Youth Symphony Comes to Molokai

Hawaii Youth Symphony News Release

The classrooms of Kaunakakai Elementary School on Molokai will be filled with the joy of music during the Hawaii Youth Symphony’s string workshop held at the school on Saturday, June 23 through Sunday, June 24. 

“The Hawaii Youth Symphony is thrilled to share more of the opportunities and wonder that music education has to offer with students on Molokai,” said Randy Wong, president of the Hawaii Youth Symphony. “Music is a right, not a privilege, and we look forward to inspiring these enthusiastic young students to further develop their skills and have fun while learning.” 

In partnership with Kaunakakai Elementary School teacher and bassist Bob Underwood, the Hawaii Youth Symphony will teach Molokai students the fundamental techniques of string instruments, general musicianship skills and the opportunity to rehearse as an orchestra. 

As part of the workshop, Molokai students will receive instruction and private lessons from some of the Hawaii Youth Symphony’s distinguished coaches, including Dr. Helen Liu (violinist) and Colin Belisle (viola); both of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, the Galliard String Quartet, and artist-faculty of the Youth Symphony’s upcoming summer program, the Pacific Music Institute. 

“We are delighted to have Hawaii Youth Symphony share their time, talent and resources with our keiki,” said Bob Underwood of Kaunakakai Elementary School. “As a teacher and musician, I’ve seen how music has empowered young people to become more well-rounded individuals—providing them with an environment to collaborate as a team and learn skills that may lead to new opportunities in their future.”

The nonprofit Hawaii Youth Symphony was established in 1964 and promotes and celebrates the importance of music study for academic achievement and social-emotional development, serving more than 600 students each year. For more information on the Hawaii Youth Symphony and its music programs, please visit HiYouthSymphony.org.