The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu will start its first-ever concert band this spring through a partnership with Pearl City High School. Chadwick Kamei, Pearl City High School director of bands, and leader of the award-winning Pearl City High School “Charger” Marching Band, will teach the UH West Oʻahu
“The band is one of the many exciting things happening here at the university that enhances the student life experience,” said UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Rockne Freitas. “We are proud to invite community members and high school students from across the state to join in this collaborative endeavor and become part of the UH West Oʻahu ʻohana.”
“We’re very happy to support our musically inclined students with this new course offering, and we thank the Pearl City High School administration and Chadwick Kamei for their help in making this band a reality,” said UH West Oʻahu Assistant Professor of Music Jon Magnussen.
Magnussen heads up the university’s music program, which will offer a variety of courses this spring, including university chorus open to UH West Oʻahu students, faculty, staff and community members, Hawaiian ensemble, beginning ʻukulele, beginning slack key and more.
“I am honored and grateful to be a part of this endeavor and to provide a music education in which members will perform music at the highest quality possible,” said Kamei.
University band course details
UH West Oʻahu students and community members with band experience, as well as Oʻahu high school band students participating in the Department of Education Running Start program are eligible to take the course and become members of the UH West Oʻahu
Starting January 15, 2014, UH West Oʻahu university band course instruction will take place in the Pearl City High School band room on Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
The band will perform an end-of-the-year concert and at UH West Oʻahu events.
High school students interested in joining the UH West Oʻahu band should speak with their college counselor about applying for the Running Start program. All interested participants should contact Kamei at (808) 454-5655 to schedule an audition.
