BYU–Hawaii Alumna Haruna Sato’s Composition Featured at Statewide Choral Festival
BYU–Hawaii alumna Haruna Sato (‘24) continues to make an impact in the world of music composition, with her arrangement of Thou Art E Ka Nani Mae ‘Ole by Queen Liliʻuokalani recently performed by nearly 400 high school singers at the 2025 Nā Leo Hou All-State High School Choral Festival.
Held on February 14-15 at Central Union Church, the festival brought together students from 15 schools across Hawaiʻi, with Dr. Alec Schumacker, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, serving as guest clinician. Haruna’s piece was selected as part of the festival’s repertoire, with BYU–Hawaii’s own Jennifer Duerden providing accompaniment for the performance.
Haruna’s arrangement was originally chosen as one of three winners in the 2024 Nā Haku Mele composition competition. Her work stood out among the submissions, earning a place in this year’s choral festival—a significant honor that highlights her skill as a composer and arranger. During her time at BYU–Hawaii, she was instructed in composition by professors Dr. Dan Bradshaw and Dr. Daniel Henderson. She also received support from choral director Dr. Erica Glenn, who encouraged her to submit her work for the competition.
Since graduating, Haruna has continued to excel in composition. She was recently accepted into the master’s program in composition at Kyoto City University of Arts in Japan, where she plans to study how Japanese composers, as well as international composers, incorporate Japanese culture into their music.
Reflecting on her next steps, Haruna shared:
"I am very excited to begin this new chapter in my academic career and am grateful for the guidance and support I received throughout my undergraduate studies."
Her success is a testament to the caliber of students emerging from BYU–Hawaii’s music program and the dedication of faculty members who mentor and support young composers. Congratulations to Haruna on this remarkable achievement!
