Page 4 - MidWeek Leeward - August 24, 2022

4 AUGUST 24, 2022
Couple’s Passion For ‘Ukulele Pulls Heartstrings In ‘Aiea, Across The Island
FROM PAGE 1
In 1974, Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele Studios in Kaimukī opened. After an ad in the paper, “the phone was flood- ed,” Roy remembers.
Students also frequently showcase their skills at fes- tivals and concerts.
taught a group of boys called The Termites,” Roy con- tinues. “They played at the halftime of UH (University of Hawai‘i) games and all types of events, and were re- ceiving beautiful exposure.”
Shortly thereafter, anoth- er studio opened in ‘Aiea, Kathy’s hometown, and the Kāne‘ohe and Mililani stu- dios followed.
In fact, Roy and Kathy founded the annual ‘Uku- lele Festival in Kapi‘olani Park in 1971, which quickly became the largest ‘ukule- le festival in the world and “spread the joy of ‘ukulele with many smiling faces in attendance,” Roy describes.
Around that time, Roy started dating Kathy, and of course, he wanted to in- troduce her to his beloved teacher. Bypassing the lines going around Waikīkī hotels, Roy secured a centerstage table at Ohta-San’s show. During intermission, Ohta- San walked up to Kathy, re- alizing they were cousins.
“Our intent was to get our students, whether adults or children, to enjoy the process of making music,” Kathy states. “But at some point, there would be this roadblock with reading mu- sic.”
Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele Studios students will display their talents at 3 p.m. Nov. 5 at Windward Mall “for a very special performance,” says Roy.
“Ohta-San was influential in my life,” Roy explains. “He not only taught me how to play but also encouraged Kathy — who became my wife — and I to open our own studio.”
Roy continues, “I tran- scribed the music on the manual typewriter, and this was a major breakthrough. I was able to teach children who were 4 years old how to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star within a few lessons.”
Adult students of Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele Studios perform at a previous Pro Bowl in Honolulu.
“My dream is to teach un- til the very end,” Roy con- cludes.
PHOTO COURTESY ROY SAKUMA ‘UKULELE STUDIOS
For more info about ‘uku- lele lessons for all ages — both in person and in the virtual sphere — check out roysakuma.net online.
The Roy Sakuma studios continue to use this method of ‘ukulele instruction today
with its more than 30 teach- ers, all of whom are the Sa- kumas’ former students “who
know the joy of teaching and are able to create a safe envi- ronment,” says Roy.
PREPARE YOUR
HURRICANE SUPPLIES NOW
KEEP YOUR ‘OHANA SAFE IN CASE OF A HURRICANE, FLOOD, OR FIRE
Learn more at preparenowhawaii.org
HI State Services
SAVE MONEY & STAY COOL ALL YEAR LONG
LIC#36988
COMPLETE A/C SERVICES
· Service & Repair
· New Installation (Central A/C, Split A/C, VRV Systems, Window Units, Through the Wall Units, Rooftop Package Units)
· Central Air Conditioner Retrofit
· Air Filtration and Duct Cleaning
Authorized Dealer
WE offer instant rebates on Tune-ups, New Installations, and Central A/C replacements
Get a quote today (808) 741-8252 histateservices.com