Harold Takeo Higa

HAROLD TAKEO HIGA

Was born on February 23, 1922 and passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 14, 2008. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Matsue Motoki Higa, who serenaded him daily with sweet love songs; daughters: Helen Higa, Carol Harlos, Mary Honda, and Judy Sweet; sons-in-law, Steven Harlos, Michael Honda, and Sean Sweet; and grandchildren, Jonathan and Rachel Harlos, Mike and Scott Honda, and Ryan and Jamie Sweet. He is also survived by his older brother, Walter Higa, along with many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Harold was born and raised on a Maui plantation in Paia and was a proud U.S. veteran of WWII who served as an interpreter during the Iwo Jima campaign. The GI Bill enabled him to complete his studies at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, receiving Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Composition and Musicology. He then came back to Hawaii to devote his life to building a rich and varied musical life here in the islands.

Mr. Higa spent a lifetime dedicated to the musical education of Hawaii's youth. He was a public school educator, helping to develop string programs and teaching music at several elementary schools, Kaimuki and Kalakaua Intermediate Schools, Farrington High School and the University of Hawaii Lab School. In 1966 he founded the Hawaii Junior Youth Symphony and served as a writer for the Hawaii Curriculum Center. Other professional services included Associate Professor of Education for the University of Hawaii, where he mentored many young music teachers as well as countless students. He also served as president of numerous local and national professional music educators' associations. He was aptly named "The Islands' Music Man" by Star Bulletin's Lois Taylor, and his story could be called "Mr. Higa's Opus".

Mr. Higa also played tuba in the Royal Hawaiian Band and the Honolulu Symphony. During his tenure as Education Director with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, the symphony received national awards for its educational outreach to children. After retiring from his duties with the HSO, Mr. Higa continued to teach private students using his own unique and constantly evolving blend of theory and piano instruction.

His sense of humor, creativity, love of learning, devotion to his family and friends, dedication to music, and to the art of teaching will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008, Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel. Visitation from 4:30-5:30pm; Memorial Service at 5:30pm. Aloha attire. Private inurnment.