Two performing groups from BYU–Hawaii’s Music and Visual Arts department took their talent on the road with a four-day tour to the island of Kauai on February 11-14, 2016. The two groups were the Salsa Orchestra and Brass Ensemble, led by creative directors Dr. Darren Duerden and Dr. David Kammerer.
Ensembles from BYU–Hawaii regularly tour through the Hawaiian Islands with the purpose of increasing faith among Latter-day Saints, changing lives through music, service and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, and being ambassadors for BYU–Hawaii and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the last three years, ensembles from BYU–Hawaii have performed on Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Big Island (Hawaii), Lanai, and Molokai.
The February 2016 tour has special significance as it was Dr. Kammerer’s final tour before he retires later in the year. He has led the Brass Ensemble and other groups at the University since 1993, including service as Musical Director for two international tours (Showcase Hawaii tour to China/Taiwan in 1998 and Jazz Ensemble/Pacific Power tour to Samoa/Australia in 1999). Dr. Kammerer also served as department chair from 2008-2014.
The tour consisted of several performances held in locations around the island. After arriving in Lihue, the group made their way to the south side of the island where they provided a workshop for music students at Waimea High School, followed by an evening performance in the community of Kekaha. A touching moment with this performance came at the end as the audience stood, gathered in a large circle with the performers, and sang Hawaii Aloha, a revered Hawaiian anthem.
“The performance at Kekaha was our first real concert as a group on this tour,” recalled Josh Wallace, a senior percussionist from California. “After our final number, everyone stood up and held hands. I thought we were going to pray but then something spectacular happened. The audience started singing the beautiful tune Hawaii Aloha. I remember feeling such unity, gratitude, and aloha from the ward members during that special moment. We came to play some music, and in return they sang that beautiful Hawaiian song.”
The groups had a Friday night performance at the Performing Arts Center at Kauai Community College, the premier performing venue on the island, followed by a Saturday night event where they provided live music for a Valentine’s Day dinner and dance at the Kauai Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Providing live music for a dance was something we hadn’t done before, so we were excited to give it a try,” said Dr. Duerden. “It exceeded all expectations – one of the most energetic and enjoyable moments for me as a musician, a performer, and as a director. I loved seeing our students get into the rhythm of the event as they taught dance steps and played a wide selection of music for the large group that came to the dance. It was certainly a highlight for me and for each of the student performers – as well as those who came to enjoy some Salsa music at a Valentine’s dance."
Dr. Kammerer added: "Nothing could be more gratifying, after twenty-three years of inter-island touring, than to culminate with these two outstanding ensembles. I love these students for the talents they have cultivated, but even more for the people they are. They are truly ambassadors for Christ as they present high-quality performances both on and off campus."
To cap off the tour, the Kauai Hawaii Stake of the LDS Church hosted a fireside that featured music and testimony from the group, and a special opportunity to hear from BYU–Hawaii president John Tanner and his wife Susan, who joined the students on Kauai. The Tanners spoke together on the principles of education and lifelong learning.
The next performance tour for BYU–Hawaii will be in June 2016 as the University’s Concert Choir travels to Japan.
