we can help ensure that the power and beauty of music educa- tion is available to every child in Hawai‘i.
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