Arts

Maui Prep Music

K-12 Music Curriculum

Kindergarten: Foundations of Rhythm and Music

Kindergarten students begin their musical journey through percussion and rhythmic exploration. These classes focus on developing a strong musical foundation through movement, listening, and hands-on instruments.

Students explore:

Rhythm patterns and tempo
Listening and call-and-response exercises
Movement and coordination with music
Basic percussion instruments such as drums, sticks, and shakers
Introductory music theory, including note values and rhythm patterns

These early experiences build the fundamental musical skills that support instrumental learning in later grades.

Lower School Ukulele Program (Grades 1–5)

Beginning in first grade, students participate in Maui Prep’s Ukulele Program, a cornerstone of the Lower School music curriculum.

Each student is provided with a school ukulele on loan for the academic year, allowing them to practice both in the classroom and at home. This unique program encourages consistent skill development and gives students the opportunity to build confidence as independent musicians.

Throughout the program, students learn:

Proper ukulele technique and posture
Chord shapes and transitions
Strumming patterns and rhythmic accuracy
Reading tablature and chord charts
Ensemble playing and musical listening
Singing while accompanying themselves on the ukulele

Students progress each year to more advanced playing, expanding both their technical abilities and musical repertoire.

Lower School music students perform regularly throughout the year, including:

Halloween Assembly
Holiday Highlights
May Day Celebration
Arts Night

These performances give students the opportunity to sing and play together as an ensemble while developing stage confidence and musical expression.

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Middle and Upper School Band (X-Block Elective)

Students in Middle and Upper School who wish to continue their musical development may participate in Band, offered as an X-Block elective that meets twice per week.

The band program welcomes students of all experience levels, from beginners discovering their first instrument to more experienced musicians looking to refine their performance skills.

Students may perform on:

Guitar
Bass
Drums
Keyboard
Vocals

Through collaborative rehearsals, students develop:

Instrumental technique and musicianship
Ensemble collaboration and listening skills
Stage presence and live performance experience
Musical interpretation and creativity

The band performs at Arts Night, providing students with an exciting opportunity to showcase their work for the Maui Prep community.

Piano and Voice Electives

Middle and Upper School students may also elect to study piano and voice as part of their Performing Arts Elective, developing the foundational musical skills that support both individual musicianship and musical theater performance.

Middle School students receive approximately 90 minutes of instruction per week, while Upper School students participate in 50-minute weekly classes.

Students develop:

Basic piano technique and keyboard literacy
Reading musical notation
Pitch accuracy and musical phrasing
Ensemble singing and performance preparation

These classes are taught by Sarah Gowans, Musical Director of Maui Prep’s theatre productions, who works closely with students performing in the school’s musical theatre program.

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Facilities

Music classes take place in Maui Prep’s dedicated music classroom, equipped with a variety of instruments and sound equipment that support both instruction and rehearsal.

Students also perform in the Bozich Center for Athletics and Performing Arts, as well as on the school’s outdoor performance stage during major events such as Arts Night and May Day.
Performance Opportunities
Performance is an important part of the music experience at Maui Prep. Students regularly work toward performances throughout the year, developing both their musical skills and confidence on stage.
Music students perform at:
- Halloween Assembly
- Holiday Highlights
- May Day Celebration
- Arts Night
These performances allow students to share their work with the school community while experiencing the excitement of performing as part of an ensemble.
What Students Gain
Through their study of music, Maui Prep students develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom, including:
- Musical literacy and instrumental technique
- Rhythm and listening skills
- Confidence performing in front of an audience
- Collaboration and ensemble teamwork
- Creativity and artistic expression
- Discipline and perseverance
These experiences help students grow as musicians while developing confidence and leadership that supports success across all areas of learning.

Reuben Pali

The music program at Maui Preparatory Academy is led by Reuben Pali, a Lahaina-born musician and educator dedicated to sharing the joy of music with the next generation.

Reuben grew up in a musical Hawaiian family where kanikapila — informal gatherings where friends and family play and sing together — was a central part of daily life. As a child in Lahaina, it was common to see keiki carrying ukuleles everywhere, playing music together on the beach or along the road.

As an adult, Reuben noticed that fewer children were experiencing this tradition. Determined to help restore this cultural connection, he began gathering donated ukuleles and inviting local children to learn music together. What began as a small gathering quickly grew into dozens of keiki learning to play together outdoors.

Through his work with Maui Music Mission, Reuben has helped teach music to hundreds of children across Maui, inspiring young musicians to discover confidence, creativity, and connection through music.

At Maui Prep, Reuben brings this same spirit into the classroom, helping students develop musicianship while experiencing the joy of playing music together as a community.

Sarah Gowans

Sarah Gowans serves as Musical Director for Maui Prep’s theater productions. She brings years of experience working with children and teens in singing, choir, and performance.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Utah State University and an Associate of Science in Elementary Education from Ricks College. Her background in child development and education informs her approach to teaching drama and vocal performance.

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Theater Studio

The theater studio, located on the main Maui Prep campus, is a multipurpose room devoted to the drama, music and dance.
Chin Studio at the Bozich Center

The Chin Studio is a multi-purpose room primarily used as a dance studio in the Bozich Center. The room features wall-to-wall mirrors, portable ballet barres, and a luxury sprung dance floor.
Graham Theater at the Bozich Center

The Graham Theater, part of the Bozich Center, is the main stage for Maui Prep productions