Musical Instrument ‘Petting Zoo’ at Lahaina Cannery

A free, Musical Instrument Petting Zoo at Lahaina Cannery Mall on Friday, March 25, from 9:30 a.m. to noon will give kids ages 6 to 12 the opportunity to explore musical instruments and meet the musicians who play them.

Professional musicians from Maui orchestras and high schools will be on hand at this family event to help keiki discover where music comes from and how it’s made.

At the “zoo,” keiki receive a passport on arrival and get a stamp when they explore each musical booth. The kids will get to view musical instruments up close while the musicians talk story with them about how music is created. They’ll share the magic of inspiration, and learn how focus and perseverance lead to fulfillment.

Keiki can then redeem their filled passports for musical prizes.

There will be give-aways, contests, prizes, performances, a silent auction and more at the zoo. The silent auction fundraiser will include electric guitars, fine artwork and more.

The group is seeking donations of activities, gift certificates, artwork and musical equipment and instruments, retail gift baskets, and other marketable items which can be used to raise scholarship funds for Maui Music Mission programs.

Students are now selling $5 door prize tickets for an opportunity to win a $300 electric ‘ukulele package. Drawing will be held on Friday after the event.

All attendees will be entered into a free drawing for a Waterman Ukulele by Makala. This special uke can go to the beach, and even get wet, yet it plays perfectly. Participants must be present to win the Waterman.

Call 463-7856 to make a donation or for more information.

About Maui Music Mission

Because of the absence of music programs in schools, Reuben and Ronda Pali are compelled to fill Maui’s music gap. They established Maui Music Mission by first providing group keiki ‘ukulele lessons at Na ‘Aikane ‘o Maui in Lahaina, then chorus at the Salvation Army Chapel, and frequent opportunities to perform.

There’s also music camp for spring and summer breaks, as well as a weekly class at Pomaika‘i school in Kahului.

A six-week Hawaiian ‘ukulele workshop is being held at the Boys and Girls Club beginning April 5, which is free to members (membership is $10 per year).

These things are being made possible because of a new community of “Musicians on a Mission,” whose purpose is to introduce music to elementary school-age keiki by joining in to teach a weekly class, provide access to personal lessons and support for the mission’s programs.

Maui Music Mission is committed to providing quality music education with affordable tuition. The group’s goal is to provide at least 10 scholarships this year, each valued at $1000. A “Scholarship Builder” option combines smaller contributions.

Go online mkt.com/mauimusicmission to become a sponsor and help build funding that can offset tuition.