Michael-Thomas Foumai
Occupation: Director of Artistic Engagement and Composer in Residence at the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra
What school you grad? Roosevelt High ‘05
College: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
Location: Honolulu, HI
Michael-Thomas Foumai is the director of Artistic Engagement and the first Composer in Residence for the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra (HSO). His recent projects have focused on issues and stories facing the people of Hawaiʻi. In 2019, he composed the music for Raise Hawaiki, a large-scale choral-symphony based on the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa to celebrate the homecoming from her three-year worldwide voyage, Mālama Honua. His honors include a Fromm Foundation Grant from Harvard University, the Music Teachers National Association Distinguished Composer of the Year Award, the Jacob Druckman Prize from the Aspen Music Festival and three Broadcast Music Incorporated composer awards. He attended カウルウェラ小学校, Kawānanakoa Middle School そして Roosevelt High School.
Q: Briefly describe your journey after high school.
A: I spent much more time in school. I attended the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, where I studied music composition. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music, I went on to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to pursue my Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in music composition. During graduate school, I traveled extensively across the USA and internationally to Japan, Shanghai and Thailand. Afterward, I returned to Honolulu to lecture in the Music Department at UH Mānoa.
Q: What are you up to these days?
あ: I currently serve as the Director of Artistic Engagement and Composer in Residences for the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra, where I compose music for the symphony, collaborate with Hawai’i legendary local artists, produce concerts, and plan and oversee the HSO’s artistic, education, and community programs. I also lecture at the University of Hawai’i West O’ahu in the Academy for Creative Media, where I teach a course on working with music and sound in transmedia.
Q: Why did you choose this career path and what do you enjoy most about it?
A: This career path chose me! My love for stories and movies fuels my passion for storytelling. As a die-hard fan of Star Wars, especially its music, music powerfully tells stories. I have chosen this career not only because it’s fun and fulfilling, but also because it gives my life purpose, allowing me to share the rich narratives of my home, Hawai’i, through the universal language of music.
Q: What makes you #PublicSchoolProud?
A: I am a product of the public school system, and my musical journey began at Kawānankoa Middle School when I first picked up the violin. This experience ignited a lifelong passion for music, allowing me to perform and grow alongside friends while striving for meaningful goals. I eagerly anticipated orchestra class every week, and on the days without it, I couldn’t wait to get to the orchestra room during lunch breaks and after school.
My passion for music flourished at Roosevelt High School, where a supportive environment encouraged exploration and inspired me to pursue not only performance but also composition. My very first orchestra piece was performed by the RHS Symphony Orchestra. I had the opportunity to grow as a teacher and leader among my peers, which provided invaluable experience in building the foundation for becoming a well-rounded musician. Upon graduating and entering college, all of these experiences had fully prepared and motivated me to pursue my ambitious dream of becoming a composer.
Q: Favorite subject in school?
A: Orchestra
Q: Favorite school lunch or breakfast?
A: I’m not really sure if it was my absolute favorite, but I definitely remember enjoying the sloppy joes in elementary school—they were usually pretty tasty! In middle school, the somen salad, but I often couldn’t snag it because it ran out so quickly. It was always a race to get it!
Q: What type of extracurricular activities were you involved in?
A: Orchestra
Q: Name of a teacher or mentor you’d like to thank?
A: Mr. Daniel Mew, Orchestra Director at Kawānanakoa Middle School. Without Mr. Mew, I would not have discovered my passion for music.
Q: What advice do you have for students?
A: Opportunities will arise that present significant challenges. You might feel unprepared, think you need more time to study, or believe you can take it on later. Don’t wait or let anyone convince you to postpone. Embrace the challenge; you’ll learn more by taking action than by waiting.
