Kerry Wasano
Igoa: Band Director
Nofoaga o galuega: Aoga Maualuga a Maui
Tausaga i le HIDOE: 27
Tausaga i le tulaga: 27
F: Fa'amatala fa'apuupuu lou ala faigaluega.
A: I graduated from Aoga Maualuga a Maui 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: O a ou tiute autu?
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: Vaega e fiafia i ai e uiga i le galuega?
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: Vaega sili ona luitauina e uiga i lou tulaga?
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: O le a sau fautuaga mo tagata e mafaufau i lenei tulaga?
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.
