The University of Hawai’i Mänoa Choir enchanted KSM students in Keöpüolani Hale during third block Wednesday, March 2. The concert went on for the whole block moving into lunch. The choir sang a number of songs, including a capella numbers and ones with piano accompaniment. The choir consisted of men and women, most undergraduates and some graduates.

Kamehameha students of all ages witnessed the wonderful sound of the Mänoa choir, and also Kamehameha’s own alumnus Po’okela Wood (’09). The choir also consisted of other Kamehameha graduates from the Kapälama campus.

“It was really crazy coming back here,” said Wood. “Seeing all of my old teachers, and younger friends again was very special.”

Mr. Dale Nitta and Kumu Kalei Aarona-Lorenzo’s  Nä Mele choir, Hawaiian Ensemble, and other choir members* were allowed the opportunity to sing with the Mänoa Choir fourth block. The students were able to ask questions, get to know members of the Mänoa Choir and rehearse songs with them also. One song they rehearsed together was Ke’alii Reichel’s “If I had words,” which is a number to be performed in Kamehameha’s Spring Concert, March 3.

By the end of the day new friendships were made, and old ones rekindled. The Mänoa choir had another show later that evening at Seabury Hall, so it was a quick departure. As a farewell song the Hawaiian Ensemble* students sang Te Tama Ma’ohi, a native Tahitian song. Members from the Mänoa choir each had cameras in hand to document it. Afterwards, they all said their goodbyes and the UH choir was off to their next show.

*The names of the participanting groups were revised for accuracy on 3/4/11.