After being sidelined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the took the stage in-person for the first time since March 2020. The group , which was performed at UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s Orvis Auditorium on October 10. All members and directors of the ensemble were required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
“There is something so electric about live performance, even with a virtual audience,” said Director of Bands Jeffrey Boeckman. “I¡¯m so proud of how our students performed, and the lovely music they made. We¡¯re also very fortunate to have a terrific staff, who were able to navigate all the AV issues.”
The 24-member group is the premiere band at UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹, and rehearses twice a week in the fall and three times a week in the spring. The students performed a variety of works, including pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, Astor Piazzolla and more. The program featured several soloists, including saxophonist Kouhei Takakura (pursuing a master of music in saxophone performance), percussionist Kelsey Tajima (bachelor of music education major) and conductor Alan Evans, ¡¯s first-ever graduate student in wind conducting.
“It honestly feels like a breath of fresh air, being able to perform with an ensemble again,” said Erin Matsushita, a first-year student and oboe player. “I can¡¯t describe how much I¡¯ve missed it. The 20 months were long, but I feel so lucky to be back, creating music!”
Emmanuel Hobro, a trombone player and music education major, added, “This concert felt like a sigh of relief. We weren’t able to play as a full ensemble for nearly two years, so this slow transition back is a hopeful sign of what’s to come.”
UH¡¯s next concert is scheduled for December 4, 4 p.m. at Kaimuk¨© High School, featuring the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. The program hopes audiences will be able to attend in person, but if COVID-19 restrictions prevent a live audience, it will once again provide a live stream via YouTube.
This work is an example of UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.
—By Marc Arakaki