Classical Music Conversations

Tuesday Student Takeover: Czarina and Kaitlyn

Hawaiʻi Public Radio | By Sharene Keliʻipunilei Lum Taba

Published February 18, 2025 at 9:02 PM HST

Friends Czarina Ascuncion and Kaitlyn Li are 8th graders at Washington Middle School. Li is a euphonium player in the band, while Ascuncion plays clarinet in the band and violin in the orchestra. Band teacher Mr. Ujimori and orchestra teacher Ms. Maeshiro create a safe space for friendships and music to thrive. Ascuncion and Li reflect on their musical journeys and offer advice for incoming middle schoolers.

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Classical Music Conversations Tuesday Student Takeover

Sharene Keliʻipunilei Lum Taba

Sharene Keliʻipunilei Lum Taba grew up in Pearl City listening to a variety of music – mostly in the car and the choice of the driver (Grandma, Mom, Dad, sister or brother). It ranged from Hawaiian to Japanese Enka to Top 40 to HPR. Sharene played the violin in school, and is now a professional freelance harpist and mother. She and husband jazz bassist Dean Taba love to play and listen to music, and are raising their children to celebrate the love of learning and of all kinds of music.

See stories by Sharene Keliʻipunilei Lum Taba