Musical inspiration

Grateful parents give back to a group that nurtures their children

LES MURATA'S daughter left the Hawaii Youth Symphony in 1998, but he can't seem to break away.

HAWAII YOUTH SYMPHONY Winter Concert: 4 p.m. Sunday Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall Tickets: $15 to $18; $8 students and seniors Call: 591-2211 or visit Ticketmaster outlets The Hawaii Youth Symphony was established in 1964 and continues to provide musical training statewide for students ages 8 to 18. Call 941-9706 or visit www.hiyouthsymphony.org.

For nearly a decade, he has attended all Sunday practices and performances. "I go to every concert, whether it is at the mall or in a concert hall," Murata said.

He also drives the U-Haul with the instruments, sets up the stage and works with stagehands.

Both his son and daughter were percussionists in the youth symphony and were invited to perform part time with the Royal Hawaiian Band.

Sometimes Murata works 12 hours straight. "I do it for the kids. The organization is worthwhile and helps the kids to become better citizens."

The Shigeta family also experienced the symphony as a family affair. "Our whole family has been involved," said Karen Shigeta. All three of her daughters, Denise, Tracey and Kelly, performed in the youth symphony. "It's a good way to keep our family closer. It's been a positive experience for all of us, not just the kids."

Denise was in New York City last week to represent Hawaii in the Macy's Day parade with the Kalani High School marching band, but will return in time for the Hawaii Youth Symphony's winter concert this weekend. One of her biggest challenges has been balancing her time between school, marching band and the symphony.

Kelly, who has advanced to the University of Hawaii symphony, said she stuck with the youth group because of the director, Henry Miyamura. "He is a one-of-a-kind conductor," she said. We learned so much from him. He is so serious about the music but makes it fun."

For his part, Miyamura says different personalities and a blending of efforts keep things lively. "We are all linked together but come from different backgrounds. They offer fresh ideas and it keeps me thinking, too," he said.

"Music doesn't know the difference between a high school student and a professional. It may take longer to grasp the musical concepts, but they rise to the occasion."

THE UPCOMING concert highlights works by Donald Reid Womack and Neil McKay. Womack is a professor of composition and theory and acting chairman of the University of Hawaii-Manoa Music Department. McKay is a retired University of Hawaii music professor who has composed numerous works for chamber and voice ensembles.

The winter concert features 283 students from more than 50 schools, including several on the neighbor islands.

The concert starts with the Concert Orchestra, the youngest of the youth orchestras, conducted by Susan Ochi-Onishi and assistant Hannah Watanabe. Their program includes Brahms' First Symphony, Movement IV, and highlights from "West Side Story." Michael Nakasone's Youth Symphony II performs "Winter Solstice" and "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Miyamura's Youth Symphony I, the most advanced orchestra, performs McKay's "... Such Sweet Sorrow," a melodic piece based on the balcony scene from "Romeo and Juliet," Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2 in E Minor and "Il Guarany Overture."

Much like the devoted parents, some of the folks in charge just couldn't stay away. "Many of the directors are my former students," Miyamura said. "I'm starting to feel old."