HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.110 2008-2010March 22, 2010
Hawaii County Council Chair J Yoshimoto
Members of the Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Public testimony IN SUPPORT of the Hawaii County Band
To Hawaii County Council Chairman Yoshimoto and distinguished members of the
Hawaii County Council:
Hello, my name is Claton Mine, and my testimony today is made as a private citizen. I
am a current member of the Hawaii County Band, but I speak today not as a band
member, but as a parent who is raising my children in this community. I am deeply
troubled by the decision to eliminate the funding for the Hawaii County Band and West
Hawaii Band in the next fiscal year. Among the many diverse roles the bands play in our
community, one of the most significant is as an educational and inspirational resource for
our younger generations. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of our island's young musicians
have listened to our bands over the course of these past decades, and have found
inspiration towards improving their musical skills and have developed their appreciation
of music in general. A great number of these students have also found, within the bands,
mentors and teachers who have nurtured and guided their talents. Some have even had
the opportunities to perform with the Bands, both as guest performers and later, as
members of the Band.
The experiences and knowledge these students have gained as a result of their
exposure to and interaction with the Bands have formed a strong foundation for many of
them as they have pursued careers in music education and as professional musicians.
Even for those who have chosen other career paths, their formative years no doubt were
enhanced by the influence of the Bands and the many fine musicians that have played,
and continue to play, among its ranks. Discipline, perseverance, self - confidence,
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dedication and teamwork are just a few of the character traits that music students can
develop. These traits will often stay with a person throughout their lifetime, long after
they stop performing.
As a parent of children who have shown an interest in and an aptitude for music,
I would like to see the Hawaii County Band and West Hawaii Band preserved, so that
they, and future generations of our County's youth, can have the same opportunities and
experiences.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to express my thoughts and concerns
with you. I hope that you will give strong consideration for continued funding of the
Bands.
Claton J. Mine
P 0 Box 134
Kurtistown, Hawaii 96760
808 - 966 -9255