The Directors
From left to right:
Mr. Thomas Kamisato, Mr. Kent Sato,
Principal Mr. Gerald Suyama,
Highlands Band Director Mr. Boniface Leong,
Boise State University Band Director Dr. David Wells,
Standford Masada,
Mr. Michael Nakasone
Mr. Michael Nakasone
Voted Hawaii's Teacher of the Year in 1996, Mr. Nakasone had previously taught at Wailua Intermediate,
and Mililani High School before settling in at Pearl City High School. Leading the Wind I and Marching band,
Mr. Nakasone has made the band into what it is today. Mr. Nakasone has been with the band for 21 years now.
Mr. Thomas Kamisato
Mr. Kamisato is a graduate from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is an excellent trumpet
player. Teaching Pearl City's Wind Ensemble II as well as the Marching band, Mr. Kamisato
gives new meaning to the term music to the band. His unique teaching style is responsible
for the band's excellent playing style on the field. Mr. Kamisato has been with the Pearl City band for 14 years now.
Mr. Kent Sato
Having previously teaching at Kalaheo High School, Mr. Sato is the newest addition to the Pearl City
directors. Having only been with the band for two years now, Mr. Sato heads Pearl City's Symphonic Band and
aids the marching band. Also a graduate from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Mr. Sato plans many of the band's functions.
Mr. Boniface Leong
Mr. Leong is the band director of the Highlands Intermediate Symphonic Band, where many of Pearl City's
band students originate from. Also known for being an excellent band, the band has been awarded the Sulder
Cup Award, the highest award an intermediate band can achieve. The band has also performed at our nation's capital
and has been known to play some of the most difficult grades of music. Mr. Leong is personally responsible for Pearl City's
excellent musicians because he sets down the foundation for the students. As quoted by Mr. Michael Nakasone, Pearl City's Band Director,
"As long as Mr. Leong is at Highlands, we have nothing to worry about. We will always have excellent students."
Mr. Stanford Masada
Mr. Standford Masada, a trombonist from the Royal Hawaiian Band, teaches Pearl City's Lower Brass instrument players.
Also a graduate from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Mr. Masada volunteers his time to the band and it's students.
Mr. Rodney Uyehara
Mr. Rodney Uyehara (shown below), also a member in the Royal Hawaiian Band, teaches the Pearl City Drumline and Stage bands in his spare time.
Mr. Marc Villanueva
Mr. Marc Villanueva (not shown here), in his spare time, helps out Pearl City's color guard and creates their routine.
Mr. Rodney Uyehara and "Best Marcher" Kristi Lopez, a percussionist.
