Maui Community Orchestra Has Filed with the Hawaii DCCA: Meet Our Founding Board and Get Ready for Season 3

By Roy Binder, Director and President

Aloha, Maui!

We have some exciting news to share. Maui Community Orchestra has submitted its Articles of Incorporation to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), and our filing is currently pending approval. Once confirmed, we will be a formally recognized Hawaii nonprofit corporation and on our way to full 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS.

For those of you who have been with us since the beginning, this is a big moment. For those who are just finding us, welcome. Here is what this means, who is leading the charge, and how you can be part of what we are building.

What Does This Filing Mean for MCO?

In short, it means we are serious, and we are here to stay. Once approved, Maui Community Orchestra will be able to accept charitable donations, apply for grants, enter into formal partnerships, and build a long-term organizational structure to serve Maui for generations to come.

This is the foundation that will let us keep doing what we love, bringing free, high-quality orchestral music to every corner of Maui County, for years to come.

Meet Our Founding Board of Directors

Every strong organization needs people who believe in its mission and are willing to put in the work to make it real. We are incredibly fortunate to have found exactly that in our founding board.

Roy Binder, President

You probably already know Roy as Maui Community Orchestra's founder, Director, and one of our three conductors. He also leads Maui School for Strings, where he has spent years nurturing local musical talent. Roy submitted the Articles of Incorporation and serves as the organization's registered agent, putting his name, address, and commitment on the line for this community.

Ginny Morgan, Vice President

Ginny is a professional musician, retired math teacher, and paleontologist who brings both artistic perspective and scholarly depth to MCO's leadership. Her understanding of how communities preserve and share their culture makes her an ideal guide for where this orchestra is headed.

Nicki Barsamian, Secretary

Many of you already know Nicki as our Librarian, the person who makes sure your music is in your hands every rehearsal. A cellist, local artist, and teacher, Nicki brings that same dedication and care to her role on the board. MCO runs smoother because of her.

Tiffany Winn, Treasurer

Tiffany is a Maui business owner who understands what it takes to build something lasting. As Treasurer, she will make sure our finances are managed with care and transparency so every dollar goes toward making music for this community.

Mickey Gautney, Director at Large

Mickey is one of our three conductors and you have seen him on the podium, and now he is at the table too. As Director at Large, he makes sure that the artistic heart of Maui Community Orchestra stays front and center in every decision the board makes.

Season 3 Starts July 6, Join Us

Our 2026 to 2027 season kicks off on Monday, July 6, and we would love to have you with us. Rehearsals are every Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at St. Anthony School Band Room, 1618 Lower Main St, Wailuku. This season features two free public concerts at St. Anthony Church:

• 3rd Annual Halloween Concert, October 2026. Costumes required! Featuring our beloved keiki parade and family-friendly programming.

• Spring Concert, May 2027. Aloha casual, celebrating the season with beautiful music and warm island spirit.

  
  

Both concerts are completely free and open to all. No tickets, no reservations, just great music for everyone on Maui.

Musicians Wanted

Are you a musician who has been thinking about joining an orchestra? Maui Community Orchestra is open to musicians ages 14 and above. Adult string players may join without audition. Wind, brass, and percussion players and high school students should contact Roy for audition details at roy@mauischoolforstrings.com or 808-419-6447.

Whether you played in school and drifted away, or you have been waiting for an ensemble that felt welcoming, this is your orchestra. We mean it when we say you belong here.

Thank You

None of this happens without this community. Every member who shows up to rehearsal, every audience member who comes to a concert, every person who believes that live music belongs to everyone on this island, you are the reason Maui Community Orchestra exists. We cannot wait to see you on July 6.

Mahalo nui loa, Roy Binder Director and President, Maui Community Orchestra roy@mauischoolforstrings.com 808-419-6447 mauischoolforstrings.com