Honoring Maestros Jo and Miyamura
At our 2026 PMI finale concert, our organization was so proud to receive the Betty Utter Community Impact Award on behalf of two people who have shaped music education for Hawai‘i for nearly four decades: Maestro Lance Jo and Maestro Henry Miyamura.
The Betty Utter Community Impact Award is presented by The League of American Orchestras, of which Hawai‘i Youth Symphony is a proud member. It’s a national honor celebrating changemakers who go above and beyond to inspire young musicians, the perfect way to describe our two visionaries.
Planting the Seeds Before PMI
Maestro Miyamura’s story began at Hawai‘i Youth Symphony, where he served as Music Director for 33 years. According to those who knew him, he was relentless…relentlessly kind, encouraging, and committed to pushing his students “beyond, beyond.” He didn’t just teach music, he taught students to believe in themselves.
Maestro Jo’s journey took him to Baldwin High School where he served as band director for 36 years. He didn’t stop there, he co-founded the Maui Youth Philharmonic Orchestra because he saw a gap: young musicians who wanted more, deserved more, and needed a place to dream big.
While our maestros came from two different islands and two different schools, they shared one vision: music should matter. Young people should have mentors, and excellence should be accessible.
The Dream: Pacific Music Institute
In 1987, Maestro Jo and Maestro Miyamura did something bold: they created Pacific Music Institute. It was a summer intensive where students from across Hawai‘i could come together, work with top music educators, and discover what they were capable of.
When we think about this…the year 1987…it induces awe. There was no social media to spread the word. There was no internet or email to coordinate logistics. Just two maestros who believed so deeply in the power of music that they made it happen.
PMI in 1987 wasn’t fancy or exclusive, it was accessible (which was the whole point). A summer where a student from a school in a rural area could work alongside a student from a private school in Honolulu. Where a shy kid could find their voice. Where a talented musician could be challenged to grow. Where friendship and music happened simultaneously and inseparably.
Year after year they kept showing up, building something bigger than themselves.
What They Built
Each year PMI grew. More students came, more faculty signed on, and the program expanded from one location to multiple venues. Today, PMI offers chamber music, jazz, and ‘ukulele alongside traditional orchestral learning. We welcome students across the Hawaiian Islands and beyond. We welcome faculty from around the world who are top in their crafts. We offer a variety of small ensemble, large ensemble, and performance opportunities. But the core mission hasn’t changed: music is for everyone.
Randy Wong, President and CEO of Hawai‘i Youth Symphony (and PMI alumnus) describes what Maestro Jo and Maestro Miyamura created: “When youth get to the point of expressing themselves musically, they become more benevolent as people. Leadership and dedication run deep in the hearts of both Mr. Jo and Mr. Miyamura, and their passion for influencing young people has benefitted so many over the years.”
A National Recognition
Returning to the Betty Utter Community Impact Award, we love knowing it was specifically created to honor changemakers just like Maestro Jo and Maestro Miyamura; they embodied this vision completely. This award is recognition of what they did 40 years ago and, most meaningfully, what they continue to do through PMI today.
In a world that sometimes treats music as a privilege for the talented few, our Maestros said no, music is essential. They were ahead of their time. And now, nearly four decades later, their vision is more important than ever.
The Legacy Continues
PMI has completed over 35 summers. We enroll more students and welcome more faculty than ever. Our reach extends further and our impact is deeper. But we continue to operate on the foundation that Maestro Jo and Maestro Miyamura laid down: music changes lives and Hawai‘i’s keiki are worth the investment.
Mahalo to our Maestros for imagining a Hawai‘i where music is a right.