Oli Workshop

Kumu Liko Puha
Skill Level – Intermediate
Early Bird Workshop Fee $130 ($155 after January 31st)

Class Description: 
In this 2-day experiential workshop, participants will delve deeper into the Hawaiian oral tradition perpetuated through mele (poetic texts) as expressed through oli (chant). We will be focusing on strengthening vocalization techniques, mele research, Hawaiian spirituality, studying lesser used chant styles.

As part of the workshop, participants will update individual kīhei using natural or modern materials provided by the instructor. (Note: $5 additional materials fee)

Recommended Preparation

  • Be familiar with the distinctive chant vocalization techniques, their significance when used, and have some experience with the Hawaiian language.
    • Participated in a beginning chant workshop with Kumu Liko.
  • Expect to memorize and chant at least one workshop mele for hōʻike on Sunday.
  • Bring a kīhei we created together or one you would like to update.
    • If you do not have a kīhei, contact me directly.
    • Bring clothing suitable for working with water-soluble paint.
  • Personal audio recording devices encouraged.
  • If you are a hula person, confer with your Kumu Hula before registering for this workshop.

Learner Outcomes
At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to: 1) Recite from memory a mele oli with correct pronunciation, enunciation, and intonation and 2)  Identify the composer, appropriate context, and protocol for each mele oli presented during the workshop.

Kumu Liko Puha is a Native Hawaiian cultural educator. Liko has taught cultural workshops in chant, hula, lei-making, language, philosophy, spirituality, throughout the U.S. and Hawaii.
Liko formally studied Hawaiian chant with Master Chanter and Kumu Hula Dr. Kalena Silva in Hilo, Hawaii. Liko holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hawaiian Studies from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and a Master of Science in Education from California State University East Bay.
He currently works at Santa Rosa Junior College in Distance Education as the Instructional Systems Administrator. He was recently recognized as the Multi-Cultural Educator of the Year for 2018.

Tahitian Drumming

Instructor: Kris Lee Skill Level – Beginning through Intermediate Early Bird Workshop Fee $130 ($155 after January 31st).

Class Description: A thorough walk-through of each instrument and its role – introduction to the approach of each instrument and technique of how to strike properly – brief walk thru in the language as it pertains to the topic of the music of ori tahiti -introducing some pehe to play in the traditional approach -breakdown of the parts of oro’oro to a moderate level using the pehe to cteate todays sound.

Class requirements:

  • drum of choice limited to: toere/fa’atete/tairi parau/pahu tupai rima
  • stick to accompany drum
  • chair/stool
  • notebook and writing tool

-Please note: There will be a limited number of tōʻere, tairi pārau, faʻatete and pahu tūpaʻi rima available for student use during the workshop. Bring yours if you have one.

Kris Lee has been an active musician competitor and performer in the world of Ori Tahiti for over 20 years. Starting in Hawaii and moving to California, thru the years he has honed his craft not only in playing but also in the language, historical context, variations of techniques, and fabrication of instruments thru learning from many of Tahiti’s greats! He has, in his years performed on stage in the Heiva I Tahiti with groups such as Heikura Nui, Fare Ihi no Huahine, and Hura Tahiti Nui. He has since taken a role in teaching here locally with his group O Hinaaro Nui and traveling abroad thru Mexico and Japan. Being of true Tahitian ancestry it is his mission to share his culture with any and all willing to take the time to learn drum and music.