Glocal is a combination of the words “global” and “local,” emphasizing the idea of connection. When I tell people I am from Hawai‘i there is always a smile, and it makes for good conversation starters. Mindful travelers from Hawai‘i always seek to spread the Hawaiian aloha spirit through love, connection, and kindness, while maintaining respect for the culture, values, and people they meet in their voyages.
Nā Hopena A‘o (HĀ)
Frameworks provide guidance on how to do things versus standards, which state what should be accomplished. The Hawai‘i Department of Education instituted the framework Nā Hopena A‘o (HĀ) in 2013. Teachers should inform their instruction with six outcomes: Belonging, Responsibility, Excellence, Aloha, Total Well-Being, and Hawai‘i. With the multitude of things teachers need to accomplish, this framework is not meant to be an addition of things to do, but more a way of how to make the class a reflection of your specific subject as it is taught in your specific location. I have also used the Nā Hopena A‘o outcomes to guide me and my orchestra students when traveling out of Hawai‘i. How will we act and behave in another place, while at the same time sharing our Hawaiian culture and values.
Moananuiākea
Established in 1973, the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s current project is Moananuiākea, a term that many Pacific Island cultures used to refer to the ocean on which they travelled. It roughly translates into dark, wide, ocean, and refers to what is known by most as the Pacific Ocean. This global voyage, utilizing traditional Pacific Island voyaging techniques, espouses many global competency ideas. The local and the national are also acknowledged as Pacific Island traditions and ancestors are honored and perpetuated. While I have no intention (at least not yet) of learning about the world via canoe, I am constantly inspired by the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s navigational spirit, and aim to make the world a better place through connection with and learning from the world’s people. I love traveling the world, and especially learning about and participating in the world’s musical and dance traditions.
Connected Arts Network
What appealed to me most when I applied to become a part of the Connected Arts Network (CAN) was the opportunity to be a part of nationwide Professional Learning Community (PLC) where I could learn from others beyond Hawai‘i, enhancing my music pedagogy to better serve my students. I’ve been part of this PLC since January 2024, and look forward to our monthly online meetings.
Daraja Music Initiative
Having had many opportunities to share music in Uruguay, I’ve been inspired to look for international programs where I can serve as a music educator. I found the Daraja Music Initiative, which brings string, woodwind, or general music teachers to Tanzania to teach instrumental or general music classes to school children, as well as to do conservation work, particularly of the African Blackwood tree mpingo. I am seriously contemplating this project for Summer 2026.
Uyehara in Uruguay 