Kalaheo High School – Oahu, HI
April 28, 2010On April 28, 2010 MIGM along with spokesperson Jake Shimabukuro visited Kalaheo High School, home of the Mustangs located on the windward side of Oahu. Jake was delighted to be the guest speaker for their music class that day. MIGM would like to thank Cam Shuford and Glenn Kidani for coordinating this event.
Jake began the class by playing a song entitled “Dragon.” Then Jake told the young adults that he started out playing only traditional Hawaiian music before experimenting with other styles of music such as rock, pop, and jazz. Jake shared that he was driven to prove to himself and to others that you can play anything on the ukulele.
As the day went on Jake demonstrated the diversity of the ukulele by playing a song entitled, “Sakura Sakura,” a song inspired by the Koto, a Japanese stringed instrument. He also played a song entitled, “Piano Forte” to showcase a softer side of the ukulele. Later he told the students that the way you approach the ukulele changes the feel to the song. He played a few riffs of aggressive, dramatic, sensitive, and funky techniques to show them what he meant. The students were inspired to see the capabilities of the ukulele.
Then the students had the opportunity to ask Jake questions. The students were curious about how Jake wrote songs, and how his recent trip to England was. One person asked Jake what the most challenging aspect of playing the ukulele is. Jake replied, “Just everything, you are constantly trying to perfect everything. I still practice playing my scales.” Jake also emphasized that the true art of music comes from what’s inside of you, not from the instrument.
As the recess bell rang, most students decided to stay in for recess and interact with Jake. Jake played a few more songs that the students requested such as “We Will Rock You,” “Crazy G,” and “Orange World.” MIGM’s visit came to a conclusion as Jake had a few minutes left to talk with the students, take pictures, and sign autographs.
