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Ocean Akaka
Doctoral Graduate Assistant 

Ocean Akaka is a Doctoral Graduate Assistant with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Division of Wind Band Studies and serves as the UNLV Wind Orchestra Manager. Akaka is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Band Conducting at UNLV and is a student of Thomas G. Leslie. His duties at UNLV include managing the UNLV Wind Orchestra, teaching undergraduate conducting lessons, and serving as a graduate conductor for the UNLV Brass Ensemble, Community Concert Band, New Horizons Band, and Symphonic Winds. Prior to his current appointment, Akaka also served as a Graduate Assistant with the UNLV Star of Nevada Marching Band and the Runnin’ Rebel Basketball Pep Band.

 

Originally from Hawaiˋi, Akaka was an in-demand educator and clinician with guest conducting appearances and oboe masterclasses at various schools and venues throughout the islands. As an oboist, Akaka served as an Army Bandsman with “Hawaii’s Own” 111th Army Band based out of Pearl City, HI. During his time with The 111th Army Band, in addition to playing the oboe in the concert band, he played trumpet in the rock combo group “Drive On,” euphonium in the ceremonial marching band, and also served as a guest conductor of the concert band. Outside of his duties with the band, Akaka actively served with The Hawaiˋi Army National Guard’s Honor Guard team where he assisted with Military Funeral Honors as a ceremonial team member and live bugler. Akaka’s military decorations include: The Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and The Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal.

 

Akaka holds degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (M.M., Wind Band Conducting) and the University of Hawaiˋi at Mānoa (B.A. Music, Oboe Performance).

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