Elden Seta

Elden T. Seta joins HYS as Youth Symphony II conductor, bringing a remarkable legacy of music education and leadership in Hawai‘i. Retiring after 37 years as music director at Moanalua High School, he built a thriving program that inspired generations of students to pursue their passion for music and achieve their best.

A nationally and locally recognized educator, Mr. Seta received the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, was named Hawai‘i Music Educators Association’s Outstanding Educator of the Year, earned Moanalua High School’s Teacher of the Year honor four times, and received the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Legion of Honor Laureate Award. He is also a member of the American Bandmasters Association.

Known for his visionary leadership and collaborative approach, Mr. Seta guides ensembles to both musical excellence and personal growth. A lifelong Hawai‘i resident and Pearl City High School graduate, he holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and pursued advanced studies at Vandercook College of Music. He currently serves as a State Office Teacher of Fine Arts in Music for the Hawai‘i Department of Education. In joining YSII, he brings his passion, energy, and deep commitment to mentorship, inspiring young musicians to achieve their best.