In After School Music Club, students learn how to play songs on instruments and to recognize the many different parts and dynamics of songs.

WEST MAUI – Leadership is key to promoting music as an essential right of literacy. That’s why Maui Music Mission (MMM) is grateful to be partnering with Hula Grill and the King Kamehameha III Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization to provide basic ukulele instruction weekly at the school.

“Ukulele is easy to learn, and it’s portable and popular – not to mention its cultural relevance! Still, elementary-aged children need exposure to all instruments, so that they may make an educated choice of a primary instrument as they advance. As leaders, we need to create music programs that inspire and engage the interests of our students,” noted Ronda Colleen Pali of MMM.

Maui Music Mission has been serving the keiki of West Maui for over four years with low-cost and free music education.

Its After School Music Club is booming with over 30 keiki attending various weekdays and rehearsing together as an ensemble every Friday.

Students are learning piano and ukulele as their core subjects. Everyone plays both instruments and also studies written music theory, vocal technique and rhythms. Students are rewarded for their preparedness and practice with tokens and prizes.

The community can see the results of their efforts on stage at Outlets of Maui every first and fourth Friday of the month at 5 p.m. It’s a most endearing and entertaining set!

In the coming school year, MMM will open its Home School Music Club, offering the same program to students who have morning availability. The two groups will merge on Fridays for rehearsals, in elective classes and on stage.

Members of these music clubs also choose two free electives, so they can join a smaller group and get more specific instruction. Everything is a building block in the whole comprehension of how music works.

Adults can learn music right along with their kids at Maui Music Mission. The simplest way to achieve this is to check their music folder to see what they are learning, and then have your keiki demonstrate and explain. Then you try – let your child be your teacher and see how eager they become to learn. Later, take it to the next level and join a small group with them.

Elective classes at MMM are open for parents as well. Families can play music together, and it doesn’t matter if you have any talent. With a little instruction, encouragement and practice, you’ll be playing in no time.

All ages can also take personal lessons at rates that are about half of other programs. Families that want to learn together can share a personal lesson, form their own group and reduce the cost per person even further.

This summer, there will be an extraordinary chance to grow with your ohana through music. The first-ever “FAM JAM” family music camp is happening July 3-5 at Camp Olowalu. Bring your instrument or use one from MMM. Play songs together around the campfire and enjoy food, family, friends and fireworks. To register, or for more information, go to www.mauimusicmission.com.

Any kids looking for something awesome to do when school lets out in June can join the MMM crew at Lahaina Christian Fellowship for the fourth annual Spirit Music Camp.

This outstanding program has impacted more than 150 keiki over the years with nine days of music immersion coupled with spiritual insights. The camp concludes with a concert at Outlets of Maui, a walk down Front Street in the Kamehameha Day Parade, and finally a big show at Lahaina Christian Fellowship in Kahana for all the dads on Father’s Day. It is truly an incredible time of connection for everyone involved.

A donation of $100 per student helps fund the program but is not required. Sponsors are also sought for those without resources.

“Inspiring Hope Through Music” is more than a motto for Reuben and Ronda Pali, MMM founders. It means reaching out to those who need inspiration to hope for better things to come. It also means that no child should be denied access to music education due to financial needs. About one-third of After School Music Club members currently receive a financial aid discount. Another third pay zero dues due to severe financial hardships of the household. Those on regular dues pay an amount comparable to other after school programs.

This is the primary source of funding for MMM, and it’s only supplemented through community donations. MMM has filed an application for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and the couple holds great hope that new sources of funding will come about to cover the shortfalls.

Reuben said, “It would be wonderful to have resources for tuning and maintenance of our pianos, and to purchase new instruments, equipment and technology for the students. Also, we need more teachers.”

MMM hopes to provide ten scholarships for each of these camps. To help make this possible, the “Paint for a Purpose” fundraiser will be held on Saturday, May 11, at Pi Artisan Pizzeria in Lahaina.

Get together for a creative time and bid on silent auction goodies. Enjoy an afternoon of creative time with refreshments while creating your own work of art.

Professional instruction and all supplies will be provided; sign-up at www.mauimusicmission.com.