Julianne has been an integral part of the music community here on Kauai for a few years now and I have been fortunate enough to perform with her in several of Kauai’s musical groups. Have I mentioned that she is also an excellent clarinetist? Besides being an educator and a vocalist, Julianne is also a top class musician showing that she has many talents that she offers to her Kauai community.
Last week I had the chance to talk with Julianne and askher a few questions about CKMS Chorus’ trip to the Na Leo Pili Mai Coral Festival.
Hi Julianne! Ok, let’s start out by finding out about your music and educational background. What can you tell us about yourself?
“I grew up on Oahu and had a very musical childhood, from group keyboard lessons in kindergarten to elementary school chorus. As I entered middle school I took up the clarinet,which led to being a part of the symphonic wind ensemble, marching band, and the symphony orchestra at Moanalua High School. Meanwhile, I continued to take private piano, voice, and clarinet lessons. When I enrolled at the University of Hawaii, I decided to take a choir class again. I ended up falling in love with choir all over again, and ended up singing in all of the UH choirs-- the University Chorus, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Hawaiian Chorus. When I rediscovered my passion for choir, I decided to major in vocal music education. I graduated with a Bachelors of Education in secondary vocal music. Because I believe that music is for life, I am continuing my education, and now have a level 1 and level 2 certification in the Kodaly music education method.”
Those are quite some accomplishments! Obviously you are passionate about music. So what is it about music that drives you as a music teacher?
"When I think back on my school experience, the classes that stand out are always my music classes. There is something very unique about working with a group of musicians who are all striving to achieve the same goal of making awesome music. Being a part of a music program teaches students a number of important life skills like self-discipline, cooperation, time management, responsibility, patience, and respect. There is such a great feeling that comes from working hard to perform music well, and the bond that is formed in the process can make friendships that can last a lifetime. The connection with one another and feeling of appreciation from a good audience during a performance is a feeling that is like nothing else. Now that I am the teacher, I hope to create the same experiences for my students."
Speaking of experience, I think it is fantastic that you are offering some of your students the amazing experience of being a part of a big event like the Na Leo Pili Mai Choral Festival in Oahu. But I want you to tell me why you think it is important for the CKMS Chorus to attend.
“This festival will be a chance for our choir to meet and sing with students from other middle school choirs, and to receive comments and ratings from guest clinicians who teach choir at universities. Each school will perform individually, as well as in a huge mass choir made up of all the groups directed by the clinician. The last time students from CKMS Concert Choir participated in this festival in 2011, they received superior ratings (the highest rating) for our school’s individual performance, and I believe we can do it again this time.”
That is great! I couldn’t be prouder of our kids! So what do you expect your students to get out of the Music Festival this year?
“I believe that one of the most valuable experiences students can have is to be exposed to as many different styles of music as possible. It not only expands their concept of what music is, but it can possibly expose them to a kind of music they are unfamiliar with that they come to really enjoy. I also believe that it benefits students to work with a variety of teachers, and to hear how a different teacher hears and interprets apiece of music can be educational for them. And finally, I feel that it is good for students to hear other, unfamiliar groups. It gives them anew perspective on creating music. It will also be a special experience to sing in a large mass choir with students from the other middle schools that are participating.”
As you mentioned, the Chorus has gone to the Na Leo Pili Mai Music Festival back in 2011. Were there any memorable events that you can think of?
“Well, a Tsunami scare the night before we left was pretty memorable! The trip almost had to be canceled because the airport was closed. Of course we were relieved that we were able to continue. Also, the joint performance singing with the other groups was a wonderful experience.”
Yeah I remember how nerve wracking the Tsunami was. I’m glad that you guys had a happy ending though! Now for the 2013 NLPM Music Festival, how many students are going to attend this year?
“We are bringing students from the Concert Choir which is made up of 7th and 8th graders who are in their 2nd or 3rd year of singing with the CKMS chorus program. 33 students and 8 adult chaperons signed up totravel with us.”
That’s a lot of people! What is the typical cost to bring the Chorus to the Music Festival?
“The approximate cost to bring all participants on the trip is $14,350.”
$14k is also a lot of money! How are you raising your funds to pay for the trip?
“We have held 2 Pizza Hut fundraiser nights, hosted a CKMS street fair, had 2 car washes, and have been selling McFun-raiser coupons booklets (McDonald's coupons). We also applied for, and received a "Sharing of Aloha" grant from KIUC to cover a portion of our festival registration costs.”
Yes, I’ve helped out at one of the Car Was fundraisers.It was a lot of fun and we raised some money doing it. Will you be having anymore fundraisers to raise any remaining monies needed?
“We will also be hosting the upcoming CKMS "Spring Fling" Street Fair on Saturday, March 9th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and are still selling McFun-Raiser coupon booklets.”
Now are there any shout outs or anything you want to mention?
“I would like to thank our wonderful staff at CKMS, our awesome chorus parents, and all of our community supporters for their support of the chorus program.”
Well, we’d also like to thank you too for being a positive role model and educator in our community! And finally, if anyone wants to donate,volunteer, or contact the Chorus, what is the best way to do that?
“Anyone who is interested in helping the chorus can call me at 241-3200 ext 320, or can email us at ckms.chorus@gmail.com”
You read it here folks! The Na Leo Pili Mai Choral Festival is a great opportunity for our students to not only learn and appreciate, but to EXPERIENCE music as well! The Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Choir will be having a few more fundraisers before their trip, so be sure to SUPPORT them anyway you can!
Also, if you’re in the neighborhood, on April 14 at 4:00pm to 5:30pm, there will be a FREE Concert to the public at the Kawaiaha’o Church on Oahu, as part of the Na Leo Pili Mai Choral Festival. Hope to see you there!
LINKS:
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Facebook Page
CKMS "Spring Fling" Street Fair
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
Hawaii Youth Opera at the Na Leo Pili Mai Music Festival
K.I.U.C. "Sharing of Aloha" Grant
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