The BYU–Hawaii Salsa Orchestra (pictured at right at the Honokaa Peoples Theater) and Brass Ensemble added a little flavor and style as they toured the Big Island March 11–14, 2010. The group of students performed their way through five concerts in three different towns including Kona, Honokaa, and Hilo, with a unique teaming of ensembles and combination of Latin jazz, pop, religious, and classical music that offered Big Island audiences a one-of-a-kind experience.
Each concert was met with not only a "Hana Hou!" encore applause, but audience members asked, "Three more! Three more!" Audiences filled with BYU–Hawaii/CCH alumni, salsa enthusiasts, and curious onlookers enjoyed performances as they joined in by dancing on and off the stage through out the program. "As an alumnus of BYU–Hawaii, and a former music major, I thought the performance at the Honokaa Theater was amazing," commented Dean Kapu, Big Island resident. "The energy from the performers extended into the audience. The crowd expressed their joy as we mingled about after the concert, non-members and members alike. Mahalo A Nui Loa for an excellent performance!"
BYU–Hawaii Brass Ensemble performs at a stake center on the BIg Island
The Honokaa Peoples Theater performance in particular was an amazing success as the ensembles were able to connect with high school musicians and a local salsa dance group. "It was on fire!" said Tereiha Hapi, percussionist and senior music major from New Zealand. At an exchange with the Honokaa High School Jazz Band, directed by Gary Washburn, BYU–Hawaii students, high school students, and directors David Kammerer (Brass Ensemble) and Darren Duerden (Salsa Orchestra) were able to work and play side by side as university students shared their knowledge and technique with the young musicians. "A lot of the high school kids were really inspired," said Hapi. "In fact, two brothers committed to practice more."
"I thought that everyone who came out to any of our performances had a great time. All smiles. I heard nothing but positive comments about us," said Brandon Kimura, trumpeter and senior in International Business Management from Kauai. "It was a good experience that I will never forget. We had fun playing music. The audience had fun listening to us, and I’m sure the members had fun hosting us." The touring group interacted with members in their homes as well and got a true feel for the Big Island aloha spirit. "We enjoyed the five brethren that stayed at our house," said Earl Gaspar of the Kona Stake High Council, "sharing their mission stories, testimonies, and about their marriages. It was awesome."
Testimonies were strengthened as well. Hapi explained she had at least three missionary experiences a day. "People would see our t-shirts and talk to us about who we were, especially when we got to sit down and eat in public places. …We were touring on behalf of the school but also as representatives of the Lord first and foremost. …This school is supposed to develop leaders; we need to take advantage of every opportunity to see them as leadership opportunities." Gaspar of the Kona Stake reported there were about nine non-members in attendance at the Salsa Orchestra and Brass Ensemble’s performance at the Kona Stake Center.
Members of the BYU–Hawaii Salsa Orchestra and Brass Ensemble stop for a photo in front of the Kona Temple
The tour was topped off with a fireside of testimonies where ensemble members expressed their gratitude for the hospitality and love they had been shown and for the experiences they’ve enjoyed at BYU–Hawaii. "I know that the Lord provided me with so much growth on the tour alone because I asked for it especially knowing we were going to be in the public eye," said Hapi. "Take advantage of every opportunity to proclaim his gospel, that is what we must always be about as members of the Lord’s church and His school."