Keiki in the After School Music Club perform at venues like Lahaina Cannery Mall and The Outlets Of Maui (above). Maui Music Mission co-founder Reuben Pali is pictured in the back row, far right

LAHAINA – Maui Music Mission will hold an open house on Friday, July 14, to raise funds to support expanded fall programs in their new facility.

Set for 4 to 7 p.m. at 252 Lahainaluna Road, the benefit will feature live music by local artists, food, activities and a silent auction.

Enter to win a Kala Concert Electric Ukulele in a $5 raffle. Every script redeemed is an entry for door prize drawings.

Maui Music Mission (MMM) instructors and administrators will be available at the event to answer questions and assist with enrollment.

Proceeds collected from Friday’s fundraiser will go toward the expansion and renewal of musical equipment and instruments, as well as the addition of a van for the After School Music Club’s carpool.

Parking will be available after 4:30 p.m. at West Maui Federal Credit Union across the street. For more information, visit www.mauimusicmission.com or call (808) 463-7856.

Reuben and Ronda Pali have been teaching low-cost music lessons for the past three years, beginning with ukulele and then adding voice, piano, violin and other instruments.

Their company has grown from a few students meeting at Kamehameha Iki Park after school to an enrollment of 33 and now securing their own permanent facility.

Reuben is thrilled. “We’re shaping up to be a full-time music school, and we are inspired by the amount of support that we’ve been receiving toward that vision,” he said.

In the After School Music Club, keiki overcome fears as they are empowered to express their talents. Onstage performances are part of the regime, so there are many opportunities to shine at locations such as Lahaina Cannery Mall and The Outlets Of Maui.

“Now that we have our own classrooms, we’re able to offer homeschool music and preschool, as well as community groups for all ages,” Reuben said.

Elementary and high school-level classes are available for homeschoolers this fall. Students begin with a variety of musical concepts and instruments. As they progress, they choose a favorite instrument to play as part of an ensemble. Homeschool Ensemble includes both band and orchestral instruments.

Preschoolers and their parents can enjoy a fun half-hour, twice per week session with rhythm, dance, games and instruments. This class helps create a structure for beginning to learn music, including parental support, a key factor in each student’s success.

Beginning Violin is offered as an elective on Mondays as well as a new Youth Symphony led by Ana Kalina of Maui Chamber Orchestra.

A chorus elective meets Tuesdays and Thursdays for vocal and performance training.

“This year, we’re adding dance steps to our shows, because it reinforces our teaching, is fun and makes us better singers,” he explained/

Dues for electives are not included with other program fees.

Evenings are reserved for community music groups. MMM will be forming an adult ensemble group and a teen pop band. Teens and adults are encouraged to contact MMM for more information on how to join.

Annual memberships will save participants 20 percent on all personal lessons and small groups.

“Just like any sport or activity, practice is critical to skills development and ultimate success. We encourage daily practice and a weekly personal lesson as well as weekly group rehearsals to prepare our ‘game,’ ” Reuben commented.

Reuben and Ronda’s commitment to music education exceeds the classroom, with a select group of talented and committed students being sponsored solely by the owners themselves.