About Our Orchestra
The mission of the Kauaʻi ʻŌpio and Keiki Orchestra (KOKO) is to provide free quality music education for the people of Kauaʻi that is accessible and diverse, through orchestral string lessons. None of the public schools on Kauaʻi are able to offer string classes. This ensemble provides an opportunity for students to learn to play orchestral strings. We currently have a program through the Boys and Girls Club in Lihūʻe and Kapa'a as well as offering a community-based PreK Violin program, currently located in Kapa'a and Kalaheo. KOKO is directed by music educator, Megan Lawson. KOKO is part of the Kauaʻi Association for Music Education.
Our Director
Megan Lawson is a talented and dedicated educator. She has spent fifteen years teaching privately and in the classroom in the USA and China. In New York, NY and in Los Angeles, CA she taught with Education Through Music, Inc. (ETM) and Education Through Music – Los Angeles (ETM-LA). During graduate school and while working for ETM-LA she organized an after-school orchestra program, several educational professional development workshops, and artistic festivals. Her educational focus involves engaging younger and older audiences to experience art and creativity on communal and multi-cultural levels that encompass the American identity. Through her experience as a teacher she has developed the skills to not just improve students’ musical technique, but to engage their creative and artistic processes through the organization of musical performances.
Lawson is the Manager for the nationally performing music group Desperado Orchestra. Through Desperado Orchestra Music Education (DOME), she also runs educational programs, teaching groups, and private lessons. She has conducted with Hawai'i Children's Theater, teaches violin at Koloa Elementary, and has previously taught at Alaka'i Ō Kaua'i, 'Ele'ele Elementary and with Kauaˋi Parks and Recreations youth programs.
BFA, Sarah Lawrence College
MFA, California Institute of the Arts
Lawson is the Manager for the nationally performing music group Desperado Orchestra. Through Desperado Orchestra Music Education (DOME), she also runs educational programs, teaching groups, and private lessons. She has conducted with Hawai'i Children's Theater, teaches violin at Koloa Elementary, and has previously taught at Alaka'i Ō Kaua'i, 'Ele'ele Elementary and with Kauaˋi Parks and Recreations youth programs.
BFA, Sarah Lawrence College
MFA, California Institute of the Arts
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Email:
[email protected] Address: Kauaʻi Association for Music Education attn: Kauaʻi ʻOpio and Keiki Orchestra P.O. Box 3660 Lihue, HI 96766 Programs: There are programs in Kapa'a at All Saints' Preschool, 'Ohana Christian Fellowship and Boys and Girls Clubhouse of Kapa'a, Boys and Girls Clubhouse of Lihue, Kalaheo Missionary Church and Boys and Girls Clubhouse of Waimea. Students Served: We currently serve 70 students and provide instruments and instruction at no cost to the parents, or schools. Sponsorships: We are currently and previously sponsored by: Mokihana Club Po'ipu Rotary Club D'Addario Foundation Corteva Foundation Lion's Club of Kapa'a |
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