UH West O‘ahu strings ensemble gifts community virtual performance
VIDEO NEWS RELEASE
University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu
UH West O‘ahu's University Strings ensemble
UH West O‘ahu student Justin Shimazu (with violin), Alex Kobayashi, Jon Magnussen
Clockwise from bottom R: Jason Ray Prescott, Riley Paʻakaula, Hannah Rodriguez, Jon Magnussen
Link to video and sound (details below): https://bit.ly/2zxgU4I
WHAT: University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu University Strings ensemble performs virtually online, the culmination of a unique semester for Music 405 students and community members of the ensemble.
One of the final performances has been shared as a gift to the community at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5znJmZf0up4&feature=youtu.be
WHO: UH West O‘ahu Associate Professor Jon Magnussen directs. Sophomores Alex Kobayashi, Justin Shimazu are violinists. Katy Luo plays piano. Other ensemble members are from UH West O‘ahu, various high schools and the community, including a violist who plays from Washington, after having to fly home this semester.
WHY: Magnussen said, “I think everybody needs music in their lives and this is our way.”
HOW: The University Strings ensemble held weekly two-hour in-person rehearsals before the campus closed. Magnussen quickly transitioned to online sectional meetings, where members would upload recorded audio tracks and spend time critiquing and refining their performances. Finally, each ensemble member recorded their individual part at home and uploaded their videos for Magnussen to mix into the final product.
OTHER FACTS:
The UH West O‘ahu University Strings spring 2020 program:
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Keyboard Concerto in E Major BWV 1053, Mvt. I Allegro––by J.S. Bach
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Pavane––by Gabriel Fauré (arr. Magnussen)
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Ka Iʻe Kuku - The Kapa Beater––by Magnussen
VIDEO:
BROLL: (1 minute, 48 seconds)
0:00-1:00: West O‘ahu University Strings - Bach Concerto with Katy Luo, piano
1:00-1:43, 6 clips: Various shots of sectional rehearsals
1:43-1:48: Shot of all ensemble zoom meeting
SOUND:
Jon Magnussen, UH West O‘ahu associate professor (11 seconds)
“We’re training for a lifelong love of continuing to make music and participate and make music and have that joy.”
Justin Shimazu, UH West O‘ahu student (14 seconds)
“I just hate recording with just all my family members moving around the house. They just can’t be quiet.”
Alex Kobayashi, UH West O‘ahu student (7 seconds)
“What I like about this is that online because we’re going to continue playing music, even though we don’t have any rehearsals.”