Keith Higaki
Associate Director of Bands,
Director of the Rainbow Warrior Marching Band
Education
- M.A. Secondary Music Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1989.
- B.Ed. Secondary Music Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1981.
- High School Diploma, Castle High School, 1977.
Work Experience
- Academy Band Director – Punahou School (August 2004 to June 2007). Responsible for the Academy (high school level) Band programs at Punahou School including the Marching Band, Concert Bands (4) and Jazz Band. Conducted the Wind Ensemble, and Concert I & II Bands and received several Superior (Division I) rating at the Oahu Band Directors Association Parade of Band Festival. Coordinated and oversaw all operations of the Punahou Academy Band program including program budgeting, concert band auditions, and organizing the annual Marching Band Camp on the Big Island of Hawaii. In 2006 the Marching Band received an invitation to participate in the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
- Band Director – Kalani High School (August 2000 to June 2004). Courses taught included Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Piano, and Directed Studies. Other responsibilities included the planning and rehearsal of the Kalani “Falcon” Marching Band. In 2001 accompanied the band on a West Coast tour and in 2003 accompanied the band to Sydney, Australia.
- Band Director – Kaimuki High School (January 1990 to June 2000). Courses taught included the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Ukulele, Guitar, and Piano classes. Rehearsed and designed drill for the “Bulldog” Marching Band. Accompanied the band to several bowl game festivals throughout the Mainland (San Diego, Tucson, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles).
- Assistant Band Director – University of Hawaii at Manoa (August 1983 to July 1989). Directed the Symphonic Band. Rehearsed and designed all drill for the “Rainbow” Marching Band and the Hula Bowl All-State Marching Band. Coordinated and oversaw all operations of the University of Hawaii Band program including concert and facilities planning, concert band auditions, freshmen recruitment, and organizing the annual Rainbow Invitational Marching Band Festival.
Other Experiences
- Programmer: Designed music education software and other utilities for the PC/Windows platform.
- Webmaster: Designed and maintained several websites including the following:
- Oahu Band Directors Association (http://www.oahuband.org/)
- Hawaii Music Educators Association (http://www.hawaiimea.org/)
- H&H Enterprises (http://www.aloha.net/~khigaki/)
- Band websites for Kaimuki High, Kalani High, and Punahou Academy
Related Professional Experience
- 1984, 1997: Guest conductor for the Maui District High School Band Festivals Massed Band.
- 1986: Guest conductor for the Maui District High School Band Festivals Honor Band.
- 1987, 1988: Guest conductor for the Oahu Band Directors Association 8th Grade Select Band.
- 2000-2003, 2005: Served as President for the Oahu Band Directors Association.
- 2000-present: Served as Communications Chair for the Oahu Band Directors Association.
Professional Memberships
- Phi Beta Mu – National Music Honor Society
- Music Educators National Conference
- Hawaii Music Educators Association
- Oahu Band Directors Association
Professional Qualifications
- Hawaii State Department of Education Teaching License
- Computer Skills: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, PowerPoint, FrontPage), Adobe Acrobat Professional, Finale 2008, Sony Media Software (Sound Forge, Vegas Pro, CD Architect, DVD Architect)
Interests
- Computers (hardware, software, and construction)
- Computer Programming (C, C++, Microsoft Office Basic, JavaScript)
- Digital Photography (digital cameras and photo editing)
- Digital Video (recording, editing, and DVD creation)
- Digital Audio (recording, editing, and CD creation)
- Cooking and Culinary Arts
- Botany
- Current Events