Maui Pops Orchestra’s Ensembles in Schools Program benefits elementary school students throughout Maui. This initiative began in Spring 2023 with visits to four (4) public elementary schools. Based on the success of those school visits, the program received funding assistance from the Bendon Family Foundation. In the 2023-2024 school year, our ensemble performed for over 6,200 students in thirteen (13) schools. In 2024-2025 we again took our live music presentations to thirteen (13) schools reaching 5,600 students. We were especially happy to have traveled to Lahaina in April 2025 to perform for the students of King Kamehameha III. They were so very appreciative and hungry for more music!

In addition to support from the Bendon Family Foundation, we have received funds from the Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation and from numerous individual donors. We are excited to continue offering these performances for our keiki in the coming school year to help pique their interest in orchestral instruments and encourage the expansion of music education programs within the schools. Since we began these performances in 2023, both Kahului Elementary and Doris Todd Elementary have added beginning string programs for their students under the guidance of Maui Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.

The number of Maui Pops musicians for each Ensembles in Schools performance averages twelve (12). This consists of a combination of violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe and clarinet. The music we perform includes a variety of styles including baroque, classical, ragtime, Broadway, movie music, popular songs and more. The students have the opportunity to sing along on a familiar Disney song. The students are also given an opportunity to hear the instruments individually and learn a little about how they create sound.

These performances are offered absolutely free of charge to the schools and their students!

We look forward to inspiring and transforming the lives of countless youngsters through the power of music. We welcome you to support this important program with your donation today.

Mahalo!