Ukulele power couple makes final call for 2024 Pacific Music Institute summer program

HONOLULU (KHON2) — For over 30 years, the Hawaii Youth Symphony has orchestrated the summer intensive where youth can come together to make music and new friends while advancing their skills with celebrated faculty from some of the finest music institutions.

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This year’s ukulele workshop will be led by local ʻukulele power couple, Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel, who joined KHON2’s Wake Up 2Day show to explain more.

The Hawaii Youth Symphony is welcoming applicants across the state and beyond to register for its 2024 Pacific Music Institute summer program.

The program will provide an enriching community for young musicians to explore their love for music and drive for excellence.

Instruction for various skill sets and age groups will be offered in the strings program, winds, brass, and percussion program. Additionally, there will be a jazz intensive from July 6 to July 14 and a ukulele workshop from July 8 to July 13.

The ukulele workshop is just one program within the Hawaii Youth Symphony’s Pacific Music Institute, a summer music intensive open to both middle and high schoolers.

The class will specifically focus on showcasing different ways of playing — such as picking fills and solos and basic to advanced strumming.

Students will also have the option to mix and match different techniques of playing the ukulele to create their own sound.

After the program, students will be able to perform what they learned.

All students in grades six through 12 are encouraged to apply. While some programs require a few years of experience, this workshop accepts beginners with little to no experience.

The program also accepts those who understand basic chords and can pick a simple melody but would like to take their playing ability to the next level.

All classes will take place at McKinley High School. Registration is due by May 31. To register, visit the Pacific Music Institute website.