Directors
Ms. Elizabeth Baker
Elizabeth Baker serves as the Choir Director and 'Ukulele teacher at 'Ilima Intermediate School. She graduated with her Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education - Music from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa where she studied voice with Dr. Martina Bingham.
Professionally, Ms. Baker serves: the Hawaiʻi Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA-HI) as both the K-8 Repertoire and Resource Co-Chair, the Western Region of ACDA as the Social Media and Communications Coordinator, and the Hawaiʻi Music Educators Association as the Social Media Committee Chair. Ms. Baker is a member of the American Choral Directors Association. the National Association for Music Education, and the Hawaiʻi Music Educators Association.
Around the island, you can find her singing with Nā Wai Chamber Choir - an ensemble dedicated to the preservation, propagation, and innovation of Hawaiian choral music, under the direction of Dr. Jace Saplan. When she's not singing, Ms. Baker enjoys going to the beach, hanging with her dogs, and finding new places to get ramen, sushi, and boba (but probably not all at once).
Mr. Richard Akamine
Richard Akamine serves as the Band Director at 'Ilima Intermediate School. He graduated with his Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education - Music from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is currently back at his alma mater pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Education.
Prior to coming to 'Ilima Intermediate School, Mr. Akamine worked in Hilo at Waiākea High School, where he taught courses in band, choir, ʻukulele, and music appreciation. Professionally, Mr. Akamine serves as the President-Elect for the Hawaiʻi Music Educators Association. Mr. Akamine is a member of the Oʻahu Band Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, and Hawaiʻi Music Educators Association.
When heʻs not playing music, Mr. Akamine enjoys bowling, tennis, watching sports, and eating too much sushi.
Previous Directors
Aoi Shinagawa
Tori Kawasaki
Gregg Akamine
Andrew Ching
Keanuenue "Nue" Hayashi
Jonathan Holmes
Glenn Mayeda
Lee Ikeda
Cathy Lagrimas
Wallace "Wally" Kumura