Jace Kaholokula Saplan

Founder, Nā Wai Chamber Choir

Hawaiʻi

Jace Kaholokula Saplan is the founder and artistic director of Nā Wai Chamber Choir, an ensemble dedicated to Hawaiian music preservation, propagation, and innovation. The organization mentors Native Hawaiian musicians, educators, and composers. Since its inception, the choir has offered workshops and community concerts throughout the Hawaiian islands and created resources for music educators across the country who want to teach Hawaiian music in an informed way. Jace also serves as an assistant professor, director of choral activities, and director of the Hawaiian Music Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. As a Kanaka Maoli leader, educator, and artist, they are committed to empowering communities through decolonial practices to maintain their agency and engage with each other in meaningful ways across their cultural differences, and to ensure the survival of Native stories. Jace is passionate about the power of communal vocal music.