Summary: The Barry Sax Show<br> <br> Todd Yukumoto is lecturer of Saxophone at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa where he teaches applied saxophone and directs the University of Hawai’i Saxophone Choir. He is also saxophonist in the Royal Hawaiian Band, the only full-time municipal band in the United States. <br> <br> Todd received a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Music Education from the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa and went on to receive a Master’s degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied with world-renowned classical saxophonist Harvey Pittel.<br> <br> He has performed with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Civic Orchestra, the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra and as a versatile jazz musician, also performs with local and visiting artists. He has played regularly with the well-known Hawaiin rock band, Kalapana and has released several commercial recordings. <br> <br> Todd founded the not-for-profit Hawaii Saxophone Foundation with a mission to raise the level of awareness and education of the saxophone (with the emphasis to classical music) in Hawaii.<br> <br> Show Notes: Band was very popular in school and I loved it. There were not many teachers available to start with. Originally I wanted to be a band director. Studying with Harvey Pittel and his influence in Hawaii. Hearing the West Point Band saxophone quartet. The importance of being flexible as a player. If it involves the saxophone, I'm happy. In music, you need as many life experiences as possible. Taking care of business. Focus on what is at hand at the time. Day job with the Royal Hawaiian Band. Practise routines for a busy lifestyle. Playing without tension for a long healthy career. Developing a career without a plan. The importance of working with composers. Being isolated on an island. The more experiences you get for yourself, the more you have to offer. Great, melodic, beautiful saxophone playing should always be with us.
