As Christmas approaches, feelings of merriment and excitement for December festivities and the Christmas break are felt throughout the campus. Choir and band concerts, parades, the “Nutcracker” production and Hawaiian classes’ hula showcase are among the events students look forward to.
The beginner, intermediate, concert and select choirs had their Christmas concert on Nov. 23 in the Academy’s chapel. “Gloria,” “I Wanna Be Ready,” “Climbin’ Up the Mountain,” “Two Hebrew Love Songs” and “Hallelujah, Amen” were among the songs performed.
“To prepare, we had rehearsals in class and also a dress rehearsal the day before the concert. In class we worked on singing gospel and classical styles along with dynamics, learning to sing soft and loud in a song,” said choral director Alec Schumacker.
A favorite part of the performance was the soloist’s part in “Two Hebrew Love Songs” from the balcony of the chapel.
“I was confident in their [the girls’] abilities. I was more nervous that I would make a mistake while conducting,” said Schumacker. “I hope that we will get better at sight reading. I look forward to exploring music from all over the world with them, and of course, having a good time singing!”
The select choir will also appear at the Honolulu Zoo and the Waialae Community Center. On Dec. 6, the choirs are to perform at St. Patrick Church for the 48th Annual Honolulu Chorale Holiday Concert.
Band students performed in the Waikiki Holiday Parade on Nov. 29.
“We selected pieces earlier in the semester, about early August, and practice mostly in class. We also have sectional rehearsals either once a week or every other week, but the bulk of practice is done in class,” said band director Keith Higaki. “We choose our pieces from the class book along with regular band literature.”
Over 160 students participated in the performances this year.
“It’s interesting what we go through as a band,” said Higaki. “Each ensemble has its moments, so it’s hard to think of a specific favorite memory, but it certainly is funny when we are rehearsing and someone plays a wrong note.”
Upcoming band appearances include the Kaimuki Christmas parade on Dec. 5 and the band’s annual concert on Dec. 8.
Dance fans are looking forward to the annual performances of “The Nutcracker” taught and organized by teacher Micki Kolberg.
“We have been preparing since August, rehearsing in class and after school for hundreds of hours,” joked choreographer Kolberg. “Students also practice in their own free time. Sometimes we have too much fun and that’s probably why we take so long.”
The Academy’s production of “The Nutcracker will begin on Dec. 6 and again on Dec. 7. Over 66 students are involved in the production.
For those unfamiliar with the ballet, it centers on two sisters, played by junior Megan Garcia and senior Ashley Bondoc, and the Sugar Plum fairy, senior Lynse Chock, and their trials with the mice, played by seventh graders. Other important characters are the Snow Queen, portrayed by sophomore Maya Waldrep, and the Dew Drop fairy, senior Angel Puesta.
“Dress rehearsals bring moments of emotion, but I always enjoy working with the students,” said Kolberg. “I hope it’s a fun experience, but it’s definitely time we get the show on the road.”
Academy hula classes will also present a hula showcase “Aloha Kalikimaka” featuring the Ladies of Na Wahine Waipahe, the school halau. Hawaiian Chant and Dance classes will perform not only to traditional and modern Hawaiian songs, but also to classic Christmas jingles.
“Aloha Kalikimaka” will be on Sunday, Dec. 12, in the school’s auditorium and gazebo beginning at 5 p.m.
“Since we have just entered this wonderful holiday season of aloha and family bonding, what better gift to bless the family than with the gift of family remembrance to our beloved kūpuna?” said Hawaiian language and dance teacher, Jordan Asing.
