Arts

Maui Prep Music

K–12 Music

Music Every Step of the Way

From first rhythms in Kindergarten to band, piano and voice in the Upper School, music at Maui Prep is hands-on, collaborative and rooted in the island tradition of playing together.

Explore the Program Upcoming Performances

List of 4 items.

1st

Grade when every student gets a ukulele on loan
2x

Weekly band rehearsals
4

Lower School performances a year
K–12

Music in every grade

K–12 Music Curriculum

From First Rhythms to the Stage

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Kindergarten

Foundations of Rhythm and Music

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

Rhythm patterns and tempo
Listening and call-and-response exercises
Movement and coordination with music
Drums, sticks, shakers and other percussion
Note values and simple rhythm reading

Lower School students playing ukulele on stage

Grades 1–5

Lower School Ukulele Program

Beginning in first grade, every student receives a school ukulele on loan for the year, so they can practice in class and at home and grow into confident, independent musicians.

Throughout the program, students learn:

Proper technique and posture
Chord shapes and transitions
Strumming patterns and rhythmic accuracy
Reading tablature and chord charts
Ensemble playing and listening
Singing while they play

Each year students take on more advanced songs and perform together at school events.

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Middle & Upper School · X-Block Elective

Band

Band meets twice a week and welcomes every level, from first-time players to experienced musicians. Students play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals.

Through rehearsals, students develop:

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

The band performs at Arts Night for the whole Maui Prep community.

Students singing and playing guitar at a school performance

Middle & Upper School Elective

Piano and Voice

Part of the Performing Arts Elective, these classes build musicianship for both solo work and musical theater. Middle School students get about 90 minutes of instruction a week, and Upper School students meet for 50 minutes weekly.

Students develop:

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

Classes are taught by Sarah Gowans, Musical Director of Maui Prep’s theater productions.

Why Music

More Than Notes on a Page

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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.

Meet the Team

Music Faculty

Music Program Lead

Reuben Pali

Reuben is a Lahaina-born musician and educator who grew up in a musical Hawaiian family, where kanikapila, informal gatherings to play and sing together, was part of daily life.

When he noticed fewer keiki growing up with that tradition, he began gathering donated ukuleles and teaching local children. Through Maui Music Mission, he has since taught music to hundreds of children across Maui.

At Maui Prep, Reuben brings that same spirit to the classroom: strong musicianship and the joy of playing music together.

Musical Director

Sarah Gowans

Sarah teaches piano and voice and 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.

She 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.

Facilities

Where Music Happens

List of 4 items.

Music Room
Rehearsal Studio

The rehearsal studio, located on the main Maui Prep campus, is a multipurpose room devoted to the drama 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