Laupaho’eho’e School – Big Island, Hawaii
November 06, 2009Jake made his way back to the Big Island of Hawaii to visit Laupaho’eho’e School. There, Jake was greeted by the eager students and faculty of about 200 who would soon be entertained by another one of Jake’s great performances. The event opened with a warm welcome to Jake that included picture taking and lei giving. Mahalo again to Janet Colburn for having Jake be a part of their Kahuliu Theatre community outreach program.
Jake began the school visit by first speaking about music and how it has positively impacted his life. He spoke about his experiences in recording studios and how he was dazzled by gadgets that allows for multiple tracks to be played over one another. To demonstrate, Jake used his looping machine to play a certain improvisation. On the looping machine, Jake recorded percussive sounds he played on the ukulele to serve as a back rhythm for the melody and bluesy riffs that he incorporated later.
Smiles and cheers rang from the audience as Jake showcased his talents. Jake continued to talk about how not just the ukulele, but all types of musical vehicles has inspired him. Jake said that the beautiful sounds of the piano were the influencer to his song “Piano Forte”, the Koto for “Sakura, Sakura”, and the Banjo for “Orange World.” As Jake spoke about each song, he played the riffs as an example. Later, Jake fully performed his song “Let’s Dance” in addition to the classic Beatles tune, “Norwegian Wood.”
Toward the end of his visit, Jake reminded students to keep the positive things in their life, because those very positive things will ultimately help them to reach their goals in life. Jake also said that music is healing; it makes people feel good. As his message resonated in the students minds, Jake performed George Harrison’s, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” as the last song of the visit. Everyone applauded as the ukulele maestro took a bow and said “Aloha” to Laupaho’eho’e School.