{"id":324,"date":"2026-09-18T20:02:39","date_gmt":"2026-09-19T06:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/?p=324"},"modified":"2026-09-18T20:02:39","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T06:02:39","slug":"prepare-perform-grow-the-14th-annual-kris-fuchigami-ukulele-contest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/2026\/09\/18\/prepare-perform-grow-the-14th-annual-kris-fuchigami-ukulele-contest\/","title":{"rendered":"Prepare, Perform, Grow: The 14th Annual Kris Fuchigami \u02bbUkulele Contest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"663\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_5211-663x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_5211-663x1024.jpeg 663w, https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_5211-194x300.jpeg 194w, https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_5211-767x1186.jpeg 767w, https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_5211-994x1536.jpeg 994w, https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_5211-1325x2048-1.jpeg 1325w, https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_5211-scaled.jpeg 1656w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 663px) 100vw, 663px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practicing for hours in your bedroom or living room is a huge part of becoming a better musician. But sometimes, practicing without a concrete goal can leave you feeling a little directionless. Having a real reason to prepare\u2014a date on the calendar where you will step onto a stage and share your hard work\u2014completely changes how you play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is exactly why the <strong>14th Annual Kris Fuchigami Ukulele Contest<\/strong> is such a fantastic opportunity for players here in Hawai\u02bbi. Whether you are one of my students at Kapena School of Music or Four Strings \u02bbUkulele Studio, or just a local player looking to take the next step, this event is built to give you a positive, supportive platform to showcase your dedication.  I gotta warn you though, this contest is on Hawai\u02bbi Island, so it would require jumping on an airplane for most of you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I recently caught up with Kris to get all the details for this year\u2019s event. Here is everything you need to know to get ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Event at a Glance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What:<\/strong> 14th Annual Kris Fuchigami Ukulele Contest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>When:<\/strong> Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Where:<\/strong> Queen\u2019s Marketplace, Waik\u014dloa, Hawai\u02bbi Island<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost:<\/strong> 100% Free to enter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Emcee:<\/strong> Pomai Bartolome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who Can Enter?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The contest is open to a wide range of ages and features two main divisions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kids Division:<\/strong> Ages 5\u201314<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adult Division:<\/strong> Ages 15+<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Performance Rules<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This contest focuses heavily on pure, acoustic \u02bbukulele playing. Each contestant will perform:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>One song<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>100% Instrumental<\/strong> (no singing allowed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maximum of six minutes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, to keep the focus on raw playing ability, <strong>no backing tracks<\/strong> and <strong>no effects pedals<\/strong> (loopers, reverb, delay, distortion, etc.) are allowed. It\u2019s just you and your \u02bbukulele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Judging Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judges (who will be announced shortly) will be looking at five specific areas. Knowing these criteria is the best way to shape your practice sessions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Technique<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clarity<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Originality<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stage Presence<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overall Playing Ability<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prizes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thanks to a great lineup of sponsors (including KTA Super Stores, Uke Like The Pros, Terry Carter Music Store, Leolani Ukulele, Ukeverse, Kamaka Ukulele, and Queen\u2019s Marketplace), there are some amazing prizes on the line. Giveaways will include a Kamaka \u02bbukulele, a Leolani \u02bbukulele, gift cards to KTA and Uke Like The Pros, Ukeverse merchandise, and Kris Fuchigami albums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Vision Behind the Contest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This isn&#8217;t just a competition; it&#8217;s a community event. I asked Kris what the contest means to him and what he hopes players get out of the experience. His answer really gets to the heart of why I encourage my students to participate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI started this contest hoping to give today\u2019s ukulele players something positive to prepare for and look forward to. I know how difficult it is to practice countless hours with no end goal, feedback, or support. This ukulele contest was created to be a place where players can come together and enjoy being among people who share the same passion\u2014a place for ukulele players to gain experience getting on stage and performing, and a place where they can be spotlighted and recognized for all of their hard work.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Register<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Registration is completely free. To sign up, you just need to provide your Name, Age, Email, Contact Number, and Performance Song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can find the sign-up details at <strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/krisfuchigami.com?utm_source=gemini\">krisfuchigami.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the best things about this contest is its accessibility: <strong>there is no hard registration deadline<\/strong>. Kris confirmed that contestants can register right up until the day of the event, ensuring nobody is turned away if they find the courage to step up at the last minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the best things about this contest is its accessibility: <strong>there is no video audition or pre-screening process, and<\/strong> <em>there is no hard registration deadline<\/em>. Kris confirmed that contestants can register right up until the day of the event&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Preparation Advice for My Students<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are planning to enter, here is how I suggest you approach your practice over the next few weeks, keeping the judges&#8217; criteria in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Choose clarity over speed:<\/strong> Pick a piece you can play cleanly under pressure. Playing a beautiful, well-paced arrangement flawlessly will always score better than rushing through a difficult piece and making mistakes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make it your own:<\/strong> Originality is on the scorecard. Think about your musical phrasing and personal interpretation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practice the whole performance:<\/strong> Don&#8217;t just practice the song. Practice walking out, setting up, tuning, introducing yourself, and playing from beginning to end without stopping.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nail down your techniques:<\/strong> If your arrangement relies on specific strumming patterns\u2014like a triplet strum or a syncopated rhythm\u2014make sure they are locked in and consistent so you don&#8217;t have to overthink them on stage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep it unplugged:<\/strong> Since effects and backing tracks aren&#8217;t allowed, make sure your arrangement sounds full and convincing completely acoustic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Watch the clock:<\/strong> Ensure your piece sits comfortably under that six-minute maximum so you aren&#8217;t rushing the ending.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do mock performances:<\/strong> Play for your family, your friends, or even set up your phone and record yourself. Get used to the feeling of an audience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taking the stage can feel intimidating, but simply making the decision to enter gives you a concrete goal to work toward. You&#8217;ll gain real stage experience, get to hang out with other \u02bbukulele players, and grow tremendously as a musician along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I hope you make it to Waik\u014dloa! Give my aloha to Kris and Keiko!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Practicing for hours in your bedroom or living room is a huge part of becoming a better musician. But sometimes, practicing without a concrete goal can leave you feeling a little directionless. Having a real reason to prepare\u2014a date on the calendar where you will step onto a stage and share your hard work\u2014completely changes [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":326,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-announcement"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=324"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/324\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":328,"href":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/324\/revisions\/328"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fourstringsukulelestudio.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}