Children in rural Ko'olauloa are learning that sports aren't the only way to get out and experience the world.

Since its inception in 2001, members of the Ko'olauloa Children's Chorus — directed by La'ie resident Esther Macy — have traveled from the quiet comfort of O'ahu's Windward side to London and Paris, with a trip in the works to sing at the National Children's Choir Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City next summer.

"In our last trip to England, many of our singers had never traveled that far nor had the opportunity to ever leave the Islands on a trip of that magnitude. Having them experience the food and culture of other people halfway across the world was something beyond their imaginations," Macy said.

"I don't think I ever would have gone to any of these places if I wasn't in this choir," said 12-year-old choir member Jasmine Lopez. "(The trip to Europe) was really fun. We actually got to learn about everybody and became closer — we kind of became a family. It was a really great experience for us."

Fun as the trips can be, invitations to prestigious youth choral festivals don't come without work, and Macy isn't afraid to push her young pupils.

"She has very high expectations for the kids," said Caryn Houghton, whose daughter, Emma, sings in the choir. "She really has a vision for what they can accomplish, which is amazing with kids — she just doesn't say 'Let's put on this little concert,' she makes them do it like professionals."

And with practices first thing Saturday mornings, discipline is key.

Macy has developed a set of choir rules and regulations, starting with the motto, "Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable."

"We find that students who are able to maintain high standards are usually more committed and dedicated, both in the choir setting and in their own school environment," Macy said.

Emily Tafiti Murphy has noticed the change in her daughter, 10-year-old Aliia.

"For Aliia, her confidence and maturity level have grown — at home, she's more take-charge because it's something more adult and she has more responsibilities," said Tafiti Murphy.

"I like singing, and it gives me something to do other than watching TV," Aliia said.

Ten-year-old Emma Houghton agreed.

"Mrs. Macy's funny and I really like going because it's just a lot of fun," she said.

Jasmine's mom, Jocelyn Lopez, appreciates Macy's training.

"She takes them raw, and then refines them into singers," Lopez said. "(Jasmine) didn't know how to focus and get the spirit of the music across until she joined the choir."

For Macy, it's a labor of love.

"There are days of sheer exhaustion, but if one could experience what I have, you would know why I keep on going. When you see how music touches a soul and see how your students grow and develop, it is worth it," she said.

Today, the group has expanded to include two choirs — an advanced concert choir for older kids ages 9 to 16, and a Jubilate choir for younger beginners, starting at age 4.

"Our choir members are taught to read notes and perform more difficult and challenging choral pieces," said Macy, adding that quality music instruction is only part of her objective.

"We also train our singers to become better musicians so they can enhance the music programs in the schools that they attend. We have seen our singers go on to join their high school choirs, participate in plays or join other musical groups," she said.

HOW TO HELP

The Ko'olauloa Children's Chorus will hold fundraisers to help raise money for its trip to the National Children's Choir Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York. A plate lunch sale is scheduled for April, and a garage sale in May at La'ie Elementary School.

For more information or to donate to the choir, contact Esther Macy, 293-1796 or e-mail KCC at kccdirector@hotmail.com.