Pleasant surprises filled the room as each performance showcased different talents and skills. The Arts and Communications Academy held their annual Spring Concert at Keōpūlani Hale, last night, April 10.

“There were some nice surprises,” Kumu Dale Nitta, choir director, said, “and then there were sketchy moments….We got through them.”

The concert began with an oli by Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘ and then a prayer from Keiki Kahu Aaron Morton.

Emcees were seniors Sean Segundo and Lexis Viena of Choir I.

Hawaiian Ensemble, led by Kumu Kalei ‘A‘arona-Lorenzo, and Papa Hula, led by Kumu Henohea Kāne, were first to amaze the audience by performing together to Ke Aloha no Waipi‘o and Dark Moon/Maui Moon.

Following were ‘Ukulele classes I and II, led by Kumu Kalei. They showed off their impressive picking skills to the songs Rhythm of the Falling Rain, Honolulu Baby, Life’s Different Now, Pandanus, and Olinda Road.

Despite a slight delay while waiting for bass player Lukela Kanae, their performance was both enticing and entertaining.

Up next was Choir, and they sang heartfelt songs that moved the audience with their performances of Just in Time, Yesterday, Only Hope, and The Lord Bless You and Keep You.

“It was way better than what I thought it was (going to be),” senior Pualalea Barrows of Choir said. “It was much better than our practices.”

Choir was nervous during practices but pulled off a stunning performance when they had an audience to entertain. Their smiles and choreography kept the performance alive.

Last to take stage was Jazz Rock Ensemble, led by Mr. Siuai Laufou. They blew people away with a Santana medley, which included the songs Europa and Black Magic Woman. Senior Shane Borge played keyboard while singing Black Magic Woman, followed by another powerful vocalist, freshman Mariana Kaniho, with the famous song Treasure.

“Watching the band perform, they were really really good,” Barrows said. “I loved it!”

Kaniho got the audience to clap along during the entire song while putting energy into every note sung. It was a great way to finish up the last act.

But before anyone could leave, the ensemble combined to sing the finale, Isn’t She Lovely, with an ʻukulele solo from senior Mikaele Kane.

“Everybody got to play together and enjoy the last number,” Kumu Nitta said, “Everybody did…good.”

The students gave off positive vibes and vibrant smiles as a warm thank you for all the family and friends that came to watch them.

“It was surprisingly really fast,” Barrows said, “I guess time flies when you’re having fun.”

Gallery • 7 Photos

Photo by Destinee Murray

Lexis Viena and Sean Segundo emcee the annual Spring Concert bringing smiles between each performance.