Preschool students from the ‘Ae Kamali‘i Preschool lined the sidewalk fronting the Kaua‘i Adult Day Health center on Kress Street across from Hamura’s Saimin on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
The keiki were attracted by the strains of “Star Wars” music being performed by the Honolulu Brass Quintet for the ‘ohana of the Kaua‘i Adult Day Health.
“We are so excited that this amazing quintet is coming to Kaua‘i for a few performances, and included our kupuna,” said Kaulana Mossman, the ‘Ohana Pacific program director at Kaua‘i Day Health.
“Research has shown the positive impact of music for all age groups, including kupuna. Besides engaging the mind and evoking emotions, evidence also points to benefits of contributing to cognitive skills and abilities, working memory and recognition memory,” she said.
“Music can elevate one’s mood, lower the level of cortisol in the body and trigger chemical reactions in the brain that stimulate positive feelings, therefore reducing stress and anxiety,” Mossman said.
“Additionally, for aging adults experiencing age-related issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease, music has the power to improve cognitive processing speed, bring back memories, and even slow age-related cognitive decline. Music is a gift that can soothe the soul, calm the mind and bring joy to one’s day.”
Coordinated with the help of Sarah Tochiki, the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School music director among her many musical hats, the Honolulu Brass Quintet was on a day tour that included performances at Lihu‘e Hongwanji Preschool, Kaua‘i Adult Day Health, Kaua‘i High School, and ending with a free public performance at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e.
Mossman said the Kaua‘i Adult Day Health ‘ohana’s performance was made possible through the generosity and partnership with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the Kaua‘i Retired and Senior Volunteer Program participants Nancy and Kikuo Harada.
Started in 1976, the Honolulu Brass Quintet is in demand throughout Honolulu and the state for all types of special occasions, ranging from church services to private parties, graduations and in-school performances like the Kaua‘i High School stop.
“If anyone knows a good place for lunch, we need to find Jason Byerlotzer — he plays the trombone — a good cup of coffee,” said Anna Lenhart, who plays the French horn for the quintet. “My dad’s coming in today from Idaho, where it’s been snowing.”
Members of the quintet are full-time professional musicians who perform regularly as members of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Hawaiian Band. Joining Byerlotzer and Lenhart on the day tour, T.J. Ricer handled the tuba, a smaller version than the one he plays in the symphony, and trumpet players Zachary Silberschlag and Casey Tamanaha, who was born and raised in Honolulu, performed.
As one of three ensembles that make up Chamber Music Hawai‘i, the quintet continues to play full-length performances on O‘ahu at the Paliku Theatre on the windward side, and at the University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu on the leeward side.
“We are so grateful that they have traveled over to Kaua‘i to share their beautiful music with us,” Mossman said.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
