The University of Hawaiʻi Bands received an honorary certificate from the Honolulu City Council recognizing the program’s 100th anniversary. The ceremony was held in the council chambers on December 6.
“It’s an honor to be acknowledged by our elected officials,” Director of Bands Jeffrey Boeckman said. “We share this with our current students and our thousands of UH Bands alumni.”
“We are so grateful for being recognized at the City Council,” Assistant Director of Bands Gwen Nakamura said. “It really does show the dedication and commitment of all our students past and present.”
Councilmembers Calvin K.Y. Say, Radiant Cordero, Matt Weyer and Council Chair Tommy Waters presented the group with its certificate.
“The Honolulu City Council recognizes the important role of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s band, which for 100 years has entertained audiences, embodied musical excellence, and amplified the aloha spirit,” Say said. “As we celebrate this milestone, it’s important for all of us to recognize the band’s influence in strengthening the University’s identity, and in representing Hawaiʻi nei across the country, and even around the world. The Council extends a very warm congratulations to the UH band on this milestone, and best wishes for many years to come.”
The band program began in 1923 as an 18-member drum and bugle corps. It has since flourished into one of the largest and most visible student organizations on campus. The program includes more than 300 students performing in the UH Rainbow Warrior Marching Band, three concert bands and five pep bands. These students entertain more than 400,000 spectators annually at football, basketball and volleyball games; concerts; and campus events through more than 100 performances each year.
For more about the program’s 100th anniversary, visit this website.