Alex Hayashi appointed oboist of the Spring Wind Quintet
We are delighted to announce that oboist Alex Hayashi has officially joined Chamber Music Hawaiʻi’s Spring Wind Quintet (SWQ) as its newest member. Known for his expressive artistry and commitment to chamber music, Alex brings a fresh voice to our resident wind ensemble as we head into an inspiring 2025–2026 season.
Alex steps into the oboe chair previously held by longtime SWQ member J. Scott Janusch, who officially retired at the close of the 2023–2024 season. A local musician with deep ties to Hawaiʻi’s arts community, Alex has already performed extensively with the Spring Wind Quintet and other ensembles statewide. His official appointment recognizes his artistry and the strong collaborative spirit he brings to CMH’s resident wind ensemble.
Alex’s musical journey began right here in Hawaiʻi. From early studies on Oʻahu to performances with leading symphonies across the mainland, his return marks a full-circle moment. Learn more about his background and artistic vision below.
Alex’s Bio
Dr. Alex Hayashi is an oboist and personal trainer, currently teaching at the University of Hawaii as the Lecturer of Oboe. Prior to moving home to Hawai‘i, Dr. Hayashi was on faculty at Western Michigan University. He has conducted masterclasses at universities and music schools throughout the country, including the University of Michigan as Visiting Professor, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, the University of Arizona, and Bowling Green State University. During the summers, Dr. Hayashi also conducts lessons and masterclasses in Japan, regularly working with students in the Kyushu region (Southwest Japan). He has served as Oboe Faculty for the Hawaii Youth Symphony Pacific Music Institute and the Clear Creek Music Festival.
As a performer, Dr. Hayashi is well-versed in large ensembles, chamber music, and solo venues on both oboe and English horn. He has been featured as guest soloist with ensembles including the West Point Band, the Rochester Symphony Orchestra (Rochester, MI) and the WMU Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he has performed with ensembles around the country including the Arizona Musicfest Festival Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theatre and the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra both as acting principal, the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Hayashi has also performed internationally at festivals and competitions in Japan, Austria, Switzerland, and the British Isles. In 2017, Dr. Hayashi was invited to the 4th Barbirolli International Oboe Festival and Competition, where he received the Jennifer Elstub Memorial Prize for his rendition of the York Bowen Oboe Sonata. He is a regular member of the TAD Wind Symphony – a wind band based in Tokyo, Japan and led by Takayoshi “TAD” Suzuki.
Dr. Hayashi has collaborated with Dr. Matthew Thompson (University of Michigan), to produce JAPONICA, an album of Japanese composed oboe and piano pieces. Their recording is available on streaming platforms.
In addition to his musical activities, Dr. Hayashi is a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness in Kailua, Hawaii, with a certification in personal training from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He plans on combining music with fitness, to specialize working with musicians to promote healthy lifestyles and injury prevention in the form of personal training.
Primary teachers include Dr. Nancy Ambrose King, Dr. Stephen Caplan, and Susan Ochi-Onishi. He holds degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (BM, 2011) and the University of Michigan (MM, 2013; DMA, 2016).
Dr. Hayashi is a Marigaux Oboe Artist, and plays a 2001A model.
Q&A with Alex
To welcome Alex into the CMH ‘ohana, we sat down for a conversation about his musical influences, what inspires him most about chamber music, and what he’s looking forward to in the 25–26 season.
Can you tell us a little about your musical background and how your career has evolved over the years?
After graduating high school, I lived on the mainland for about 15 years, where I studied oboe performance (University of Nevada, Las Vegas – BM ‘11; University of Michigan – MM ‘13, DMA ‘16). As I progressed through my degrees, teaching grew to become an integral part of my career, as I believe teaching and performing enhance one another. Since moving back home, I have been teaching oboe at the University of Hawaii, performing with the Hawai‘i Symphony, and I also obtained my personal training certificate, in order to promote physical and mental wellness for musicians as a form of injury prevention.
You’ve performed in a variety of settings—what experiences have shaped you most as a chamber musician?
Regularly playing chamber music of different instrumentations and configurations hones my skills as a chamber musician. I also have found that performing concertos as a soloist has also contributed to my chamber music skills. It requires close attention and communication skills with others, even though you may have the melody or a prominent line.
You’re no stranger to Spring Wind Quintet—can you share a little about your past experiences with the ensemble?
I have thoroughly enjoyed playing with the Spring Wind Quintet! The neighbor island outreach trips have been a highlight for me. So far, I’ve gone to the Big Island, Maui, and most recently Lanai (my first time despite being born and raised here). It’s a very rewarding feeling to meet new audiences; they are always so appreciative.
As the newest official member of the Spring Wind Quintet, what are you most looking forward to—both in terms of the music you’ll be performing and the role CMH plays as an organization in supporting your artistic and professional goals?
In my own performances, I am mindful of platforming pieces that are written by lesser known composers, women composers, and composers of underrepresented backgrounds. One of the things I enjoy about playing works by living composers is the opportunity to collaborate with them. I am looking forward to doing more of these with CMH. I am happy to join an organization that values both artistic excellence and education, which align with my goals as a performer and teacher.
Having grown up in Hawaiʻi, what does it mean to you now to be a member of the Spring Wind Quintet and a resident ensemble musician with Chamber Music Hawaiʻi? How does this role align with your hopes for giving back to the community or shaping the future of music here at home?
As someone who was born and raised here, joining Chamber Music Hawaii as a resident ensemble musician feels especially meaningful. My sixth grade niece recently joined band class and began learning the horn. Having her attend a SWQ concert this past season reaffirmed my belief in the importance of making chamber music accessible and inspiring to young people in our community. I hope to continue giving back to the community through more educational concerts.
Is there anything about the upcoming 2025–2026 season that you’re especially excited to perform—or anything you think audiences will love?
Joan Tower’s Island Prelude is a memorable piece for me – it was one that I performed for one of my doctoral recitals! In addition to Island Prelude, I am excited to perform the sextet pieces, both the Thuille with Jonathan Korth in the fall, and the Farrenc with Joyce Yang in the spring.
When you’re not playing oboe, how do you like to spend your time?
If I am not doing anything oboe related (practicing or making reeds), you can usually find me on the pickleball courts!
Any favorite places to unwind or recharge?
My husband and I love to watch movies at the theaters. Kāhala Theatres features non-mainstream and international films and there have been great films that we have watched there. I also have a giant sweet-tooth, so I love checking out new dessert places. My recent favorite has been Cha to Gelato Zen on Kapahulu!
What’s something most people wouldn’t guess about you?
People usually don’t know that I am fluent in Japanese. My parents are both from Japan and I learned to read and write the language. Most of my relatives are in Japan so I used to visit them every year with my family when I was growing up.