Kahuku High choir gets expert coaching

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

KAHUKU — A Hawai'i choir joined the Kahuku High School chorus last week, sharing its expertise to help students improve their ability and performances.

The groups will meet again to perform for the public at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at McKay Auditorium at Brigham Young University-Hawai'i in La'ie.

The rehearsal last week was a confidence-builder for the students, whose predecessors have won numerous awards, including first place at the national Heritage Festival Show Choir competition at Disneyland last year.

Students said the experience made them want to sing better and louder, and made them appreciate music more.

"It made me think that I could do this for the rest of my life," said sophomore Timbre Keli'ilike. "It was really great for them to take time out of their schedules to come to our high school."

Music is a strong tradition in Kahuku, and led to the school starting the Music Learning Center about 10 years ago. More than 500 of the school's 1,850 students participate in programs such as the band, members of which recently marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade as part of the first all-state marching band. And 15 Kahuku choir students were selected recently for the 2003 Hawai'i All State Honor Choir.

School choir director Elizabeth Kammerer said the Polynesian tradition of song and the program's winning teams in choir and band attract students.

"But students also recognize that music is a valuable part of their lives, and it's a wonderful way to express themselves," Kammerer said.

The Hawai'i Vocal Arts Ensemble, made up of volunteers — many with music careers — gave the students incentive to perform better, while demonstrating that singing can continue after high school.

"When you're singing with professionals, you're lifted out of what you think you can do, and you're doing much more because of the person who's standing next to you and singing with you," Kammerer said.

Tim Carney, ensemble music director, praised the students' ability, dedication, enthusiasm and clear voices.

"They were good to begin with," Carney said. "We just tweaked a few pieces. It wasn't hard going. I think they're one of the top schools in the state."

Among other things, the grant provided material that will become part of the school's music library, Carney said.

The 36-singer vocal arts ensemble is in its 11th season. The nonprofit group, in residence at Chaminade University, performs in a variety of styles, from spirituals to American musicals and holiday classics.

In its early years, it volunteered to help with chorus training at high schools, but couldn't keep up the program. The grant came through to help with organizing, Carney said, and a Wilcox Foundation grant will make it possible for the ensemble to visit Kaua'i High School.

Carney hopes to expand the program to other schools. The goal, he said, is to broaden the scope of what is sung and help students maintain an interest in singing.

"I want to show students that singing is a lifelong activity that they can continue well after they're out of high school or college," he said.

To request a visit from the ensemble, call Carney at 261-6495.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.