Hawaiian vocalist Raiatea Helm, a two-time Grammy nominee and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards honoree, will bring her celebrated music and passion for music education to Palikū Theatre at Windward Community College on December 11, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Proceeds from the Makana Mele concert will benefit the , supporting music students at Windward CC’s .

“This scholarship from the Henry Kapono Foundation provides an opportunity to students to learn from our own excellent local talent, many who are legendary artists, it is a connecting of the generations,” said Kamuela Kimokeo, director of the �鶹��ý Music Institute. “Raiatea, one of our music lecturers for the Hawaiian music certificate, has had an incredible year, and we wanted to create a space to celebrate her achievements.”

are $30 general admission and $75 for VIP seating (includes meet and greet with the artists backstage). Online streaming tickets are $25. Students (with ID) are $15.

Preserving, sharing culture

The concert will also showcase Windward CC music lecturer Jeff Peterson and former Hawaiian music student Kapono Lopes, with performances featuring violin, steel guitar, upright bass, guitar, and ʻukulele—a tribute to the music that shaped �鶹��ý‘s cultural landscape.

“In essence, this concert will feature the music of our kūpuna to raise scholarship funds that support students dedicated to preserving and sharing this cultural legacy with future generations,” Kimokeo said.

Innovative Hawaiian music certificate

Helm, Kimokeo and Peterson are among the instructors for , an innovative one-year online Hawaiian music certificate at Windward CC. This accelerated, cohort-based program offers eight-week classes led by renowned musicians, such as Kimokeo (Hawaiian music), Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett (Hawaiian language, hula), Peterson (slack key guitar), Helm (Hawaiian singing), and Kapena DeLima (digital music production).

“The purpose of this scholarship is to support students pursuing music education through the Hawaiian Music Certificate program, helping them improve their lives, uplift their families, and build sustainable careers in music,” said Lezlee Kaʻaihue, executive director of the Henry Kapono Foundation. “This year, we’re especially excited to have 40 teachers in the Windward CC music program. When you consider the number of students each of these teachers can impact and inspire with music, it’s clear that this scholarship is a valuable reinvestment in our community. Last year, the Windward CC music program raised nearly $200,000, allowing all 40 teachers to be in our one-year program tuition free!”

Those interested can donate directly to the to support music students.

Celebrated slack key masters Keola Beamer, Jeff Peterson, Hiʻikua and Ron Loo will share the gift of music—and music education—in a concert at on December 8 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. All proceeds from the concert will support the Henry Kapono Foundation Music Scholarship for music students at .

“Henry is committed to making music education accessible to those who want to learn. He is very proud to be Hawaiian, and he takes extra pride in being able to support a program that is specifically focused on perpetuating Hawaiian music,” said Windward CC Director and professional musician Kamuela Kimokeo.

Tickets for the concert are $30 general admission and $75 for VIP seating (includes meet and greet with the artists backstage). Students (with ID) and online streaming tickets are $15. Purchase tickets at .

To donate to the Henry Kapono Foundation Music Scholarship at Windward CC, visit .

Hawaiian music studies at Windward CC

Jeff Peterson and Kamuela Kimokeo are among the music instructors in Kaʻohekani, a groundbreaking one-year online certificate in Hawaiian music. The certificate from Windward CC is immersive, accelerated and cohort-based. It is taught in a series of eight-week online classes by a lineup of professional musicians: Kamuela Kimokeo (Hawaiian music), Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett (Hawaiian language, hula), Jeff Peterson (slack key guitar), Raiatea Helm (Hawaiian singing) and Kapena DeLima (digital music producing).

As director of the at , Kimokeo not only teaches a variety of Hawaiian music courses at the college, he also performs with Jerry Santos and his own Nā Hōkū Award-winning group Hiʻikua.

“This scholarship from the Henry Kapono Foundation provides an opportunity to students to learn from our own excellent local talent, many who are legendary artists, it is a connecting of the generations” said Kimokeo.

“The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students pursuing music education through the Hawaiian Music Certificate program as an avenue to better the lives of themselves, their families, and develop the ability to maintain viable careers in music,” said Lezlee Kaʻaihue, Henry Kapono Foundation executive director. “This year we are especially excited that the WCC music program has nearly 30 teachers! When you multiply the number of students that each teacher could potentially impact and influence with music, then we realize that this scholarship is a worthwhile reinvestment into the community.”

The can be applied to an associate of arts degree in liberal arts.

Henry Kapono, Jeff Peterson, Raiatea Helm and Kamuela Kimokeo will share the gift of music—and music education—in a concert at Windward Community College’s Palikū Theatre on December 5, 6–8:30 p.m. The concert will be hosted by Davey D and Mele Apana.

Proceeds from the concert will support the Henry Kapono Foundation Hawaiian Music Scholarship at Windward CC.

“The Henry Kapono Foundation is committed to making music education accessible, whether it is for teachers who want to use music in their classrooms, parents who want to teach their families music, or those who are seeking a career in music performance,” said Kimokeo, director. “What better way to demonstrate this commitment than with music!”

Kapono and Kimokeo would often discuss the idea of holding a fundraiser concert for scholarships while backstage at various performances. Kapono finally said, “Enough talking, let’s get to work and make it happen.”

Tickets for the concert are $15 (students), $30 (general) $75 (VIP—special seating, pre-show meet and greet, and photo opportunity with the artist). Tickets for live streaming are also available ($15). A portion of general and VIP tickets are tax-deductible.

Tickets are limited and available at .

Hawaiian music studies at Windward CC

Helm and Peterson are among the lineup of professional musicians teaching Hawaiian music at Windward CC. The groundbreaking Kaʻohekani Hawaiian music one-year certificate is taught in a series of eight-week online classes by Kimokeo (Hawaiian music), Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett (Hawaiian language, hula/composition), Helm (Hawaiian singing) and Kapena DeLima (digital music production). The academic offering from is immersive, accelerated and cohort based.

The Kaʻohekani Hawaiian music online certificate can be applied to an associate of arts degree in liberal arts. For information about Kaʻohekani, visit .

Kimokeo teaches ʻukulele and slack key guitar. He also performs with Jerry Santos and his own Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning group Hiʻikua. Hewett is a legendary kumu hula, songwriter and recent judge in the Merrie Monarch hula competition. Peterson is a grammy award-winning slack key guitar master. Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning and grammy nominated Helm is known for her powerful vocals. DeLima is part of the group Kapena and is an award-winning sound engineer and producer.

“This scholarship from the Henry Kapono Foundation will really help students have access to a formal music education while connecting them to our own excellent local talent, many who are legendary Hawaiian music artists,” said Kimokeo.

For more information about music programs at Windward CC, contact Kimokeo at kamuelam@hawaii.edu.

Study moʻolelo (stories) and Hawaiian composition with Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, slack key guitar and ʻukulele with Kamuela Kimokeo, Hawaiian singing with Raiatea Helm, and the basics of recording software with Kapena De Lima.

These expanded offerings are part of , a groundbreaking one-year online certificate in Hawaiian music offered at .

“Within a Hawaiian worldview, balance contributes to our joy and understanding of our kuleana (responsibility),” said Kimokeo, director of the at Windward CC. “This music certificate offers a balanced approach to learning Hawaiian music. From beginner to professional, students will be able to share the joy of music within their ʻohana and with others for generations to come.”

New cohort

The next cohort (fall 2022–spring 2023) aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Hawaiian music performance and history. Participants will learn from reputable industry professionals how to improve their performance skills, use music in various educational settings, and how music can be a tool to connect with our island home.

• Fully online academic subject certificate in Hawaiian Music
• 8-week online cohort (together as a group)
• Immersive, accelerated experience
• Certificate also applies to the AA degree in liberal arts

:

• June 29 at 12 p.m.
• July 15 at 3 p.m.
• July 25 at 6 p.m.

Discover more about Kaʻohekani and get your questions answered about:

• Course sequencing and mode of instruction
• Program length and approximate cost
• Windward CC application process
• Registering for courses
• Online learning technology and how we support your journey

Scholarships are available sponsored by .

For more information about the certificate, email Kimokeo at kamuelam@hawaii.edu.

For questions about application and registration, contact Haʻaheo Pagan, counselor, at (808) 235-7460 or paganj@hawaii.edu.

Share an evening with �鶹��ý’s renowned slack key guitar and falsetto artist, Bobby Moderow Jr., in the workshop Kani Nā Pua Koʻolau hosted by Instructor Kamuela Kimokeo. Play along with your instrument in a laid-back, kanikapila style while also having the opportunity to hear experiences and manaʻo (thoughts) on the process of creating music from the founding member of the six-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning group Maunalua.

“Everyone is welcome to play along,” said Kimokeo. “We bring award-winning artists like Bobby to share their music and allow students and community the opportunity to ask questions, talk story and get a personal experience with some of �鶹��ý’s music greats.”

The evening will also include a special guest hula by Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett, Windward CC music lecturer and legendary kumu hula.

“We are grateful for Dr. Kimokeo’s work that brings such amazing opportunities to our campus and community,” Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg said.

This noncredit workshop will be offered online via Zoom and includes access to downloadable sheet music and video song recordings to practice at home with Bobby.

Event details

The workshop will be held on Thursday, May 5, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.

at the .

Participants will receive the Zoom login I.D. link and access to downloadable sheet music and video recordings a few days prior to the workshop. For assistance, call (808) 235-7433 or email wccocet@hawaii.edu.

Required technology

• Computer, tablet (such as an iPad or Samsung Galaxy tablet) or smartphone
• Access to high-speed internet (minimum 512K)
• A device with camera, microphone and speaker
• Zoom quick start guide for new users

For more information, contact Kimokeo at (808) 236-9131 or email kamuelam@hawaii.edu.

Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame honoree Jerry Santos shares his music and manaʻo (thoughts), in an interactive online workshop Kani Nā Pua Koʻolau on December 8. Participants are invited to play along with their instruments in a laid-back, kanikapila style while also having the opportunity to learn about Santos’ process for composing music. The singer/songwriter, also known for his work with the group Olomana, will be sharing some new and never-recorded original compositions.

The non-credit workshop via Zoom, hosted by Windward CC Music Instructor Kamuela Kimokeo, includes access to downloadable sheet music and video song recordings to practice playing with Santos prior to the workshop.

Event details

The workshop will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.

.

Participants will receive the Zoom link and access to downloadable sheet music and video recordings a few days prior to the workshop. For assistance, call (808) 235-7433 or email wccocet@hawaii.edu.

Required technology

• Computer, tablet (such as an iPad or Samsung Galaxy tablet) or smartphone
• Access to high-speed internet (minimum 512K)
• A device with camera, microphone and speaker

For more information, contact Kimokeo at (808) 236-9131 or email kamuelam@hawaii.edu.

, a groundbreaking one-year online certificate in Hawaiian music, will give participants a deeper understanding of the connection and balance between Hawaiian music and hula. The latest academic offering from is immersive, accelerated and cohort based. The series of eight-week online classes are taught by Kamuela Kimokeo (music) and Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett (Hawaiian language, hula).

“The Kaʻohekani Hawaiian music online certificate is beneficial to those who play Hawaiian music, hula dancers, and those who just enjoy Hawaiian music and hula. The program not only provides balance in Hawaiian music knowledge but creates understanding, synergy and appreciation for their relationships to one another,” said Kimokeo.

Kimokeo is director of the at Windward CC, where he teaches ʻukulele and slack key guitar. He also performs with Jerry Santos and the group Hi‘ikua. Hewett is a legendary kumu hula, songwriter and recent judge in the Merrie Monarch hula competition.

“For those who have moved away from their homes in �鶹��ý, it is an opportunity for them to stay connected to their culture, histories and communities through music,” said Kimokeo. “The freedom of this program allows students to continue to work at their jobs, live in different time zones, and care for family obligations, while taking college courses that are not only informative but enriching.”

The Kaʻohekani Hawaiian music online certificate can be applied to an associate of arts degree in liberal arts.

Learn more

Kimokeo and Hewett will hold a talk story session about Kaʻohekani on July 9, at 3 p.m. .

.

Money for college

Financial support worth 50% of tuition is now available to Windward Oʻahu high school students enrolling at Windward CC. The will provide the equivalent of half-tuition for the first year at Windward CC to 2021 graduates of public and charter schools in Windward Oʻahu.

To learn more about Windward CC’s Hoʻolei Scholarship program, email hoolei@hawaii.edu.

In addition, Native Hawaiian participants living on the mainland may be eligible for in-state tuition.

“AAAAAAAAHHHaaaaahhhAAAAHHH!” Sounding like a cross between a buzzsaw and croaking toad, Kamalei Kawaʻa demonstrated the vocal warmup he learned at the that is helping to keep his voice healthy. It’s a sound antithetical to the sweet falsetto and mellow harmonies he vocalizes as a member of the Grammy-nominated group .

Nā Wai ʻEhā (“four great waters” in Hawaiian) is nominated for a . The winner will be announced at the 2021 Grammy Awards, scheduled for March 14, 2021.

Warming up

In 2012, Kawaʻa started Nā Wai ʻEhā with his brother Kamaʻehu and family friends Kahikina and Kalanikini Juan (also brothers). A couple of years ago, he decided to leave a good paying job in the construction industry to pursue a full-time career in music. Kawaʻa wanted to use his time wisely to better his skills, and his mother Luana Kawaʻa, director of UH Maui College’s program, mentioned the music program and instructor Karyn Sarring. He took voice and piano lessons from Sarring as part of his work on an associate in arts degree in Hawaiian studies.

“I learned how to use my voice correctly. I learned how to use vocal techniques, and the most important thing to me was how Karyn taught how to do vocal warm ups,” Kawaʻa said.

Warming up to him used to mean singing a song before a gig and he would often end up with a sore throat.

“Now when I sing and I perform I use these techniques to eliminate the straining of my voice and I feel a lot better after a gig now,” Kawaʻa said.

• Related UH News stories:
  • Nā Hōkū win for UH Maui College, students urged to apply, June 26, 2019
  • UH Maui College hoʻolauleʻa features Nā Hōkū Hanohano winners and nominees, April 17, 2018

Decades of experience

Sarring moved to Maui almost 20 years ago, and has been teaching voice for more than 40 years. Through the decades, she has been a vocal coach for students from Hollywood to Broadway, but doesn’t like to name drop. When pressed, she reluctantly mentioned Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and Fall Out Boy.

She still has mainland clients, but enjoys working with her diverse UH Maui College students both on- and off-island, who range from rising local talents to lullabye crooning parents, and have included Nā Wai ʻ����ā’s Kalanikini Juan, a 2017 UH Maui College graduate.

“My biggest goals are that they sing healthy and that they have an authentic singing voice,” said Sarring. “There’s so much going on now where I call them ‘mynah birds.’ They mimic singers and they really don’t know their true voice.”

Elevating his music

Besides teaching him vocal techniques, Kawaʻa also credits Sarring with helping him to become a better piano player and increasing his appreciation for a broad range of musical genres.

The multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artist is passing on what he has learned as the director of the He Haʻupu Aloha Program at Seabury Hall, a private high school on Maui. He said his goals after graduation from UH Maui College are to keep pursuing and perpetuating Hawaiian music.

Kawaʻa said, “I plan to continue to use the things that I learned through my time at UH, especially in the music courses that I took, and to continue to elevate those skills and continue to utilize those things to help elevate my music.”

—By Kelli Abe Trifonovitch

A poignant song about violence in �鶹��ý and around the world was the result of a Windward Community College class assignment. Matthew Latorre wrote for his MUS 211 Music Ensemble class. He and his classmates were preparing to perform their original and group songs on stage at Palikū Theatre in the Hanauna Mele series spring 2020 concert when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“As a kid growing up in �鶹��ý, I never used to hear about shootings, and over the years the violence keeps getting worse,” said Latorre, who graduated from Castle High School in 2018. “That needs to stop. Let’s not get used to violence happening to our home. We can control our actions towards each other, �鶹��ý needs more shakas being thrown, instead of fists.”

The assignment was designed to give students a voice and empower them to start a dialogue on issues of importance to them.

“Needless to say, this semester, we had issues galore!” said Kamuela Kimokeo, Windward CC music instructor and director of the �鶹��ý Music Institute. “When our concerts got canceled this semester due to the pandemic, we had to be creative and think of a way to make sure that the songs and issues that my students wanted to give voice to, were heard.”

The Hanauna Mele biannual concert series features musical performances by students enrolled in ʻukulele, slack key guitar and Hawaiian ensemble courses. Students get the opportunity to play music with special guest artists such as Jerry Santos, Amy Hanaialiʻi, Ledward Kaʻapana, and other �鶹��ý music icons.

Kimokeo describes music as a great tool of expression and empowerment. “There is a Hawaiian proverb, ‘Ma ka hana ka ʻike,’ which means in essence, ‘One learns in doing,’” he said. “I want to empower my students with the sword of melody and truth. So here it is, Hanauna Mele—this means generational music, but the word play suggests the birthing of new music and musicians.”

Visit Windward CC‘s YouTube channel for the full lineup of student performances.

For more information about music classes and certificates in Hawaiian and general music, contact Kimokeo at kamuelam@hawaii.edu.

Students interested in digital music production can learn and be inspired by globally recognized EDM composer Aaron Carmack, known professionally as , at a one-day workshop sponsored by Windward Community College’s . The workshop will include a talk story, a question and answer session and thoughts on the work of Windward CC MUS 240 digital music students.

“Make music like no one’s listening,” says Mr. Carmack. “My music is an expression of experiences that I’ve had in my life up to right now. I take inspiration every day.”

Constantly translating personal experience into his craft, writer/producer and DJ Carmack finds inspiration from a range of sources—from his friends and fellow musicians in production cliques, Team Supreme and Soulection, to his travels and sold out tours in five continents over the past two years. Carmack has shared the stage with folks like Hudson Mohawke, Just Blaze, Cashmere Cat, and Diplo. These influences, combined with a hunger for discovering the newest, most cutting-edge sounds on sites like Soundcloud, are some of the ingredients to the now Los Angeles based producer’s distinct creative process.

Workshop details

The one day workshop featuring Mr. Carmack will take place on Thursday, November 12, 1–3 p.m. in Hale Aʻo 101-102 at Windward CC. Seating is limited.

For more information about this workshop, visit the or contact �鶹��ý Music Institute Director Kaʻala Carmack via email or at (808) 236-9130.

—By Bonnie Beatson