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Our Mission
Our mission is to rejuvenate and elevate music education in Hawaii schools by cultivating a dynamic community that unites stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
Our Vision
We see a vision of a future where music education is integral to every student’s life in Hawaii, empowering them to pursue their musical passions and contribute to the state’s cultural and economic development—a world where music is part of the bare minimum.
Our Values.
Community Engagement (Deep Red - Land): The land is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, just as community engagement is the foundation of the Aloha State Music Festival. Deep red represents the rich soil that nurtures and supports life, much like how the festival fosters a connected, supportive community of students, educators, and professionals, all working together to strengthen Hawaii’s musical heritage.
Advocacy (Yellow - Sands): The golden sands of Hawaii’s beaches are a meeting place where land and sea come together. Advocacy acts in the same way, bridging the needs of music education with policy and funding, ensuring that the festival's message reaches decision-makers. Like sands shaped by the tides, advocacy continuously evolves to support and protect music programs.
Innovation (Deep Blue - Ocean): The ocean is vast, dynamic, and ever-changing, symbolizing innovation. Like the deep blue waters surrounding Hawaii, innovation embraces new technologies, trends, and creative approaches in music education, allowing students to navigate the ever-evolving currents of the modern music industry and explore new horizons.
Cultural Preservation (Green - Mountains): The mountains stand tall and enduring, representing strength and continuity. Cultural preservation, like the lush green peaks of Hawaii, ensures that the rich traditions of Hawaiian music are safeguarded for future generations, standing firm as a testament to the island’s cultural heritage.
Education (Light Blue - Sky): Like the expansive and limitless sky, education provides students with boundless opportunities to grow, explore, and reach new heights in their musical journey. The sky symbolizes aspiration and the vast potential music education unlocks for students across Hawaii.
Music is part of the bare minimum
Music is part of the bare minimum because it is fundamental to the human experience and essential for personal and communal development. It transcends mere entertainment, serving as a powerful tool for emotional expression, cognitive growth, cultural preservation, and social connection.
Our Founders
Three dedicated leaders founded Aloha Music to uplift music education in Hawaii, create lasting opportunities for students and teachers, and ensure all keiki have access to impactful, high-quality music experiences statewide. Kuʻulei Arceo, Band Director at Hilo High School and Aloha Music’s Founder and Artistic Director, wanted to build state-level performance and learning opportunities, especially for those on neighbor islands. Dr. Rickey Badua, a Kamehameha Schools graduate and current Director of Bands at CalPoly Pomona, serves as Founder and Chairman of the Board. His goals are to advocate for greater Native Hawaiian representation in music communities and ensure all Keiki have equal access to impactful, high-quality music education. Bradford (BJ) Yamamoto, Jr., Founder, President & CEO, and Research Fellow at Aloha Music, is pursuing a PhD in Education at Claremont Graduate University. Driven by his belief that music is an essential part of human existence, he seeks to ensure that music education reaches everyone through Hawaiʻi’s schools.