Kerry Wasano
Title: Band Director
Job site: Maui High School
Years in the HIDOE: 27
Years in the position: 27
Q: Briefly describe your career path.
A: I graduated from Maui High School in 1989 and pursued my bachelor’s in music at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. I later earned my post baccalaureat certification in secondary education from UH Mānoa and started teaching at Maui High in 1998. In 2006, I attended the Moscow State University for Culture & Arts in Russia to earn a Director of Folk Art certification specializing in wind band conducting.
Q: What are your primary duties?
A: I oversee the Freshmen Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Music Department Head.
Q: How did you get into this field?
A: I was inspired from a very young age by some very inspirational band directors on Maui. I loved the wonderful experiences and feelings I got from performing, and wanted to help others experience the same.
Q: Favorite part about the job?
A: I like watching students mature as young adults through the band program. They are given opportunities to become more involved as leaders, and those who take on this challenge truly learn to become selfless and work hard for the entire group.
Q: Most challenging part about your position?
A: One of the most challenging and fun parts about being in my position is that the “team dynamics” change year to year. It’s up to me to find the best way forward for the group while still achieving high performance levels.
Q: What advice do you have for people considering this position?
A: Immerse yourself in all aspects of music. A band director wears many hats, so try to be open minded and learn as much as you can before stepping into this role. Conducting is just the tip of the iceberg!
Q: How does your job support students?
A: Band and music give our students an other-than-academic outlet to shine creatively and artistically. The band and music experience is a much needed break from academic rigor.
Q: Fun fact about yourself?
A: I enjoy traveling, golfing and eating.
In October, Kerry Wasano received the John Philip Sousa Foundation Bandworld Legion of Honor award, which recognizes the nation’s top band directors.
