Hawaiian Ensemble

Guitar performance at Pearl City Cultural Center.

Hawaiian Ensemble (MUS 311) and Intro to Hawaiian Ensemble (MUS 211) are open to all UH West Oʻahu students, faculty, staff, and community members with experience in singing or playing an instrument. Under the direction of Maunalua’s Bobby Moderow, Jr., the ensemble performs Hawaiian mele from a variety of eras, and members grow their skills in singing and instrumental technique, musicianship, and listening and singing and playing in an ensemble.

Instruction takes place in Campus Center Room C-225 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 3:20 p.m. Highlights of the Hawaiian Ensemble year include the annual Winter Concert with the University Band, University Chorus and University Strings, and “Hoʻokani Kulanui” events throughout the year. Previous visiting artists included Palani Vaughan, Robi Kahakalau, Nathan Aweau, Raʻiatea Helm, Sean Naʻauao, and more.

Hawaiian Ensemble Events

There are no upcoming events.

Take Advantage of the Benefits of Music!

  • Cognitive–– Helps your brain function better, giving you an edge in the classroom. (“…children and adults with extensive musical training show enhanced executive function when compared to non-musicians, especially for cognitive flexibility, working memory, and processing speed.”– Psychology Today, 6/25/14)
  • Career–– Helps you develop a talent that distinguishes you from the pack, and helps reinforce positive character traits sought by employers such as discipline, perseverance, teamwork, patience, self-control, problem solving, and empathy;
  • Social–– Offers opportunities to meet new people (who are often interesting) and reconnect with old friends;
  • Psychological–– The weekly rehearsal/class improves your mood, decreases stress, and reduces depression and anxiety by helping express what words cannot express.

For questions, please contact Dr. Jon Magnussen. MUS 211 is repeatable up to four (4) credits (crosslist HPST 211); MUS 311 is repeatable up to four (4) credits (crosslist HPST 311);. This course helps fulfill the Diversification Arts Requirements (DA) of the UH West Oʻahu General Education Core Requirements.