Congratulations to Kapono Wong ’20 for his outstanding ukulele performance at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, July 27. Kapono's performance was part of the prestigious VSA International Young Musicians Program, which recognizes exceptional young musicians. As one of the four winners, he participated in professional development workshops and received a financial award.
“To be selected this year as one of four musicians in the VSA International Young Musicians Competition and perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., is the highest pinnacle of Kapono’s musical career so far,” said Kapono’s dad Corey Wong. “He is the first from Hawaii. He represents Hawaii and loves sharing what a ukulele can do. This is only the beginning!"
"To be selected as one of four musicians worldwide to perform at the Kennedy Center, it truly is a humbling and honoring experience,” said Kapono Wong. “I not only had the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center but make new connections”
Watch Kapono's performance at The Kennedy Center, which starts at 19:12 in this YouTube video. The other winners were violinist Julia LaGrand, singer/guitarist Téa Ning LaFleur, and pianist Cheuk Him “Anson” Tang.
“I had a rush of adrenaline,” said Kapono as he described what it was like to perform at The Kennedy Center. “The moment I stepped on stage, I knew that I had to represent Hawai’i. Since I only had a 13-minute set, I chose to play “We Will Rock You” by Queen because it’s always fun getting the crowd involved! Assets helped me by teaching me how to advocate for myself and how to learn through the use of accommodations. I appreciate Assets School for always giving me opportunities to learn and perform music. I am truly grateful for the support they have given me throughout my music journey.”
The second song he performed was an original, “Tears for Terra,” which is about appreciation and caring for Mother Earth. Kapono created it for an activism event on climate change. In it, he makes whale, dolphins, and horses galloping sounds with his ukulele. When Kapono performed "Kawika" the audience started clapping to the rhythm.
While in Washington, D.C., Congressman Ed Case gave Kapono and his dad, Corey, a tour of the capital. Kapono gave Congressman Case a personal concert and even let him try a few cords.
Kapono attends Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
Corey said Assets helped Kapono with his musical ambition. He took one general music class and a ukulele class at Assets. In addition, Kapono’s mentorship allowed him to work with the head of the music department at Windward Community College and take a ukulele class there.
“One memorable moment I had during the school’s orientation was when I asked the English teacher, Mrs. Raissle, what she was going to teach,” Corey said. “She replied, 'I don’t know. I first have to see what they need.' I was blown away by her answer because public school’s philosophy tends to be “one shoe fits all.” Mrs. Raissle’s answer was that each individual student has different needs, and she would work with their strengths and weaknesses.”
In elementary school, during an IEP meeting, Kapono’s special ed teacher said he would never go to college.
“It was a real struggle for Kapono in public school, no matter how many IEP meetings we had and all the accommodations they gave him,” Corey said. “He struggled so much that we, as parents, felt hopeless. With Kapono attending the last two years of high school there, Assets changed the direction of his life! As a parent, I appreciate what Assets has done for Kapono.”
Assets showcased Kapono as the featured musician at Illumination 2023 at The Pacific Club along with Assets alumna Imani Colon. Click here to listen to his music throughout the video. Kapono and Imani can be seen at :34