Chadwick Kamei, Director of Bands
Mr. Chadwick Kamei became a member of the staff in 2005, and appointed to Director of Bands in Summer 2006. Mr. Kamei received his MA in Music Education (2009), Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Education in Music from the University of Hawaii (2002). Mr. Kamei has studied wind conducting under such esteemed conductors as Jerry Junkin, Scott Hannah, Robert Carnochan, Richard Floyd, Thomas Lee, and Grant Okamura. A saxophonist at heart, he studied with such eminent musicians as Todd Yukumoto, Allen Won, William Graves, Todd Oxford, Roger Greenberg, and Harvey Pittel. In March 2009 the Pearl City High School Symphonic Winds performed at the 21st Annual All Japan High School Invitational Wind Band Conference in Hamamatsu, Japan, under the direction of Mr. Kamei. The band received glowing reviews by the judges and band directors noting the blend and balance of our ensemble.
Mr. Kamei currently holds memberships in the Music Educators National Conference, National Band Association, Hawai‘i Music Educators Association, Oahu Band Directors Association, and the Music Teacher’s National Association. In 2010, Mr. Kamei was inducted into the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA), considered to be one of the most prestigious school level band director’s organizations in the nation. For the 2011-2012 school year, he serves as the President of the ASBDA-Hawaii Chapter.
Jeffrey Imamura, Associate Director
Mr. Jeffrey Imamura graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in December 2010. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with emphasis in Secondary Education. During his undergraduate studies, Mr. Imamura was a saxophonist in the prestigious UH Wind Ensemble. He also served the Rainbow Warrior Marching Band and Color Guard as the saxophone section leader and also as a member of the field staff.
Mr. Imamura began his career as an elementary music teacher at Manoa Elementary School in the spring of 2011. This year he joins the Charger staff, directing the marching band, piano classes and the choir program.
Mr. Imamura is currently a member of the Music Educators National Conference.
Christopher F. Lopez, Associate Director/Percussion Instructor
Mr. Christopher Lopez is a proud graduate and alumnus of Pearl City High School. Mr. Lopez participated in the 1989 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 1990 Mid-WestBandand Orchestra Clinic. The band received the Sudler “Flag of Honor” from the John Philip Sousa Foundation during his senior year in 1992. Mr. Lopez received his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Prior to returning “home” as a member of the staff in 2004, Mr. Lopez has taught drums at various schools including Castle High School, Maui High School, Roosevelt High School, Mililani High School, Highlands Intermediate School, Kalakaua Middle School, Jarrett Middle School, and Chuck James Music Studio. Mr. Lopez holds memberships in the Hawaii Music Educators Association and the Oahu Band Directors Association.
