Dear Friends of the Kamuela Philharmonic,
Those of you who attended our March 26 MasterWorks Concert, Brilliant, were treated to memorable performances of Brahms Symphony No. 1, and internationally acclaimed violinist Sirena Huang playing the Dvorák Violin Concerto. It was indeed a glorious afternoon for the orchestra members as well as the audience.
Our 2022-23 season—the first full season of performances before live audiences since the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020—will come to a close on Sunday, May 21, 2023, with a POPS concert beginning at 2 pm at the Kahilu Theatre. The concert will feature Ursula Vietze, our concertmaster, and vocalist Binti Bailey, along with the Kamuela Philharmonic performing popular and light classical standards. We hope you’ll join us again for an afternoon of musical enjoyment.
Our 2023-24 season will begin on October 8. With the easing of the pandemic restrictions, we’re hoping to resume convening an annual public meeting for the directors and members of the public to celebrate the beginning of our 20th year.
Because our bylaws establish a six-year term limit for directors, the forthcoming POPS! concert will mark my last as a Director and President of the KPOS, but please be assured that I intend to continue performing with the orchestra as long as I am able. During that six years, our musicians, directors, and staff have experienced many challenges while coping with the effects of the COVID pandemic. Working together, we’ve established the Small Ensemble Program benefiting the underserved population of Hawai‘i Island by bringing free, live classical music to public and private venues such as elderly homes, skilled nursing and rehab facilities, assisted living facilities, churches, and shopping centers throughout the island. We’ve also continued to visit schools throughout the island to acquaint our keiki with orchestral music and instruments.
The term limit in our bylaws will also lead to our need for new directors to fill several other vacancies, beginning on July 1. Although appreciation of fine symphonic music is important, musical ability isn’t required. Rather, business or fundraising experience, technology or networking skills are helpful and highly desirable.
Briefly, directors may serve up to three consecutive two-year terms, and because we are a qualified charitable organization pursuant to Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, directors serve without compensation. Our meetings are usually on the second Monday of each month, at 4:00 pm HST, but the meeting schedule can be set by the directors, and staff and directors may attend on Zoom. Accordingly, directors need not be residents of Hawai‘i Island, and we will welcome those residing elsewhere.
If you’re interested in serving as a director, we invite you to submit a short resume outlining your interest, skills, qualifications, and experience. Please include your contact information (telephone and mailing address) and send to President@KamuelaPhil.org no later than April 28, 2023.
Finally, I sincerely thank the other retiring directors for your contribution and dedication to the Kamuela Philharmonic.
Aloha and mahalo nui loa,
Joel Gimpel, President
Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society
