Christopher Yohmei Blasdel, shakuhachi player and lecturer at UH Mānoa, published three works on the shakuhachi this month. The first is The Shakuhachi: A Learning Manual, which was originally published in 1988, and the first comprehensive English-language shakuhachi instruction book published by a major publishing house; Ongaku no Tomo-sha, Japan’s leading music press. Blasdel also published Jiuta Sōkyoku Lyrics and …
Dr. Ricardo Trimillos named Living Treasure of Hawaiʻi
Adapted from UH News Ricardo Trimillos, renowned professor who has made lasting contributions to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and the greater community, was celebrated as Living Treasure of Hawaiʻi on February 10. The 49th annual ceremony paid tribute to individuals who have significantly enriched the cultural tapestry of the islands. Trimillos, a professor emeritus of ethnomusicology was recognized …
Record donation of $3.5M made to UH Mānoa music department
From UH Foundation A record $3.5-million gift to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa from the Barbara Barnard Smith Foundation will fund the music department’s first-ever endowed chair. The newly established Professor Barbara Barnard Smith Endowed Chair supports the university’s desire and commitment to revitalize its ethnomusicology program and honors the legacy of the late revered UH Mānoa professor who died in 2021. “This …
Dr. Ricardo Trimillos is honored by International Council for Traditional Music and Dance
From UH News The International Council for Traditional Music and Dance has awarded a lifetime membership to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Ricardo Trimillos for his years of advocacy, service and academic contributions. Trimillos is a professor emeritus in ethnomusicology and Asian studies at UH Mānoa. His career has been dedicated to helping build the ethnomusicology program in tandem with his former professor and mentor, Barbara …
Thai Ensemble returns in 2023
On Monday, October 31, Dr. Ben Fairfield took the stage at 7:30 pm in the Imin Conference Center at the East West Center. He discussed his background in the Peace Corps and earning his PhD in ethnomusicology. He sang songs, with robust audience participation, he had learned through his time and research in Thailand, and taught the student affiliates and …
Ethnomusicology graduate Yuan-Yu Kuan joins Academia Sinica
Former Asian Studies Lecturer Dr. Yuan-Yu Kuan has been appointed Postdoctoral Research Scholar at Academia Sinica, the premier research institution of Taiwan. This prestigious and highly competitive award supports research and publication for emerging young scholars. The appointment (July 2021-June 2023) provides access to the vast and comprehensive archives of the Academia Sinica and other archives throughout the nation. His …
New Merrie Monarch features UH Music faculty, students, and alumni
From UH News From ʻōlapa (dancer), competition judge to television host, numerous University of Hawaiʻi faculty, staff, students and alumni are among participants at the upcoming 58th annual Merrie Monarch Festival set to return to Hilo, Hawaiʻi June 24–26. Anticipation of the world-famous hula competition has continued to grow after organizers canceled the event in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic first started to grip the …
In Memoriam: Barbara B. Smith, ethnomusicology program founder
Reposted from UH News Long respected as a champion for the study of music and dance from Hawaiʻi, Asia and the Pacific, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Professor Emerita Barbara Barnard Smith, who founded the university’s ethnomusicology program died on the evening of July 3. Colleagues and former students gathered to virtually celebrate the veteran professor’s 101st birthday on June 10. Loved ones released this statement:“She …
The Ethnomusicology Association at UH Mānoa 11th Annual “Words on Music: Speaker Series” presents: Professor Brian Diettrich
The Ethnomusicology Association at UH Mānoa is proud to invite Prof. Brian Diettrich for the Words on Music Speaker Series. Dr. Diettrich is a senior lecturer in Ethnomusicology at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and is a UHM alumnus. His research focuses on the music and dance of Micronesia with particular interest in Indigenous performance, imperialism and decolonization, environment …
Oral History: Byong Won Lee
The Music Department congratulates Dr. Byong Won Lee, Professor of Ethnomusicology, on the release of a new book dedicated to his lifetime of scholarship. Oral History: Byong Won Lee, published by the National Gugak Center (Gungnip Gugagwon), presents a history of Dr. Lee’s life and musical activities and recognizes his contributions to Korean musicology over the past 60 years. Dr. …