The exciting sounds and contagious spirit of Brigham Young University Hawaii's steel drum band "Shaka Steel" permeated the island of Maui as the ensemble shared their exhilarating music with Latter-day Saints and non-members alike March 12 through March 15. From a radio show, mall gig, high school exchange, and concert in Kahului to an exciting beach side performance and combined ward activity in Lahaina, the ensemble had a jam packed tour uplifting the spirits of the many people, tourist and residents alike, that were within range of the thrilling tunes and unique sound of the steel pan and marimba. "It was excellent. They were so fun!" said Sharon Ako, Lahaina resident counselor in the Lahaina 1st Ward Relief Society. "They made absolutely beautiful music, very entertaining and happy!"
The steel pan is an instrument originating from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean with a sound commonly associated with tropical cruises, but the BYU–Hawaii ensemble took it to a new level. Shaka Steel, the only steel drum band in the islands, featured a variety of song styles including calypso, samba, opera, and even one song from the recent Disney hit "Enchanted." "I liked how they played different kinds of music," remarked Katie Lovitt, Maui resident. "It showed the versatility of the instruments as well as the ensemble. They can take you around the world without ever leaving the room!"
"The people that heard us were all really pleasantly surprised," said Kellene Bjarnson. "Most didn't know that there even was a steel band in Hawaii let alone one from BYU–Hawaii. We played really well and I don't think those that heard us will forget what BYU–Hawaii can produce."
Director and founder of the ensemble, Dr. Darren Duerden, explained: "Performance tours have several purposes. For the BYU–Hawaii student, they develop meaningful friendships within the ensemble through the musical collaboration process. They learn skills of performance presentation and experience the journey of preparation that is necessary to put excellence on stage. For audiences, they experience the light of performers that are backed with testimonies. Maui audiences were also experiencing a full steel drum band for the first time. Excellent musical ensembles place a face on the university and the Church and I feel that this is a very valuable contribution."
Educational, entertaining, and interactive, the tour was deemed a success by all involved. Lora Butler, vocal studies major and Shaka Steel Triple Guitar player explained, "Going on these tours and playing in schools helps to show that if the kids are interested in these types of classes, there are schools near them that offer the classes... We put the school's name out there and honored it by being instruments of the school's purpose in promoting good learning and working environments."
Lead player Brandon Kimura explains a steel pan to high school students
Curious spectators were often found on stage after performances getting an up close look at the drums that created the strange but engaging. Adventurous audience members even tried playing a note or two. "[It was a] very good representation of diverse cultures and how they utilized the different talents they have," said Colleen Wunder, Kahului Stake Young Women's Counselor. "Many people have never seen those drums. It's good exposure for both members and non-members. The selection of music was also very good. We commend them for taking the time to visit the neighbor islands."
Brandon Kimura, long time Shaka Steel member, was heavily affected by tours like this one through the years. "Growing up on Kauai, I would always look forward to the various BYU–Hawaii music groups' visits. My family was always one of the first to volunteer to house students. Watching them perform and getting to know them really encouraged me to go to a Church school. ... These tours are really good for letting the youth of the neighbor islands know more about BYU–Hawaii. It is also good exposure for the school and the Church."
Shaka Steel members record at Mana'o Radio studio in Wailuku
(L-R) Tereiha Hapi, Loralyn Butler, Adrienne Dimond, Dr. Darren Duerden, Lawrence Lau, and Akane Iida
Duerden commented that the radio show on Maui's Mana'o Radio (KEAO 91.5) was his favorite performance. "It was something completely different than we have ever done. We changed minds and ‘turned the heads' of the station broadcasters as to both BYU-Hawaii and the quality of our music ensembles. I think we also shed some very good light on the Church with the quality of our performance."
The performances in Lahaina also made it into the top performances list. Referring the ensemble's participation at the Lahaina Ocean Arts Festival, tour co-coordinator Cooper Johnson remarked, "The crowds loved the music and seemed to be intrigued with the instruments and unique sound that the band created. Even though it rained, the crowds kept coming back for more!" Tereiha Hapi, music education major often found leaving her pan to dance with the audience, explained, "I saw the joy on their faces and felt that we were fulfilling one of our purposes, which was to uplift our brothers and sisters from the cares of the world and feel our Heavenly Fathers spirit through our music."
Saturday night's performance for the Lahaina wards made for an exciting final performance. "They were our most interactive audience. They weren't afraid to get up and dance. It's always more fun for me when people are dancing and having a good time." Music major Adrienne Dimond remarked, "The audience loved us...and even made us play three more songs in addition to what we already played so they could get up and dance and jam with us [even more]." Koleka Alcomindras, Lahaina ward member remarked, "It was amazing!"
Band and ward members alike dance to the steel band's music in Lahaina
BYU–Hawaii's Shaka Steel was formed in 2001. This year's 20 member Shaka Steel combines students from Oahu, Kauai, Indonesia, New Zealand, Japan, and the U.S. mainland. Along with numerous performances on Oahu the band has recently toured Kauai and the Big Island. Shaka Steels semester end concert will be at BYU–Hawaii's McKay Auditorium on Friday April 3 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
—Photos by Cooper Johnson and Leilani Miller