Punahou School juniors Carter Nobuhara ’27 and Kenton Chan ’27 have been selected for two of the nation’s most prestigious high school honor ensembles, placing them among the top young musicians in the country.
Nobuhara was named to the 2026 Jazz Band of America as a vibraphonist, while Chan was selected as an oboist for the 2026 Honor Band of America. Both ensembles performed March 26 – 28 at the Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis, following a highly competitive national audition process.
During the festival, students rehearsed with renowned conductors and guest artists, participated in workshops and collaborated with peers from across the country before culminating in a final concert performance.
For Chan, the experience was both humbling and transformative. “Performing with some of the best musicians in the country was both humbling and inspiring,” he said. “Everyone brought such a high level of passion and energy that it pushed me to grow.”
He emphasized listening as a key takeaway. “Despite how talented everyone was, the focus wasn’t on being heard, but on truly hearing others,” Chan said. “That allowed us to blend more seamlessly and perform at a much higher level. It reinforced for me that listening isn’t just essential in music, but in how we connect and collaborate as people.”
Nobuhara highlighted the opportunity to learn from fellow musicians. “My favorite part of the Music for All National Festival was getting to hear all the really fantastic players of the Jazz Band of America,” he said. “Coming from Hawai‘i, I don’t often get to hear that level of talent, artistry, and technique, so I really enjoyed all of the concerts and rehearsals we had together.”
Their achievements reflect the strength of Punahou’s music program, including the Academy Jazz Band, directed by Sara Wynes. An audition-based ensemble, the group brings together student musicians from across the department each spring. Meeting weekly, the group prepares for performances across campus, including assemblies and school events, while developing ensemble skills and individual artistry.
As an extension of the broader concert band program, the Jazz Band emphasizes musical excellence, collaboration and creativity. Students deepen their understanding of jazz through stylistic study and improvisation, while building confidence, discipline and teamwork in a supportive musical community.
Nobuhara and Chan’s accomplishments highlight the depth of talent at Punahou and the role of programs like Jazz Band in preparing students to perform at the highest level.
Here is the Honor Band full concert recording (Their first part begins at 1:05:55, and the second part at 2:18:02):
Here is the Jazz Band of America full concert recording (Music starts at 1:03:09 and Nobuhara’s solos are at 2:00:45 and 2:16:10):
Click here for more information on upcoming performances.