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Davis Journal

New DAC executive director has passion for music

Jul 11, 2024 08:41AM ● By Becky Ginos
Micah K. Hirokawa is only the fourth person to serve as executive director in Davis Arts Council’s (DAC) 45-year-history. Courtesy photo

Micah K. Hirokawa is only the fourth person to serve as executive director in Davis Arts Council’s (DAC) 45-year-history. Courtesy photo

LAYTON—Micah K. Hirokawa has always loved music. It’s been a passion for him since early childhood. Now Hirokawa will have the opportunity to bring that passion to his new position as Davis Arts Council (DAC) Executive Director. His appointment is a significant milestone because he is only the fourth person to serve as the executive director in DAC’s 45-year-history.

“I’m deeply honored and thrilled to serve as the new executive director of the Davis Arts Council, inspired by the dedication and passion of those committed to making a meaningful difference in our community,” said Hirokawa. “As we celebrate our 45th anniversary, I am committed to a long-term vision for our success, aiming to one day celebrate our centennial year. Our journey is fueled by community engagement, diversity, educational outreach, and innovative programming.” 

Hirokawa is the oldest of seven kids and grew up in Hawaii. “My dad was a famous musician,” he said. “He passed that music to me and my four brothers. We would play Hawaiian music in our home and we started a family band.”

Music was a really big deal, he said. “I was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, music had a way of organizing my reading.”

Hirokawa was a Grammy Music Educator Award finalist in 2014 and recipient of the Grammy Rock Your School Award in 2016. “I won the award and they announced it on April 1,” he said. “I thought it was the biggest joke. They said, ‘no, no, it’s real.’ It was pretty special. I realized what I was doing was important. It solidified my life’s work.”

He was in education for 24 years and prior to being a principal he was a music teacher. “I focused on theater, band and music,” said Hirokawa. “I directed 25 musical productions. I liked developing students in that way. Some have gotten into Juilliard or Berklee School of Music.”

Hirokawa made it a point to spend time with his students. “I would eat with the students every day,” he said. “That’s how you build relationships. Parents would say, ‘you know more details about my kid than I do.’ They talk freely at lunch, while they’re drawing or working on a ceramic pot, this is a fantastic window to check the temperature of children.”

Looking to the future, Hirokawa has five main goals: 

• Enhancing community engagement: We will work tirelessly to increase community involvement in our arts initiatives, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued.

• Promoting diversity and inclusion: Our programs will reflect the rich diversity of our community, celebrating all voices and perspectives.

• Expanding educational outreach: We will increase our efforts to bring arts education to schools and community groups, fostering a love for the arts in the next generation.

• Building partnerships: Strengthening relationships with local businesses, organizations, and artists will be a priority, creating a robust and supportive arts ecosystem.

• Innovative programming: We aim to introduce new and innovative programs that will captivate and engage our audience, ensuring that our arts scene remains vibrant and dynamic.

“I think DAC does an amazing job,” said Hirokawa. “I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s a fine tuned machine. I don’t know what is in store for the future. We just need to be prepared to respond not react. I don’t see major changes.”

The most important thing as Davis County grows the demographic changes, he said. “We have different backgrounds and views that enhance our community. We should embrace that change. I love the diversity of Davis County.”

DAC was founded in Layton, said Hirokawa. “(Ed) Kenley is in the heart of Layton. But the county is our home.”

The sad part is most people see DAC as just the performing arts, he said. “That’s not the only thing at all. They support the visual arts, poetry, culinary, novels, etc. DAC does a great job of touching the arts but they honor culture and fully embrace those.”

Some of the biggest acts that come to the Kenley say it’s one of the most beautiful venues in the world, said Hirokawa. “It’s big enough to fill a large audience but small enough to be personal.”

With Layton and DAC there’s nobody left behind or forgotten, he said. “Everyone matters. I’m thrilled to be here.”