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Hawaii Tribune-Herald Island Beat Thursday, April 6, 2017 9 The LCPCS Ukulele Band will play a few songs that the students selected together. “The kids have come really far,” says Otake, who also is the school’s agriculture teacher and yearbook adviser. “We just started up the program in November of last year so they’ve only been playing about four months. I know many of them are nervous for the festival since it will be their first time playing in front of a large group. But I think they’re going to be OK.” Otake says he’s seen what music can do for students. “I’ve seen kids who can barely stand up and talk in front of the class — even some who would get up and cry,” he says. “Now, these kids can play music and sing in front of a crowd. I’ve seen kids really transform themselves. Music just gives them the confidence to go out and put themselves out there. That’s huge.” Music made a big difference in his own life, as well. “In high school, I took beginning guitar which was supposed to be an ‘automatic A’ but I got a ‘C,’” Otake recalls. “But then in college, I was bored and tried to learn ukulele and guitar from some of my friends who played. Something clicked and I started having fun with it.” Now, he says, it’s great to see his students have the same kind of fun with music. “I teach the kids in a similar way to how I learned,” he says. “Music became one of the biggest things in my life. I was lacking confidence and music helped me find that. Now I see the same thing in a lot of my students.” Otake says that while the program takes place after school, they would like to have the funds to create a beginner music program in the middle school where students can foster their musical interests, eventually getting enough experience to bring back the high school music ensemble group that once performed at various community events. To that end, proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the school’s music program. “This festival is a time for those in the community — who may not see these kids or know how good they are — to come out and see the talent that exists here,” Otake says. “We never get heard of, but I think the students need to be shown off a little bit … let people see who they are and what they can do.” There are approximately 250 students attending LCPCS, and Hubbard says they are working to get every class involved as they grow the Laupahoehoe Music Festival. “We’d like to give the students an opportunity to practice coordinating an event like this on their own eventually,” says Hubbard of their plans for the festival in the future. During this year’s festival, there also will be carnival style games for the keiki, craft vendors and plenty of ono food options, such as caramel apples, shave ice, pancit, Thai food, kalua pig barbecue sandwiches and ahi poke bowls. Some of the food items will be sold by the seventh-graders, junior and senior classes as they work to raise money for class trips and other school programs. Hui Kako‘o O Laupahoehoe, a nonprofit organization that supports the school, also will offer a silent auction with items including art, jewelry and gift certificates up for bid. All proceeds also will support the school’s music program. “The silent auction is a big part of the event and helps to make it a success every year,” Hubbard says. “The energy in that area is always exciting as people try to outbid each other before items close out. First organized in 2005 by Laupahoehoe resident musician Braddah Smitty, the nonprofit group Malama Hawaii Nei awarded nearly $27,000 in scholarships to LCPCS students through the years. In 2016, the school took over the event from organizers. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned since the school took this over is how much work the original organizers did to build these relationships with the community so we could have successful events year after year,” Hubbard says. “Those relationships are so critical and I’m so thankful that the people of La‘akea Solar Technology and Walters Electric and C&A Generator Services continue to support us.” Coolers are not permitted. This is an alcohol- and drugfree event. Drinks and food are available for purchase. “If you haven’t been down to the point, it’s a nice location for an event,” Hubbard says. “It’s great to just hang out, hear some music and have a good time.” Advance tickets are $15, available at Hilo Music Exchange, Hilo Guitars, Basically Books, Sakado Store in Laupahoehoe, Taro Patch in Honokaa and Music Exchange in Kona. Ages 10 and under are free; tickets are $20 at the door. You also can purchase tickets online at www.laupahoehoemusicfestival. org. Email Katie Young Yamanaka at BIVHawaii@gmail.com. FESTIVAL From page 2 Courtesy photo A band performs at last year’s Laupahoehoe Music Festival.


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