The UH West Oʻahu University Chorus performs at the 2015 winter concert.
Join the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu University Band, sing with the University Chorus, and play and sing mele Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian music) with the Hawaiian Ensemble at UH West Oʻahu this spring.
University Band
The UH West O‘ahu University Band welcomes new members as the band begins its third year at the University. 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 O‘ahu University Band (MUS 419) course. Eligible band members include:
- UHWO students, faculty, staff, and community members with band experience,
- O‘ahu high school band junior or senior students participating in the Department of Education Running Start program that offers simultaneous high school and college credit; or Early Admission program that offers college credit only and
- Hawai‘i State Department of Education teachers taking MUS 419 for teacher reclassification credit.
Instruction begins Jan. 13 and will take place in the Pearl City High School band room on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. High school students interested in joining the UH West O‘ahu band should speak with their college counselor about applying for the Running Start or Early Admission program. All interested participants should contact Pearl City High School Director of Bands Chadwick Kamei at ckamei@hawaii.edu to schedule an audition. For all other questions, contact UH West Oʻahu Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Jon Magnussen at jonmagnu@hawaii.edu.
View a video performance of the UH West Oʻahu band rehearsing for the recent UH West Oʻahu Winter Concert.
UH West Oʻahu University Band performing at the fall 2015 commencement ceremony.
University Chorus
The UH West Oʻahu University Chorus (MUS 114), under the direction of Karol Nowicki, also welcomes new members for its spring 2016 season. Rehearsals begin on Jan. 12 with classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. at UH West Oʻahu. The University Chorus welcomes community musicians in addition to UH West Oʻahu students, faculty and staff. Members will spend the term singing choral literature from the Renaissance to the present, improving vocal technique, musicianship, and listening and ensemble skills. The ability to read music is not required.
Highlights of the spring semester include:
- E Hīmeni Kākou, the annual collegiate choral festival on 20 at Central Union Church
- Kapolei Choral Festival on April 22 at Kapolei High School
- UH West Oʻahu Spring 2016 Commencement on May 7
For more information, contact Choral Director, Karol Nowicki at karoln@hawaii.edu or UHWO Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Jon Magnussen at jonmagnu@hawaii.edu.
View a video performance of the UH West Oʻahu University Chorus performing in the UHWO Library.
Hawaiian Ensemble
Now in its third year, UHWO Hawaiian Ensemble (MUS 211/MUS 311) is open to all students who can sing or play an instrument. Directed by kumu Kamuela Kimokeo, students work in small groups on Tuesday and Thursdays from 12:30-1:50 p.m. to create arrangements in the nahenahe (sweet, gentle) style and practice group performances, honing their kani ka pila (style of Hawaiian music playing in an impromptu group jam session) skills as collaborative musicians. A highlight of this spring semester is the PIKO Project-sponsored kani ka pila sessions with local Hawaiian music artists and kumu Kimokeo on the third Thursday afternoons of February, March and April. Students and community members will learn mele (Hawaiian songs) and artists will share their manaʻo (thoughts) regarding the mele. The community is invited to join in. Past artists include Kawika Kahiapo, Bobby Moderow, and Jerry Santos.
For more information, contact Kamuela Kimokeo at kamuelam@hawaii.edu or UHWO Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Jon Magnussen at jonmagnu@hawaii.edu.
Hawaiian Ensemble students performing at the 2015 winter concert.