Page 3 - MidWeek Leeward - July 6, 2022

JULY 6, 2022 3
Nakasone Is Pearl City Cultural Center’s New Namesake
Legendary local band master Michael Nakasone made his mark on many a music program around the state, and to commemorate his legacy, Pearl City Cultur- al Center at Pearl City High School has been renamed in his honor. The Michael D. Nakasone Performing Arts Center celebrated its new moniker last month to much fanfare, including musical tributes by a 100-member special group, comprising Nakasone’s current and past pupils, and his family.
is a tribute to the community leaders, government leaders and legislators who have continued to support this wonderful complex, to the teachers and administrators on all levels who have given their wholehearted support, to the many parents and band boosters who, through the decades, have poured out the energy, time and finances to support their young musi- cians, and most importantly, it is a tribute to the students who have given their time and talent to produce musi- cal excellence.”
ding band directors at other schools start their careers.
“His tireless efforts have helped to develop music pro- grams across the state at all levels, from students learning their instruments and how to play in a group for the very first time, to our finest public and private school programs and our state’s most historic and respected bands,” states DOE superintendent Keith Hayashi. “Mike has been able to connect every organi- zation he’s touched and bring them together to the benefit of music and music educa- tion in Hawaiʻi. He is a hum- ble man who will never take credit, but countless families throughout Hawaiʻi have been touched by his dedica- tion to our students and his passion for education.”
And while the facility now bears his name, Nakasone lauds the positive impact the community at large has had on generations of musicians.
The 77-year-old Nakasone got his start as Wahiawā In- termediate School’s band director in 1968, and con- tinued on to lead programs at Mililani High School and Pearl City High School, as
Pearl City Cultural Center at Pearl City High School has been renamed the Michael D. Nakasone Performing Arts Center in honor of the local bandmaster (pictured above). PHOTO COURTESY LAYTON TAGUCHI
well as Hawaiʻi Youth Sym- currently co-director at Uni- Festival and O‘ahu Inter- phony, the Royal Hawaiian versity of Hawaiʻi – West scholastic Association Band Band, Punahou School and Oʻahu. In addition, he’s led Festival, and also was in- Kamehameha Schools. He’s the Leeward District Band strumental in helping bud-
“This incredible honor is meant to honor the efforts of many,” states Nakasone. “It
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