The concert band and strings orchestra performed on the Disney stage today. They did a great job representing Hanalani and showcasing their talents. "It was fun to perform at a bigger venue, and it was rewarding to perform after months of hard work. My peers in the strings orchestra also made the experience amazing." -- Lauren Muraoka. Concert choir had a Disney workshop and learned a song from Princess and the Frog and Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride from Lilo and Stitch and recorded both songs at the end of their workshop. "The workshop taught us [choir] tips about recording tracks and professional singing techniques. We overall learned how to sound better as an individual and as a group. We improved exponentially." -- Kyla George.

Concert choir gave a stellar performance on the Disney stage, and they got several compliments after their performance. "I think it was the best we have ever performed, and I am so proud of everyone in the choir. We have improved significantly since the beginning of the year."  -- Kyla George

Concert band and strings orchestra had a combined Disney workshop. They recorded pieces from Princess and the Frog, Lion King, and Cars 2. They recorded the pieces in a professional studio under the guidance of a professional musician. He gave them constructive criticism about dynamics, intonation, and rhythm. After they perfected the piece, they listened to their recording playing in the background of the corresponding scene in the movie. "The instructor had a lot of knowledge to pass on, and he was very enthusiastic and motivated." -- Ryllen Abeshima 

After the recordings were done, the students had a question and answer session about what it takes to be a studio musician. One piece of advice that the instructor gave was significant: "you don't rise to the occasion you default to your training." This means that it is only through practicing and perfecting a piece that you can give a perfect performance. Hard work will be evident in any performance. 

At the end of Thursday, the fine arts directors treated all the fine arts students to dessert from Joe's Italian Ice as a congratulations for all their hard work. 

Thank you to Disney for allowing us to perform and attend workshops! Great job students! 

      Today, all the fine arts groups performed at Knott's Berry Farm. They played their hearts out onstage and received a great response from the audience. Afterwards, the students got to enjoy a fun day in the park bonding with their fellow fine arts students. Thank you to everyone for all your support and encouragement! This opportunity would not be possible without the hard work and time put in by the music directors. Thank you Mr. S, Mr. Kato, Miss Miller and Miss Shu! Also, great job students! 

Pictures by Miss Shu and Davis Sesoko

On Monday, the fine arts groups visited three colleges and toured the campuses and music departments. The first college they visited was Azusa Pacific University, where they had a campus tour and a question and answer session with the head of the music department. Next, they visited the Master's College, where the students were able to sing with the choir and listen to a piano and choir performance. Instrumental students had the opportunity to sit in on a band class and view a music recording studio. The last stop was at Biola University, where students got a tour of the school and the music conservatory and enjoyed dinner in the cafeteria. This was a great opportunity for the students to learn how they could continue their musical studies and pursuits in college. The group returned to the hotel where they went straight into rehearsals. The groups were able to get their instruments and voices ready to perform for the next day.

Azusa Pacific

Master's College 

Biola

On the Friday before departure to California, Concert Choir, Strings Orchestra, and Concert Band gave a performance in front of the Hanalani Intermediate students. All three groups have been practicing for months in preparation for this trip. Each group performed a selection of some of the pieces they will be performing in California. The choir and concert band performed a medley of songs from Les Miserables, and the string orchestra performed a medley of songs from Frozen and Enchanted, as well as Skyfall from the James Bond film. All the performers were excited to showcase their skills and all the hard work they have put in to go on this trip. This send-off concert was a great experience for all the groups because it allowed them to practice in a more familiar environment before performing on a bigger stage at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. Thanks to the Intermediate students for being a great audience!