The George Kahumoku Award
The George Kahumoku Award for Most Oustanding Student in the Institute of Hawaiian Music was established in 2013. It is named for the IHM’s founding director George Kahumoku, Jr. subsequent to his retirement from state service that spring. The winner of this award receives a certificate and customized ‘ukulele crafted by Koaloha ‘Ukulele of Honolulu, HI.
2015 Winner – Robin Leihuanani Keali‘inohomoku
Leihuanani with former IHM director George Kahumoku and current UHMC faculty coordinator Dr. Keola Donaghy.
Leihuanani Keali‘inohomoku of Kahului, Maui distinguished herself in every aspect of our program, exceeding all expectations in terms of academic performance, rehearsals, public performance, campus and community service and social engagement. She is a former preschool teacher who plans to apply her knowledge to creating and recording new songs for children that can be used in various educational contexts.
You can follow Leihuanani’s work or contact via her website Leihuanani.com.
2013 Winner – Brad Bordessa
Photo courtesy Evan Bordessa
Brad Bordess of Honoka‘a, Hawai‘i island engaged with every opportunity provided to him to improve his skills as an instrumentalist, vocalist, winning the admiration of his instructors and classmates. He currently teaches ‘ukulele privately and in group settings on Hawai‘i island and via the Internet, and released his debut EP (extended play recording), entitled “Point A” in 2014.
You can learn more about Brad or contact him via his website, Live ‘Ukulele.