KAHULUI - Auditions for the new University of Hawaii Maui College Institute of Hawaiian Music, a two-year program to train and to mentor budding Hawaiian performers in the ways of the industry and music, are set for Oct. 21 and 22.
Following the auditions, 25 musicians will be selected to be taught and guided and to have opportunities to jam with some of Hawaii's legendary Hawaiian music performers, including George Kahumoku Jr., who is the director of the program, Dennis Kamakahi, Ken Emerson, Owana Salazar, Brother Noland and others.
The comprehensive Hawaiian music program, funded by a grant from the Department of Labor, begins in the spring semester at UH-MC. The curriculum includes courses in music theory, composition, stagecraft, ukulele and guitar, along with classes in Hawaiian mythology, Hawaiian language and hula.
Digital music production, including the use of mobile applications, also will be covered, and students will have many opportunities to play live with Kahumoku and other participating artists, such as Willie K, Richard Ho'opi'i and Herb Otta Jr.
The program culminates in a final show and the production of a full-length, commercial CD.
"We can't wait to hear the talent I know is out there," said Kahumoku. "It's exciting for student musicians with a love for Hawaiian music and for the artist mentors passing down the tradition. We're all going to grow and learn together."
All applicants may register online for the audition at www.maui.hawaii.edu/ihm by Oct. 20. Applicants will have a 6-minute time limit to introduce themselves, present a brief background of their performance piece and then perform their song or medley of songs. Musicians must bring their own instruments and cords to plug into an amplifier; a keyboard will be provided if needed.
Aloha wear appropriate for a "gig" meets the dress code.
Auditions will be held Oct. 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Oct. 22, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. After registering, applicants will be assigned a day, with the audition order on that day determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Those auditioning are urged to arrive early.
Institute mentors and staff will make the selections, which will be announced toward the end of the month.
Classes begin in early January.
Corrections
* Hawaiian music auditions. A headline for a story in the Community section on Page D1 on Wednesday incorrectly referred to the University of Hawaii Maui College's Institute of Hawaiian Music as "Hawaiian Music Institute."
There is a separate Hawaiian Music Institute, a school in Lahaina that teaches reading and writing of music and publishes books of Henry Kaleialoha Allen.
The Maui News apologizes for the error.
