Moanalua Elementary School-Oahu, HI
August 09, 2010
After jetting back from France, Jake Shimabukuro couldn’t wait to visit the students of Moanalua Elementary School, in the heart of Honolulu, Hawaii. The sea of 600 keiki “Surfriders” rolled in the elementary school cafeteria and quickly formed rows on the floor, like waves postured to be taken for a ride! Energetic 1st through 6th graders eagerly awaited the sound of the ukulele played through the skillful hands of Jake.
Jake asked the question, “How many of you play the ukulele?” An ocean of hands shot into the air. This was a reminder of many Hawaii children were privileged to have been exposed to ukulele classes in the 4th grade. When he asked, “How many of you love the ukulele?” even more hands joined the crowd and voices shouting to be recognized and in affirmation. Again a resounding echoing of hearts that concur that the ukulele is so much a part of our lives. Jake probes deeper and continues to discover what other musical instruments and activities they enjoy. He has a way of connecting with them and encourages them to discover and develop their “passion.”
He then creatively introduces the keiki to his Kamaka ukulele and plays a variety of rhythms from traditional Hawaiian, Classical, Blues, and Rock. These students love it “loud” and they love “Rock and Roll”! As Jake strummed away, the children automatically responded by clapping and swinging “in-time” with him. And the ukulele can imitate a variety of musical instruments from a piano, Japanese koto, to even drums. Jake skillfully weaved his passion for the ukulele with life lessons. Having a variety of options is good, but discover and pursue your dreams. One of the adults in the audience remarked, “I felt like a kid again!” The amazing ukulele reignites that childhood joy. Carol Nishita, music teacher at Moanalua said they child love the ukulele, not only here in school, but in Japan and China where she had a chance to take along her ukulele.
The students were amazed to hear that Jake began playing the ukulele at age 4. One of the missions of Moanalua Elementary is to provide “a dynamic environment that develops knowledge, skillful, accountable and caring individuals.” The mission of “Music if Good Medicine” is to influence change through “the power of music to heal, influence, and inspire people to improve our community, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and pursue their dreams with a positive attitude.” It was wonderful to see the two missions function in tandem as Jake taught these three principles “Practice, Study Hard, and Remain Drug Free” through ukulele music. At age 33, Jake shares his testimony that he still is drug free.
As important as the ukulele and music is to Jake, he wanted the students to catch the message through an inspiring, playful, and joy-filled experience. It was wonderful to see how “open” and “responsive” children are. They were laughing, cheering, clapping, and absorbing! Music is truly good medicine for the soul, but it is also a good teacher. One of the teachers said after the performance, “I can just imagine the sign up list for strings and ukulele after this!” Yes, it was the week of school for these Moanalua students, but they walked away with principles that will set them up for success. And just like the tide that rolled in, the tide of keiki rolled out of the cafeteria….but “open to new possibilities”, skipping away with the “tunes” in their head, and composing “new songs” on their air ukuleles as they beat the air with their hands back to their classrooms.
