Christmas concert fills season with song, dance
Photo by Holly Honda
Santa Claus makes an appearance during a performance by the high school choir at the annual Christmas concert in Keōpūolani Hale, Dec. 8.
Music students from Kamehameha Schools Maui Elementary, Middle, and High School, played to a packed house in the annual Christmas concert, at Keōpūolani Hale, Dec. 8.
“We had a great turnout. We had standing room. There were not enough seats for the audience,” choir director Mr. Dale Nitta said.
The night kicked off with Papa Hula dancing ʻO Lono ʻoe and Lonoikamakahiki.
The Elementary School choir was up next singing Kananaka and Kaʻaahi Kahului by Palani Vaughan.
Following, was the Middle School choir singing Kipahulu by Carl Hoku Rasmussen. They also sang ʻOhuʻohu Kahakuloa by Kauhaʻahaʻa, Hoʻiwaʻa, and Hoʻopiʻi.
The Middle School choir consisted of 15 eighth graders and 27 seventh graders, along with six dancers.
The 15 students of Papa ʻUkulele 1 showcased their talent with Rhythm of The Falling Rain by the Cascades, Honolulu Baby by Marvin Hatley, and Jingle Bell Rock by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe.
Next up, Papa ʻUkulele 2 played Carol of the Bells, which featured a solo by Beau Ramos. followed by The Prayer.
The High School choir sang three songs. Mikaela Bega soloed in the first, All I Want For Christmas Is You, and the other songs were Baby It’s Cold Outside and Santa Tell Me with a solo by Sariah Mossman.
“I feel it was a successful performance,” Mr. Nitta said.
The Hawaiian Ensemble, consisting of 23 students, sang Nā ʻAle O Niʻihau and Molokaʻi Jam, followed by Papa Kīkā (Guitar), playing Silent Night and Kani Kīhōʻalu.
Advanced Kīkā and Papa Mele played Breezin’ by George Benson with guest artists, Ms. Jamie Kim, Mr. Thomas Jones, Mr. Dale Nitta, and Mr. Clark Tuitele. Followed by O Holy Night/Pō Hemolele.
The spirited concert ended with the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools joining to sing Christmas Medley: I Will Sing Praises/Christmas Wish with solos by Joseph “Kepa” Revelle and Ikaika Mendez.
“Our finale number was really, really nice,” ensemble member Kayla Tuitele said.
The audience joined in singing Silent Night/Pō Laʻi Ē.
“I think it [was] one of the best Christmas concerts we had. The Elementary School [choir] was really good as well as the Middle School [choir],” Kayla Tuitele said.
Overall, the students and their melodious numbers filled the room with musical Christmas spirit.
