Q & A
The All-State `Ukulele (Ka ‘Aha Ho‘okani ‘Ukulele) is a group comprised of elementary, middle/intermediate, and high school students from school music departments across the state of Hawai`i. To promote `ukulele performance and to provide an opportunity for students from various schools to perform on the same stage.
This event will be held on November 16, 2025, Sunday. All elementary, middle/intermediate, and high school students currently playing in `ukulele ensembles in public and private schools or taking private lessons are eligible to submit an application for this event.
A limited number of scholarships will be offered to students based on merit. Please include the request with the registration.
- What is the All-State `Ukulele (Ka ‘Aha Ho‘okani ‘Ukulele) event? Each year, the NAfME organizes the ALL-NATIONAL HONOR ENSEMBLES. The students who perform in these ensembles are chosen from All-State Festivals. Through this event, students also have the opportunity to perform at the national level.
The All-State `Ukulele (Ka ‘Aha Ho‘okani ‘Ukulele) is a group comprised of students from school music departments across the state of Hawai`i. All elementary, middle/intermediate, and high school students currently playing in `ukulele ensembles in public and private schools, or students taking private `ukulele lessons in the state of Hawai`i, are eligible to submit an application for this event.
2. When and where are the rehearsals?
Two additional rehearsals will take place on October 19 & Nov 9 (3-4:30 pm) in Room 201 of the Music Department at UHM.
The dress rehearsal is scheduled for Sunday, November 16, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a concert at 5:00 p.m.
3. Is this a competition?
The All-State `Ukulele is a performance, not a competition.
4. Can student register directly as an individual?
No. Registration is conducted only through private and public school music directors of the music program at the student's attending school, as well as private studio instructors of the students.
5. How does a student qualify?
- Students must be recommended by the director of their `ukulele ensemble or private instructor.
- Students must perform at the All-State `ukulele performance.
6. How do I register my student?
All-State `Ukulele Orchestra registration is done through the student’s school music program or private instructor. Information regarding scheduling times and appropriate materials should be received by NAfME chapter by September 20, 2025. Due to limited space, instructors will submit a list of recommended students in order of proficiency. The top three students of each school music teacher's list and the top two students on each private instructor's list will be guaranteed a spot in the All-State Event. If additional space is available, the remaining students on each list will be considered in the order of their listing. The organizing committee will have the right to make the final decisions.
7. Do I need an accompanist?
No, you do not need an accompanist.
8. When is the audition?
There is no audition.
9. What is the cost of participation (students and teachers) in this event?
The event fee is $25 for each student.
- The fee covers meals, drinks, and miscellaneous expenses. The meals include Sunday snacks and dinner.
- Professional players will rehearse with students during sectionals.
- All family members and friends are invited to join us at a reception after the performance.
10. What are the pieces for the 2025 All State `Ukulele event?
Below are the pieces we will be performing. Each piece is designed with parts suitable for beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced learners. Thus, everyone is welcome.
- Twinkle Twinkle, folk song
- Frere Jacque
- New World Symphony by Dvořák
- Molihua, Chinese folk song
- Usagi, Japanese folk song
- Neo-yeong na-yeong (You and I), Korean folk song
- Etude II
- O Kou Aloha, Hawaiian (the late Kumu John Lake)
11. How should I prepare my students for the rehearsals on Oct 19 and Nov 6?
After you have sent in your registration, we will send you the seven pieces. Please look for parts in each piece that you think your students can play, categorized by level (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), and rehearse them with your students.
When they come for the rehearsals on Oct 19 and Nov 6, we will have teachers who will work with each group of players. You are welcome to join us at the rehearsal, and there is no registration fee for that.
12. May I come and play with my students?
Yes, you may. In our 2019 1st All State `Ukulele event, the teachers performed with the students. You may visit the performance here.
13. Do my students need to read music?
All the pieces are notated, and the students will read and play from the scores. We will have teachers help them during the rehearsals. And, please also guide them when they have lessons with you.