Every year, talented musicians from public and private schools gather to compete in the Oahu Band Directors Association Select Band and Solo & Ensemble competitions. Held in late January and early February respectively, both ODBA events are the primary music competitions held in the State of Hawaii to feature up and coming instrumentalists, awarding top competitors with medals and highly coveted seats in the prestigious ODBA 9th Grade Select Band and ODBA High School Select Band.
Prior to their audition dates, ODBA Select Band and Solo & Ensemble contestants spend countless hours preparing solo pieces, rehearsing with ensemble members, and preparing audition excerpts. It is also not uncommon for contestants to spend additional time practicing for ODBA events with a private instrument coach. Whatever their preparation method may be, one thing is certain - auditioning for these all-state competitions is a remarkable feat worthy of applause and recognition!
Pearl City High School is home to a significant number of participants in ODBA Solo & Ensemble and ODBA Select Bamd competitions. In February, Pearl City High School Band soloists presented a diverse selection of classical and contemporary pieces, including atypical ensemble groups such as a bass clarinet duet and a trombone quartet. Contestants, who successfully "make the cut" for the ODBA 9th Grade and High School Select Band are invited to meet and rehearse with other finalists, then perform a full-length concert after a week's worth of intense practice. Guest conductors from among the nation's top schools of music are invited to share their musical experiences with the students and encourage student to continue their music education beyond high school.
This year, we are proud to recognize the following participants:
ODBA 9th Grade Select Band Participants (January 27, 2007)
- Lauren Anne Maeda, clarinet
- Kristen Matsunaga, clarinet
- Aldric James Ulep, clarinet
- Christopher Otsuka, alto saxophone
- Elaine Le, baritone saxophone
- Jesse Ono, french horn
- Sean Luster, trombone
- Brendan Ige, tuba
ODBA High School Select Band Participants (January 27, 2007)
- Curtis Norborikawa III, clarinet
- Roxanne Cortes, clarinet
- Cory Foo, clarinet
- Kristen Urada, bass clarinet
- Maria Cubi, bass clarinet
- Christopher Foo, alto saxophone
- Rachel Samson, french horn
- Teale Thornburg, trombone
- Jaymen Laupola, trombone
- Renier Kraan-Pilor, percussion
- Hollie Anne Roma, percussion
ODBA High School Solo & Ensemble (February 18, 2007)
- Jesse Ono, french horn
- Roxanne Cortes, clarinet
- Cory Foo, clarinet
- Nicholas Chun, tenor saxophone
- Ashlyn Marumoto, clarinet
- Tiffany Mima, oboe
- Christopher Otsuka, alto saxophone
- Cu Yung Lee, bassoon
- Kristen Urada, bass clarinet
- Kari Urada, clarinet
- Evan Lau, snare drum
- Steven Okai, alto saxophone
- Brendan Ige, tuba
- Joseph Burruso & Maria Cubi, bass clarinet duet
- Teale Thornburg & Travis Nakatani, trombone duet
- Garrett Maruyama, Ian Pang, Nicholas Pand, Jaymen Laupola, trombone quartet
-As reported by session staff, B.M. Higa