Arts Education For Children Group AECG

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Arts Education for Children Group is a Non-Profit organization, dedicated to providing opportunities for artistic and cultural enrichment. Additionally AECG is committed to improving the quality of education in our schools by restoring music programs and restoring public awareness about the importance of participation in music and the arts.Arts Education for Children GroupFreda Payne * Bryant Neal * Sheryl Renee * Clay Mortensen * Kathy Collins * Mike Buono * Bob Harrison Brian Cuomo * Adisa Omar * Tongan Choir Reggie Smith * Maui International Gospel Choir & More!

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Aloha and welcome to the AECG website.

Located in beautiful Maui, Hawaii!

Maui Invitational Music Festival

Proudly Welcomes

Freda Payne

Brian Cuomo. Mike Bruno. Bob Harrison

Thursday February 2, 2012

Click here for tickets

Click here for King tribute week festivities

Freda Payne live at Downing-Gross

AECG_FPletter12.30.11.pdf

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About AECG

"Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn."

-Charlie Parker

"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music."

-Aldous Huxley

"Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory."

-Oscar Wilde

"Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart."

-Pablo Casals

"The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing and arithmetic...Music, dance, painting and theater are keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment."

-William Bennett, Former Secretary of U.S. Department of Education

AECG - Who We Are

Founded in 1996, Arts Education For Children Group (AECG ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for artistic and cultural enrichment for the people of Maui. Additionally, AECG is committed to improving the quality of education in our schools by restoring music programs and raising public awareness about the importance of music participation.

AECG has grown from a grassroots, parent-driven effort to enrich their own children’s lives, to a glowing example of a cooperative, community-wide program. A program that addresses a critical need for arts education and after-school activities among Maui’s elementary school aged children. Incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1998, AECG’s mission was dedicated to restoring support for music and arts enrichment programs in Maui’s schools and raising public awareness of the positive impact music and arts participation has on students.

During the early years, AECG developed and operated successful after school arts and cultural enrichment programs at Sacred Hearts School, Pukalani Elementary, Haleakala Waldorf, Emanuel Lutheran, King Kamehameha III, and The West Maui Boys and Girls Club. The after-school programs were developed to offer quality arts enrichment for students whose parents worked during the after-school hours. The goal was to provide a quality arts and cultural enrichment program at the school so parents did not have to leave work to transport their children to art, music, dance, drama, and vocal classes. The students were given help with homework, snacks, and an opportunity to experience a variety of arts and cultural classes which, in many cases, would have been unaffordable for their parents.

The AECG programs initially consisted of three basic components: 1) Daily after-school programs; 2) Day camps on school holidays; and, 3) Summer music and arts enrichment workshops and camps. The main objective of these programs was to expose children to all aspects of the visual and performing arts by creating a positive, nurturing environment -- a place for qualified professionals to share their knowledge and talents and encourage children to explore their own creativity and discover their own artistic talents.

Through the efforts of an active, hands-on Board of Directors and dedicated professional staff, AECG forged partnerships with the Department of Education, local private schools, and youth programs and developed a comprehensive range of arts and music education programs. Annually, these served more than 300 Maui children between the ages of six and ten years old.

AECG progressively expanded availability and number of children served to meet the growing demand and interest in its exciting educational programs.

1998 brought the launch of the “Music and Performing Arts Camp” and in 1999, the “Summer Strings Workshop” series. These two camps offered students hands-on instrument training in keyboards, brass, woodwind instruments and strings as well as instruction in all aspects of the performing arts. Qualified guest faculty from across the U.S. were used to create an all encompassing camp environment where children were encouraged to explore, create, and use their imaginations in constructive ways, allowing them to discover their hidden artistic talents.

In 2003, AECG partnered with other nonprofit community service organizations to sponsor the Nassau Suffolk Performing Arts 2003 Maui Series, a ten day series of workshops and free concerts involving accomplished musicians from one of New York’s most prestigious performing arts groups and local musicians from Maui’s intermediate and high schools. AECG has developed this series into the annual Maui Invitational Band Festival, a unique opportunity for students of all ages and skill levels to learn from acclaimed music professionals in a classroom setting and in concert. (See Story Below)

Another milestone was reached in 2005 with the creation of the first ever Maui Youth Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Iolani Yamashiro.

AECG continues to support the arts through its education programs and special events such as the annual Maui Invitational Band Festival. The organization is invigorated with each new student that participates. It continues to grow and thrive thanks to to support from all aspects of our community including government, educators, performers, businesses, civic groups, foundations, and individuals.

About Our Events

To support our mission, AECG presents exciting educational and entertaining events each year including the Maui Invitational Band Festival, Maui Cultural Diversity Days Celebration, and Black History Month.

Maui Invitational Band Festival

An annual music based cultural/educational experience, the Maui Invitational Band Festival was created in 2003 to provide opportunities for Maui students and residents to study and play alongside world class professionals. The Festival includes workshops, clinics, and concerts that create cultural and artistic exchanges.

Open to vocalists and musicians of all ages, the workshops and clinics are separated by skill level only. Scholarships and tuition subsidies offered by AECG insure that musicians and vocalists of all ages can participate.

Over the years, the Festival has been supported by the County of Maui and Hawaii Tourism Authority along with music educators, performers, businesses, civic groups, foundations, and individuals.

History of the Maui Invitational Band Festival

In 2003, Arts Education for Children Group partnered with other nonprofit community service organizations including The County of Maui and the Hawaii Tourism Authority to sponsor the Nassau Suffolk Performing Arts 2003 Maui Concert Series. The ten day series of workshops and free concerts involved accomplished musicians from one of New York’s most prestigious performing arts groups and local musicians from Maui’s intermediate and high schools.

The series was expanded in 2004 and became the Maui Invitational Band Festival. Participation by music students from Mahidol University’s College of Music in Bangkok, Thailand added an international element to the program.

Building on the success of the previous two years, the 2005 Maui Invitational Band Festival introduced an exciting new component featuring performances and workshops by world-class professional musicians, including New York composer Carl Strommen, well-known jazz vibes percussionist Emil Richards, and popular Hawaiian musician/vocalist, Uluwehi Guerrero.

The Festival grew again in 2006 with the participation of well known and accomplished musicians and clinicians. Emil Richards provided instruction and performed side-by-side with student musicians. The Maui Community Band under the direction of Lisa Owen performed with the Nassau Suffolk Performing Arts wind symphony. It also attracted the interest and participation of the famous Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA), which integrated a Maui-based component into their established summer rhythm camp and concert series. Popular Hawaiian artists were also part of Festival including 2006 Grammy Nominee Raiatea Helm, Peter-Rockford Espiritu and Honolulu’s Tau Dance Theater, Ballroom and Latin dance professional Rita O’Connor, legendary vocalist Emma Veary. slack key guitar virtuoso Henry K. Allen and others who brought students a wealth of experience.

The Fourth Annual Maui Invitational Band Festival held in 2007 again brought accomplished mainland and international instructors to Maui for educational sessions and concerts. The highlight of the festival was the debut of “Haleakala” an original composition by New York Composer Carl Strommen performed by the Maui Community Band. The piece was commissioned by AECG especially for the Festival. Joining Nassau Suffolk Performing Arts Vocal Jazz Ensemble and LAMA, the lineup of instructors included Blues guitarist Colin John and vocalist Sheryl Renee.

Jazz and Blues were featured at the 2008 Festival. Vicki Randle of the Tonight Show Band came to Maui to lead two workshops and perform at free concerts. Colin John returned along with another legendary blues guitarist Michael Hill. Vocalist/actress/playwright Sheryl Renee, Emil Richards and Henry K. Allen also returned to instruct and perform. And, The Maui Community Band under the direction of Lisa Owen performed another original piece commissioned especially for them to play at the Maui Invitational Band Festival entitled “Maui Waltz Medley”. In addition to the clinics, workshops and concerts, informal jam sessions featuring Festival performers and local musicians was held at Cafe Marc Aurel.

Maui Cultural Diversity Days Celebration

The first annual Maui Cultural Diversity Days Celebration was held in January 2008 to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. AECG created the event with the hope that through collaboration of diverse cultural participants, residents and visitors would be educated about the many ethnic groups that make up the Maui community. It is AECG’s belief that it is up to us to pass on traditions and encourage children to honor their ancestors and appreciate the sacrifices and contributions made by those who immigrated to Maui.

Highlighted by the professional stage production of “Sistas and Storytellers”, the Maui Cultural Diversity Days Celebration also included workshops, concerts and a free outdoor festival of cultural performances, ethnic foods and traditional crafts. The original stage production “Sistas and Storytellers” promotes cultural awareness and understanding. It played to sold out audiences on t he Mainland with rave reviews before traveling to Maui. Traditional song and dance were performed by Maui groups representing cultures from around the world including: Filipino , Scottish/Irish, Tahitian, Mexican, African, Hawaiian, and World Beat. The finale of the celebration was the “I Have a Dream” concert which included the Maui Gospel Choir and the stage production of an original work, ”We Shall Overcome”.

Black History Month

A month-long celebration of the accomplishments of African Americans including exhibits and performances. In 2008, the “Stone of Hope” Monument was dedicated. Located at the Maui County Building in Wailuku. The monument is a reminder and a vision for all to enjoy a life of freedom, opportunity, and justice. It honors Dr. King's national and international contributions to humankind, acknowledging his unbridled teachings for achieving social change through non-violent methods. The Stone of Hope reminds the world of his dedication to the idea of achieving human dignity through global relationships, and instill a sense of duty within each of us to be responsible citizens and conscientious stewards of freedom and democracy.

Remember his words, "With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair, A Stone of Hope".

Links

Events

The Maui Invitational Music Festival is presented annually by Arts Education for Children Group (AECG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for artistic and cultural enrichment. The Festival takes place throughout the year and includes a wide variety of concerts, classes, and workshops for music lovers of all ages.

Supported by: County of Maui and Hawaii Tourism Authority

2012 Maui Invitational Music Festival

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Save the Date!

Fourth Annual Henry Kaleialoha Allen Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival

Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 20, 21 & 22, 2012

Master musicians from the around the world come to play in honor of the festivals namesake and to perpetuate the music created on the Hawaiian steel guitar.

This free festival features three days of

performances, concerts, workshops, classes, jam sessions, hands-on activities, arts and crafts, exhibits, demonstrations and more.

Jazz Blues Fest

Jazz and Blues Fest - July 1& 2

A Celebration of America's Original Music Art Forms

Wailuku

Friday, July 1

Jazz About Town

3:30-8pm • Main Street Bistro, 2051 Main Street, Wailuku

Featuring Teri Garrison & Friends and The Usual Suspects

Free Admission

Teri Garrison and Friends perform from 3:30-6pm followed by The Usual

Suspects from 6:30-8pm. Teri Garrison, a longtime resident of Maui,

has a vibrant performing and recording career. She recently returned

from a Midwest road tour opening for Willie Nelson and is releasing

her new CD. Her song the Eyes won this year at Nashvilles Embassy

Music songwriters contest. Joining Teri are pianist Gilbert Emata,

guitarist Benny Uyetake, bassist John Hughes, and drummer Paul

Marchetti. Popular local band, The Usual Suspects led by

percussionist Jimmy C, includes John Ness on guitar, Miguel Sobel on

congas, John Hughes on bass guitar, Brad Canton on drums and Paul

Bunuan on saxophone.

Saturday, July 2

Jazz and Blues Jam

1-4pm • Wailuku Coffee Company, 26 N. Market Street, Wailuku

Free Admission

Cool performances by hot musicians and vocalists.

Saturday, July 2

Jazz and Blues Concert

6:30-10pm • Iao Theater, 68 N. Market Street, Wailuku

Donation Requsted

NEW Slam featuring David Choy has been added to the star-studded line up

at the Jazz and Blues Concert on Saturday, July 2nd.

Popular comedian, actress, and radio personality Kathy Collins

emcees this celebration of Americas original music art forms

starring the High Seas Dixieland Band, The Moonglow All Stars Swing

Band, Manao Radio Orchestra, and The Vince Esquire Band.

The High Seas Dixieland Band specializes in traditional New Orleans

style jazz playing toe-tapping songs like, Do You Know What it Means,

Bill Bailey, Shine, and Bourbon St. Parade. The leader of the band is

well known tuba player Lisa Owen (also the leader of five other

bands) who started this band in 1988. There are still three original

members in the group: Jimmy Coulter, drums; Lisa Owen, tuba; and,

Mickey Felipe, banjo. The other two members are Jerry Eisenberg,

clarinet, and John Zangrando, tenor sax. For this festival the High

Seas Dixieland Band will be joined by Steve Sargenti, an accomplished

freelance musician.

The Moonglow All Stars Swing Band under the direction of Lisa Owen

specializes in swing music from the 40s and 50s, but also has some

Latin, pop, and rock in its repertoire. The band features a full

saxophone section (2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 baritone), trumpets,

trombones, piano, bass, guitar, drums and a vocalist - Louise

Lambert. The name reflects the many Maui stars who play regularly

with the band; appearing at this concert are: John Zangrando, Paul

Marchetti, Bob Harrison, Ed Connors, Joel Goldfarb, Gordon Samuelson,

Jerry Eisenberg, Siuai Lafou.

The Manao Radio Orchestra features Les Adam, Dorothy Betz,Vince

Esquire, Josh Greenbaum, Bob Jones, and Shawn Michael. The all-star,

all-styles, all-volunteer Mana'o Radio Orchestra consists entirely of

Mana'o Radio on-air DJs who are also professional musicians. Bob

Jones combines the skills of guitarist, drummer, vocalist and

songwriter. He played for many years with blues legend Michael

Bloomfield.Dorothy Betz and Les Adam co-wrote much of the MRO's

original material, and contribute their excellent vocals to the mix,

along with Les' killer keys. Together, the Mana'o Radio Orchestra is

a dynamic, explosive band with an incredibly broad spectrum.

The Vince Esquire Band includes Shawn Michael and Josh Greenbaum.

Vince Esquire, one of the most popular guitarists and ukulele players

on the island, has recently returned from a mainland tour as the

opening act for The Gregg Allman Band, and also is the featured

instrumentalist with Kanekoa, Maui's premier Hawaiian contemporary

band. Vince Esquire has been featured with and opened for such music

luminaries as Willie Nelson, the Gregg Allman Band, The Allman

Brothers, Los Lonely Boys, Little Feat, and many more. Drummer Josh

Greenbaum works with The Howard Ahia Band, Gina Martinelli, and many

others, as well as being one of the most sought-after session

drummers on the island.

The Maui Invitational Music Festival is presented annually by Arts

Education for Children Group (AECG), a nonprofit organization

dedicated to providing opportunities for artistic and cultural

enrichment. It is supported by County of Maui Office of Economic

Development and Hawaii Tourism Authority. The Festival takes place

throughout the year and includes a wide variety of concerts, classes,

and workshops for music lovers of all ages.

King Tribute No Frame

2012 Maui Invitational Music Festival

A Musical Tribute to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

AECG_ritz1.19.12.pdf

Click Poster to enlarge

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2012 MAUI INVITATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTS EVENTS IN HONOR OF DR.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

The 2012 Maui Invitational Music Festival presents singer and actress Freda Payne in a musical tribute in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Thursday, February 2, 2012. Pre-show festivities begin at 6:30pm in the McCoy

Courtyard and feature a performance by blended gospel choirs. Vocalists Sheryl Renee and Mauis own Clay Mortensen open the show in the McCoy Studio Theater with Manao Radio personality Kathy Collins

as mistress of ceremonies. Tickets are $30 and are available at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center Box Office or www.MauiArts.org or 808/242- SHOW (7469).

Best known for her 1970 hit single Band of Gold, Payne has also appeared in films, television and Broadway. She has worked with such luminaries as Quincy Jones, Pearl Bailey and Bill Cosby, recorded 21 albums and toured around the world. Her acting credits include stage productions of Aint Misbehavin with Della Reese and movies such as The Nutty Professor II and The Klumps. In 2009 Payne appeared on the popular television show American Idol and sang her multi-million-selling hit, Band of Gold. She joined Kanye West, Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streistand and many more artists in 2010 to record the remake of We Are The World for Haiti Relief.

As a prelude to her concert Ms. Payne invites the public to join her on Wednesday, February 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua at 6:30pm for an intimate evening of talking story about her road to stardom and

beyond. Following Talk Story with Freda Payne, all are invited to attend a gospel choir workshop at 7:30pm. The workshop is led by Minister Reggie Smith. Smith, an ordained minister currently serving as the Minister of Music at the Antioch Baptist Church in Youngstown,

Ohio, is also a producer, lyricist, composer and recording artist. Admission to both appearances is free.

On Friday, February 3 at 5:30pm vocalist Sheryl Renee and Friends accompanied by Brian Cuomo on piano will perform jazz and pop standards in a musical tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. to celebrate Black History Month. Songstress, recording artist, and actress Sheryl

Renee has shared the stage with some of the best musicians in the world and has the ability to cover most styles of music with her three octave range. Last year, she wowed a standing room only crowd at The Ritz with her impersonation of Ella Fitzgerald. The evening

features cabaret-style seating in the Anuenue Room with food and beverage available for purchase.

Mahalo to AECGs supporters for these events: County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Manao Radio, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and SR Productions.

EHMUS

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2011 Maui Invitational Music Festival presents

An Evening of Hawaiian Music Under the Stars

at the Grand Wailea

Friday, April 15, 2011 5PM

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The 2011 Maui Invitational Music Festival presents the Maui Community Band in concert under the stars at the Grand Wailea on Friday, April 15th at 5pm. The public is invited to attend and admission is free.

The concert features a Hawaiian music theme. It begins with a

performance by Maui Invitational Music Festival star student, Gabriel

Goebbert, playing slack key and ukulele followed by popular Hawaiian entertainers, The Tarvin Makia Trio, at 5:30pm.

The Maui Community Band under the direction of Lisa Owen takes the stage at 6pm. The band is premiering an arrangement of Hawaii 5-0 and performing a medley of music by Israel Kamakawiwoole arranged especially for the Maui Invitational Music Festival by Siuai Laufou, Kamehameha School band director.

Originally from American Samoa, Mr. Laufou moved to California at a

young age. There he studied jazz and earned a masters degree in

composition. He is a guest conductor with the Maui Community Band.

Concerts by the Maui Community Band are an annual Maui Invitational Music Festival favorite. Lisa Owen is founder and music director of The Maui Community Band which is comprised of musicians from all walks of life -- doctors, opera singers, car salesmen, bankers, teachers, hotel workers, high school students, and retirees.

The April 15th concert takes place beachfront at The Grand Wailea,

3850 Wailea Alanui in the Wailea Resort. Ample parking is available.

The Maui Invitational Music Festival is presented annually by Arts

Education for Children Group (AECG), a nonprofit organization

dedicated to providing opportunities for artistic and cultural

enrichment. It is supported by Hawaii Tourism Authority, County of

Maui, Office of Economic Development., Office of Hawaiian Affairs,

and West Maui Health Alliance. The Festival takes place throughout

the year and includes a wide variety of concerts, classes, and

workshops for music lovers of all ages.

One of the most popular events of the Maui Invitational Music

Festival is the Henry Kaleialoha Allen Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival

being held April 29, 30 and May 1 at Kaanapali Beach Hotel. This

year Hawaiian steel guitar legend and festival namesake Henry Allen

welcomes accomplished performers from the around the islands and Japan.

Arts Education for Children Group / P.O. Box 10756/ Lahaina, HI. 96761 / (808) 667-2805 / info_aecg.org

Peace Fest

Click here

for PFC Website

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Join in a global day of action that uses the universal power of music to create positive social change.

Maui Aloha Peace Festival 2011

Click here for Artist bio's & links.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

McCoy Studio Theater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center

"The ripples of peace that start here on Maui can spread throughout the world."

Click here for Events Schedules

10 AM - 3 PM • Free Admission

"Playing for Change" Concert 7 :30-10 PM • $15 Admission

Tickets available at Maui Arts & Cultural Center Box Office

or www.MauiArts.org or 242-SHOW (7469).

Link

Click here to purchase tickets

Presented by: Arts Education for Children Group (AECG), a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 dedicated to providing opportunities for artistic and cultural enrichment.

Supported by: County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Manao Radio, Kahului Ale House and Teri Garrison/TYG Music Publishing