2018 Highlights of the UH Saxophone Choir & High School Ensemble
We are thrilled to share highlights from the recent University of Hawai‘i Saxophone Choir concert, which featured an exciting program with several premieres for the ensemble. The performance included "Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral" (arr. Kaneshiro), "Allegro from Beethoven’s Wind Octet" (arr. El-Farrah), and "Va! Laisse Couler me Larmes" (arr. Yukumoto).
We were honored to have special guest mezzo-soprano Maya Hoover join us, whose vocal beauty has been praised in performances both locally and internationally. Ms. Hoover, a distinguished faculty member of the University of Hawai‘i's music department since 2007, added a remarkable dimension to the evening.
This year’s concert also celebrated the debut of the Hawai‘i High School Saxophone Ensemble, directed by David Hirano. Featuring top high school saxophonists from six Oahu schools, this talented group is supported by the Hawai‘i Saxophone Foundation.
Mahalo to all who were in attendance!
Hawai‘i High School Saxophone Ensemble
Students from six Oahu high schools dedicated their Sunday mornings to rehearsals with Director David Hirano, who also led masterclasses on essential techniques such as reeds, embouchure, tongue position, air support, posture, and instrument carriage. The ensemble performed two pieces at the UH Saxophone Choir Concert on March 18, 2018, and concluded the event by joining college and community members for a final piece.
This newly formed High School Saxophone Ensemble, developed and sponsored by the Hawai‘i Saxophone Foundation, was met with enthusiastic participation and great success. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved and look forward to continuing this program in the years to come. Congratulations to all these talented young saxophonists!
