The Maui Community Band was founded by Lisa Owen in February, 2003. A small gathering of musicians met for a first rehearsal under the baton of Lisa. Many of the musicians were jazz musicians who wanted to hone their music-reading skills. Others were high school students wanting more playing opportunities. The majority, however, were musicians who had played in the local school band programs but had long since graduated. It was an exciting first rehearsal with borrowed music and high expectations.

Today the band has over 40 members ranging in ages from 8-78 and representing all walks of life. About half are students from the local intermediate and high schools who are yearning for more playing experience and challenges. The rest are adults who enjoy keeping up their music-reading skills by playing challenging and entertaining music. The camaraderie among the musicians is phenomenal. The more experienced players serve as mentors for the budding musicians. The band boosts of having seven band directors in its membership; several of whom serve as assistant conductors. The repertoire includes marches, Broadway tunes, Hawaiian songs, pop, rock, jazz, holiday music, and general concert band literature.

The mission of the band is to perform concerts for the community at various venues and to provide and opportunity for wind and percussion players to continue their music reading skills and further pursue their instruments. The band has a long-time relationship with Arts Education for Children Group and performs during their Lahaina 4th of July fireworks show. AECG has also commissioned several original works for the band. The first such piece was “Haleakala” by well-known composer Carl Strommen. A few years ago, the band commissioned Mr. Strommen to compose another piece, resulting in “Silversword – “Ahinahina o Maui.” Other pieces have included arrangements of Hawaiian music by the band’s own Siuai Laufou: Hawaiian Waltz Medley, Mele No Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. The band has also performed with Maui Choral Arts Association and Early Music Maui at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Some other venues include hotels, shopping centers, theaters, and more. In 2013, the band performed at the Ladner Music Festival in Canada.

Maui Community Band website

Show date:  Thursday, September 8

Show times:  7:00pm  (*House opens 30 mins before show time)

Location:  Historic Iao Theater  – 68 N Market St, Wailuku,  HI  96793

Ticket price:  FREE admission – Open Seating – No reservations needed.

Parking:  Parking in Wailuku is extremely LIMITED due to the municipal lot being closed for construction.  Street parking is available on Market St and Vineyard St as well as the new community lot on Wells St.

Dining and other Wailuku info:  Coming early to Wailuku?  Check out the food and drink options here in Wailuku town on the County’s WailukuLive site – HERE 

Health and Safety Protocols: *Please read below

Health and Safety protocols:

1. We request you stay home if you are not feeling well.

2. Social distance seating is NOT offered for this event.

3.  While no longer a state requirement, Maui OnStage STRONGLY recommends and supports wearing a face mask while inside the theater.

4.  No food or beverages (other than water) are allowed in the theater.

5.  The Historic Iao Theater has central air conditioning which is set at 74 degrees.  The zone above the stage is kept a little cooler for performer safety which may affect the first few rows of the audience.  A light jacket or sweater is recommended.

*Maui OnStage’s health and safety protocols have been set in place to comply with current County, State and Federal guidelines with the express intention to provide a safe workplace and performance venue for our staff, performers, volunteers and patrons.  Any and all protocols are subject to change without notice.

*By entering the Historic Iao Theater, the Education and Youth Program studio space or by participating in a Maui OnStage or Maui OnStage Education and Youth Program event, all individuals, including staff, contractors, performers, auditionees, volunteers and patrons voluntarily assume all risks related to possible exposure to COVID-19 and other viruses or illnesses and agree to follow all listed protocols.

*Maui OnStage’s current Health and Safety Protocols – HERE