UH West Oahu Launches Band

University of Hawaii – West Oahu and Pearl City High School are teaming up to create the first-ever UH West Oahu concert band.

Chadwick Kamei, Pearl City High director of bands and leader of Pearl City’s Charger Marching Band, will teach the UH West Oahu University Band (MUS 419) course, which will launch in the spring semester. UHWO students, community members with band experience, and high school band students in the Running Start program are eligible to enroll in the class and join the band.

“The band is one of the many exciting things happening here at the University that enhances the student life experience,” stated UH West Oahu chancellor Rockne Freitas.

“We are proud to invite community members and high school students from across the state to join in this collaborative endeavor and become part of the UH West Oahu ohana.”

The class runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Pearl City High School band room starting Jan. 15. During the semester, the band will perform at UHWO events, as well as at an end-of-the-year concert.

“We’re very happy to support our musically inclined students with this new course offering, and we thank the Pearl City High School administration and Chadwick Kamei for their help in making this band a reality,” stated UH West Oahu assistant professor of music Jon Magnussen.

“I am honored and grateful to be a part of this endeavor and to provide a music education in which members will perform music at the highest quality possible,” stated Kamei.

“I am excited about working with the members of this ensemble to make this an invaluable asset to the university and the State of Hawaii.”

Interested high school students should speak with their college counselors about applying for the Running Start program.

For more information or to schedule an audition, call Kamei at 454-5655.