HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – For as long as she can remember, Kisa Uradomo has loved playing the violin. But it’s not just about her favorite instrument, it’s about life and the effect music has on the soul.

“And I think music is so personal and in some ways so healing. It has done wonders for me and I have met so many wonderful people through music,” said Uradomo.

Thanks to her supportive family, teachers, and band director, this 2015 graduate of King Kekaulike High School was able to showcase her musical talent. After graduating from the Eastman School of Music and then earning her Masters in Violin from the University of Michigan, she realized that learning the violin on Maui wasn’t always so easy.

“When I look back and see all these people on the mainland at school, it’s like they can just drive down the road on Saturdays to go to their conservatory and take classes. That doesn’t exist in Hawaii,” she said.

Kisa remembers having to fly to Honolulu to study and, thanks to a scholarship from the Hawaii Youth Symphony, being able to further her musical education and perfect her violin playing.

“I always wanted to give back to my community and introduce them to the violin because that’s what I do.”

For this reason, Kisa founded a group of fellow musicians who share her passion, called the Hana Hou Music Program.

“Our Hana Hou Music Program is a music outreach organization whose mission is to develop, promote and provide music education to the Maui community, regardless of background, economic status or artistic talent,” she said.

Over the next two weeks, Kisa and her friends will visit several schools on Valley Isle, giving students an intimate look at lesser-known instruments like the ukulele and guitar.

“You know, how can I make music accessible to my community on Maui? With this program, I want to give back to my community in the truest sense of the word and most importantly, thank all of my mentors.”

The Hana Hou musicians will also perform two free concerts for the public, one on August 31 at 1 p.m. at the Kaahumanu Shopping Center and a second at the new King Kekaulike Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m.

“And I think if I can give the young students on Maui that opportunity, a lot of doors can open for them,” Uradomo said.

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