Be a part of making beautiful music at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu with the UH West Oʻahu “University Strings” ensemble, which will begin its fall 2021 season in mid-October with safe, outdoor, and sheltered rehearsals on campus.

The ensemble is open to community members as well as high school members who play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Ownership or rental of an instrument is required; one double bass is available for on-campus rehearsal.

Registered UH students, including Early College students, earn two college credits in MUS410H University Strings, which will help them fulfill Diversification Arts General Education requirements for graduation in the UH System.

University Strings is one of the Performance classes in which students may join to fulfill requirements for UH West Oʻahu’s Certificate in Music. The Certificate in Music is open to students of all majors at UH West Oʻahu, providing them with an opportunity to improve skills and gain knowledge in four areas of music: music performance; music theory and music writing; music technology; and music history and literature.

Students benefit from a diverse set of experiences designed to enhance musicianship in traditional and contemporary music ensembles, encourage music creativity, and foster a better understanding of music’s role in our world.

Students desiring life-long participation in community ensembles will find the Certificate in Music useful as a bridge to post-college music-making. Graduates of the Certificate in Music will also be better prepared to incorporate music into their career pursuits. Elementary educators, for instance, incorporate music into their classroom teaching; Business/Marketing graduates use their knowledge of music literature to support an effective advertising campaign; and Creative Media majors use their practical skills in the recording studio to create impactful films and documentaries.

The UH West Oʻahu University Strings ensemble performs string orchestra literature from a variety of eras, and members work to improve instrumental technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills.

The ensemble is led by UH West Oahu Music faculty member Dr. Jon Magnussen, composer and graduate of The Juilliard School, performing repertoire spanning from the Baroque period into the 21st-century. For audition information, email Magnussen at jonmagnu@hawaii.edu.

See video of a spring 2020 online performance of UH West Oʻahu University Strings with special guest Dr. Katy Luo, piano.