University Hosts Free Music Week Celebration

Aaron J. Salā. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College hosts a week-long series of free events in celebration of music from Monday, April 21, through Friday, April 25, 2014.

The community is invited to the series which includes free musical performances, workshops, presentations, and music classes.

University officials say the series provides a chance for individuals to explore their musical side and learn more about the opportunities to study music at UHMC.

“Our music faculty have vast knowledge and experiences in many musical styles”, said Dr. Keola Donaghy, interim coordinator of music studies at UHMC in a university press release.

“We wanted to share our passion for music with the community, and let everyone know that you can take a class in anything from steel guitar to classical piano. There’s an abundance of musical activities and learning opportunities right here on Maui,” said Donaghy.

The series includes the following:

The Boom Booms. Courtesy photo.

• Piano workshops and a piano recital by music lecturer Anne Ku;
• Piano recital by UHMC students of lecturer Karyn Sarring;
• Lecture and video presentation by the Vancouver, British Columbia-based group “The Boom Booms”
• Maui-based performances by Gilbert Emata and Jimi Canha;
• Presentation by UH-Mānoa Assistant Professor and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning recording artist Aaron J. Salā; and
• Open Mic night on Thursday evening, April 24.

Students and the Maui community are also invited to attend any music class of their choice for the week.  The schedule of classes includes the following:

Monday April 21, 2014:

• 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.:  Kupa’a 104, Piano and singing students Gilbert Emata and Jimi Canha, piano/guitar and singing talent from Maui Community.
• 6 to 7 p.m.:  Kalama 103, Hawaiian Chorus lecture/performance. Aaron J. Salā is an Assistant Professor of Hawaiian Music and Ethnomusicology at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He is a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning recording artist, and an accomplished pianist in several genres, vocalist, arranger, chanter, and composer.

Tuesday April 22, 2014:

• 12 to 1:30 p.m.:  Kupa’a 104, “The Boom Booms” band (from Vancouver, Canada) performs and Q & A
• 2 to 3 p.m.: Kupa’a 104, Piano workshop celebrating Earth Day with Anne Ku and her piano students. Attendees are invited to participate. No experience necessary.
• 4:30 p.m.:  Kalama 103, “The Boom Booms” presents a documentary film and lecture/performance about sustainability, music, and touring in Brazil.

Wednesday April 23, 2014:

• 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.: Piano Recital: Karyn Sarring and her piano students featuring all styles of music.

Thursday April 24, 2014: 

• 5 to 8 p.m.: The Student Lounge in the Pilina Building: The Music Club of UHMC will hold an Open Mic for all talents that’s open to everyone in the community of Maui. Participate or enjoy the show. The night will feature bands, music, stand-up comedy, hula, slam poetry, karaoke, monologue, dance… and refreshments will be provided. The UHMC chorus will open the activities.

Friday April 25, 2014: 

• 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.: Kupa’a 104, Piano performance/lecture Anne Ku