HYS is proud to offer free, educational workshops exploring college and career pathways for young musicians and their families. Enjoy live music and hear testimonials from those who used their music skills as an entryway to college.
Saturday, June 6, 10:00-11:30 AM, Studio 909
In collaboration with the Musicians Association of Hawaiʻi and the East-West Center, the acclaimed Exotica ensemble The WAITIKI 7 will be providing a free B# = C Success seminar on college & career pathways for aspiring and entrepreneurial young musicians and also sharing/discussing what makes a life in music great!
Started by Abe Lagrimas Jr. & Randy Wong when they were in college and homesick for Hawaiʻi, their WAITIKI project has grown and developed in immense ways. Their entrepreneurship led them from starting a band to founding a music publishing company, a record label, international performances, topping radio charts, music licensing, teaching, arts administration, and more.
Joining Abe & Randy will be bandmates Zaccai Curtis (pianist; faculty at the University of Hartford’s Jackie McLean Jazz Studies Division, and GRAMMY winner), Jim Benoit (vibraphonist; Principal Timpanist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), Tim Mayer (saxophonist/flutist; faculty at Berklee College of Music & Artistic Director, Orqesta Nacional de Jazz de Mexico), and Helen Liu (violinist; Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, Galliard String Quartet, & faculty at Punahou School).
The seminar will begin with a brief performance and segue into a facilitated conversation/panel discussion. In addition to music entrepreneurship, the band will share a primer on Exotica music and its roots in the musical traditions of post-WWII Hawaiʻi.
Bentos will be served. Students will be entered to win one of several gift cards. If you register before 12:00 PM on Thursday, June 4, 2026, you'll receive an additional entry into the drawing!
Must be present at the workshop to win the gift card. To reserve your spot, please fill out the form below. Each family member can submit a form to boost your chances of winning a gift card.