Posted on: Thursday, December 9, 2004
WHAT WORKS
Music club motivates 'Iliahi pupils
By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Education Writer
Twice a week, about 70 pupils in third through fifth grade at 'Iliahi Elementary School gather in a multipurpose class to play the 'ukulele, sing and dance hula.
For the privilege of being a part of the performing arts group, they must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average and meet all six of the state's "general learner outcomes," which means they must be responsible for their own learning and stay out of trouble. "For many of our students, being a member of Na Kamali'i 'O 'Iliahi is the motivating factor that makes them want to go to school, demonstrate 'Live Aloha' and keep up with their school work," said principal Jane Serikaku.
The group performs traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music several times a year at malls, in parades at Sunset in the Park and at lunchtime concerts at Tamarind Park downtown.
Tom Yamamoto, a curriculum coordinator who volunteers his time to lead the group with kindergarten teacher Robyn Caneda, said that in addition to a new audition pro-
cess this year to make sure pupils are meeting the requirements, he stays in contact with teachers throughout the year to make sure the club members are keeping up with their schoolwork.
The group also draws parent participation, especially since many parents are members of hula halau or even instructors.
Some of the fifth-graders say the requirements for participating are fair and easy to achieve. "This is an extra thing. If you don't do your work, you shouldn't be allowed to do this," said Krystin Kubo, 10, a hip-hop and jazz dancer outside of school who likes the additional opportunities to perform.
"It's kind of easy, if you listen," said Gabrielle Caballero, 11. Nevertheless, she keeps the requirements in mind as she tackles her schoolwork. "I don't want to fall behind because I have too much work," she said.
Aaron Higa, 10, said the club can be "hard work" but so much fun that it's worth it. The club, which includes many of his friends, is also an opportunity to socialize, he said.
Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8014.
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| At a glance
How they do it: Yamamoto and Caneda volunteer their time after school to lead the practices. The school provides 'ukulele, although about 30 percent of the members bring their own. The only real cost to pupils is the uniforms, which cost about $10. All pupils from Grade 3 to 5 are eligible to participate, including special-needs students. Several already belong to the group. Since the state is focusing more on the standards, this year Yamamoto added the new academic requirements for participation. Lessons learned: Yamamoto said he didn't learn to play 'ukulele from a formal teacher, so he has to reach back to remember what it's like to be a beginner. "I have to remember how it was to play a chord for the first time. It really requires you to refine your fine motor skills," he said. He also has had to figure out how to pace the class so the pupils can master playing while seated, then while singing, then while walking so they can participate in parades. Keys to success: Yamamoto said leading this group is similar to teaching class, where pupils are at varying skill levels. To help keep the more advanced students engaged while others are catching up, he has the advanced students help tune instruments or assist others in positioning their fingers to make chords. |
