C.K.M.S. Choir going to the Na Leo Pili Mai Choral Festival

If you haven’t heard by now, on April 13 & 14, 2013,Kauai’s very own Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Choir will be representing its island at the 19^th Annual Na Leo Pili Mai Choral Festival on Oahu. This group of fine young singers will be lead by Choir Teacher Julianne Hiu whose hope is to instill the love of music and the arts in her students.

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.

The Hawaii Youth Symphony Performs for Kauai

This past Monday (2/10/13), I was fortunate enough to be a chaperon for the Chiefess Kamakahele Middle School Band classes for their field trip to see the Hawaii Youth Symphony's concert here on Kauai. When Ms. Sarah Tochiki, music director of the CKMS band classes, asked for volunteers, I gladly signed up.

I was super excited to have the chance to see a live orchestra in concert. It's been a while since I've been to one, especially from the audience's side of the stage. I was especially excited for the band kids to see a fine music ensemble like the Hawaii Youth Symphony performing the beautiful music that they, the CKMS kids, had the potential to create.

Let me tell you from experience, that as a young musician, it's really tough to imagine your musical potential without seeing first hand musical instruments being played beautifully and artistically, especially by those who are the same age as you. This was going to be a great thing for the kids to see. The other parents chaperoning with me felt the same as well.