Students connect through Spring Concert
Photo by Holly Honda
Papa ʻUkulele 2, Jordan Mitsumura and Teyerell Baldonado-Kaleiopu, along with select ʻukulele, Bailey Dagupion performs at the 2017 Spring concert at Keōpūolani Hale, May 12. Choir, Guitar, Papa Hula, and Hawaiian Ensemble also participated in the concert.
Students of Kamehameha Schools Maui High School came together to participate in this year’s Spring concert at Keōpūolani Hale, May 11.
The concert featured the ʻukulele, guitar, choir, and hula classes and Hawaiian Ensemble.
Ka Papa Hula, Ka Pā Hula o ʻAʻapueo, kicked off the concert and were followed by Guitar 1.
ʻUkulele 1 then performed three numbers and ʻUkulele 2/Select ʻUkulele followed with their three numbers.
“I think the concert went well because our class practiced every day, and we had a great teacher,” said Kahai Bustillos who performed in Papa ʻUkulele 1.
Guitar 1 returned to the stage and featured “Sao Paolo” and Classic Rock Boogie #1 and #2.
Choir showcased three songs under the direction of Mr. Dale Nitta. Two of the three songs, featured select choir members.
Their first number included guest musicians: band instructor Ms. Jamie Kim on sax, and drum line coach Mr. Tom Jones on drums.
Hawaiian Ensemble then performed four songs, three of which were performed at ʻAha Mele. Those numbers include “Hoʻonanea,” “Sophisticated Hula” and “On the Beach at Waikīkī.” Their last number, “Ka Pioioi” was learned over spring break as they traveled to Aotearoa.
“…Since we came home from Aotearoa, the group has been closer, and our bond is stronger which allowed us to become better at what we do,” said Kāhealani Benjamin, an alto for Hawaiian Ensemble choir.
The grand finale featured all of the students together, performing “One Foot On Sand” by Justin Young.
According to Kumu Kalei ʻAʻarona-Lorenzo, this was the first year that the ʻukulele and guitar classes participated in the finale.
“I think everyone worked hard, tried their best, and had fun. For some, it was their very first time performing on stage and playing an instrument. I’m proud of their efforts,” Kumu Kalei said.
