From Darryl Loo - Kaimuki High School - Oahu, Hawaii
June 10, 2009View The Kaimuki Visit Report Here
I first met Jake when he was performing as a contestant for a local high school talent contest, "Brownbags To Stardom". Although he never placed first in this competition after trying for several years, I told him that he was very talented and encouraged him to continue to pursue his dreams.
In the years following high school, I would occasionally see him perform with his band at local establishments. We often talked between sets about his musical and life's goals. I shared some of my musical experiences with him and continued to encourage him. When his own reputation as a musician began to climb, I asked Jake to perform with our school group, "Ohana O Mele", the family of music. We played togerher at the opening of the 1999 State Legislature in the House of Representatives. Since then Jake has dropped by my classroom regularly to say hello to me and to tell me what what going on in his life. He always made time to talk to my students about not giving up and pursuing their dreams, whatever they may be. Jake always had time to give a demonstration on his ukulele and motivate my students to continue to develop their skills in music. He has been a source of great inspiration when he spoke of his personal obstacles but ultimately completed high school and walked proudly across the stage to receive his high school diploma. It has been one of the great messages he continues to promote.
Music IS good medicine. It warms the heart, soothes the soul. energizes or relaxes you. I have witnessed an elderly woman whom, shortly before she passed away, was generally unresponsive when spoken to but tapped her fingers in time to a favorite tune. I have seen teachers cry at the sight of a student who barely ever talked but was featured on stage as a vocal soloist in front of a large audience. Music IS good medicine.
Music is a link to our past and an inspiration for our future. Thank you, Jake, for promoting the message that Music is good medicine.
With much aloha,
Darryl Loo
