Hawai‘i Youth Symphony

As Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony finished celebrating its 60th anniversary season in 2025, the HYS community mourned the loss of a visionary leader whose transformative impact shaped generations of young musicians. Maestro Henry Miyamura, who served as HYS Music Director for 33 years, dedicated over six decades of his life to musical excellence and youth development. 

When asked what he loved most about his life’s work, Maestro Miyamura’s answer was simple yet profound: “Two things—it’s music, and the students.”

“If you’re in music, you cannot be the driving force. The music has to be the driving force. So you have to get up to the music. When you go beyond yourself, you become secondary to the music. And when you do that, you can then reflect back who you are. You tend to want to go one step beyond the beyond.” – Maestro Miyamura

This philosophy of going “beyond, beyond” became Maestro Miyamura’s beloved motto and the foundation of his transformative approach to music education.

Widely sought after as a conductor, clarinetist, and educator, Henry Miyamura’s 60+ year music career was defined by his unparalleled dedication to musical excellence and youth development.

Photo credit: Jason Elon Goodman

Henry Miyamura not only dedicated his life to music, but also passed on that gift, creating a lasting legacy that fundamentally reshaped the musical landscape of Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Early Years (1953-1960s) Henry Miyamura’s connection to HYS began in 1953 when he joined as a ninth-grade clarinetist. His pursuit of excellence led him to the prestigious Eastman School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree and Performer’s Certificate, followed by a Master of Music from Western Washington University.

Building a Dual Career (1960s-1980s) Returning to Honolulu, Miyamura embarked on an ambitious dual career in performance and education. For 14 years, he shaped young minds as band director at his alma mater, McKinley High School, while simultaneously performing at the highest professional level as principal clarinetist with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra.

Leadership and Innovation (1981-2017) The 1980s marked Miyamura’s ascension to conducting and leadership roles that would define his legacy:

• 1981-1988: Assistant/Associate Conductor, Honolulu Symphony Orchestra
• 1982-1983: Board member, HYS Board of Directors
• 1983-2017: Music Director and Youth Symphony I Conductor, HYS

1984-2010: Professor, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Director of the UH Symphony Orchestra and Woodwind Program

Under Maestro Miyamura’s visionary leadership, HYS evolved from a modest two-orchestra program into a comprehensive musical education ecosystem. His innovative approach created multiple entry points for students of all experience levels.

Major Organizational Achievements:

• Expanded from two to multiple symphony orchestras
• Established a string program
• Co-founded Pacific Music Institute (PMI) summer music intensive with Lance Jo on Maui
• Launched Music in the Clubhouse programs, bringing classical music education to underserved communities

This expansion extended musical opportunities beyond the school year and beyond Oʻahu, ensuring that geography and experience level never became barriers to musical education.

Setting the Standard for Excellence:

Maestro Miyamura’s final years showcased the culmination of his life’s work. He conducted concerts featuring extraordinary guest artists including PMI graduate Toby Oft (principal trombone, Boston Symphony Orchestra), virtuoso pianist Conrad Tao, and renowned violinist Midori (UN Messenger of Peace). He guided Youth Symphony I through a nationally broadcast performance on NPR’s “From The Top” and collaborated with legendary Hawaiʻi entertainers including Robert Cazimero, Kalapana, Keola & Moanalani Beamer, and Jimmy Borges.

“You can see it in their eyes. When I have the opportunity to see that change, it makes the whole program more than worth being part of, for me as well as the students.” – Maestro Miyamura

Maestro Miyamura’s conducting philosophy opened so many students’ eyes to the power of music, helping them discover their potential. Of the nearly 15,000 students influenced by Maestro Miyamura’s leadership, 4,800 played directly under his baton. Many have gone on to distinguished professional careers, including:

• Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti: Violist & composer
• Donny Albrecht: Freelance Trumpeter; Lecturer of Trumpet, Frostburg State University
• Khullip Jeung: Violin faculty, Juilliard Pre-College
• Kurt Muroki: Bass faculty, Indiana University
• Lyle Wong: Principal librarian, Colorado Symphony
• Nathan Tanouye: Principal trombone, Las Vegas Philharmonic
• Si-Jing Huang: Violin, Boston Symphony Orchestra

“He had an immeasurable impact on my life and career,” said Dr. Donny Albrecht, “I wouldn’t be where I am without his guidance. 💔”

Maestro Miyamura’s legacy also lives on through the current HYS team. Several of our staff, faculty, and board members were once his students and played directly under his baton, such as:

• Wayne Fanning: Conductor, Concert Orchestra
• Jeff Hamano: Summer Strings Instructor
• Lorrin Hirano: Board Secretary
• Ryan Howe: Jazz Instructor
• ʻAlohi Igarta: 2025 PMI Housing Coordinator and current Academy Strings Program Coordinator
• Richard Ing: Board Treasurer
• Mike Lim: Academy Conductor (SOE and CSO)
• Erica Mau-Schank: Board Chair
• Carissa Miyamoto: BSE and ISE (Conductor and Violin/Viola Coach)
• Brent Ramos: Office Receptionist and Academy String Program Coordinator
• Laurie Shimabukuro: Super Strings Instructor
• Hannah Watanabe: Programs Director
• Randy Wong: President and CEO

Henry Miyamura understood that his impact extended far beyond musical technique. He instilled discipline, teamwork, and excellence in every student, regardless of their chosen career path. 

“When you get into a large organization, it’s even more important that they practice. Because they have to be together to make 101 sound like one… when you do that, the overall orchestra starts to change, because at that point in time, no one takes. Everyone just gives. And that’s what’s so wonderful,” the maestro said.

Reflections from Former Students:

“Class of 2015 myself, it has been an honor to be able to play under a decisive and passionate maestro. His energy and intuitive skills had us on our toes. Every time we play a song from start to finish, it made all of us feel connected and dedicated.” – Aylton Shinichiro Nakamura, HYS ‘15

“He’s always held his students to a high standard and I am so grateful to have been guided by him. He disciplined and pushed when needed (his deliberate voice amplified the effect), but always supportive and encouraging—never mean or condescending. His legacy will live on in all of us and to the new students coming together to make music.” – Young Kim, HYS ‘07

Maestro Miyamura’s educational philosophy centered around music as a vehicle for building character, empathy, and community.

“When they do get to the point where they’re expressing themselves musically, they become more benevolent as people, they become more understanding, they become more aware of the needs of other people outside of themselves, because they’re in an environment where they have to share. They cannot be a person that says ‘I, I’… it’s ʻWE’. It’s a total.” – Maestro Miyamura

As Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony moves into the future, we strive to continue to develop his legacy of innovation, excellence, and accessibility. Mahalo nui loa, Maestro Miyamura!