Music Ensembles

Hoʻolōkahi (hoʻo.lō.kahi) means, "to bring about unity; to make peace and unity." The mission of Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir (HCC) is to generate harmony by capitalizing on diversity, bringing together singers from around the globe in a space where meaningful musical exchange and growth can occur. HCC members seek to establish greater harmony with the surrounding community and to serve as international peacemakers through song. Students feel a sense of the mission they have been called to fulfill within the choir, and the ensemble is frequently invited to perform at university devotionals, firesides for visiting guests, dedication ceremonies, inaugurations, and other school functions. HCC presents two full concerts each semester on campus in addition to collaborating with members of the local and global community and embarking on occasional tours to neighboring islands. This year's choir members will perform with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and travel to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall.

AUDITIONS

40 singers (10 per voice part) will travel with us to New York this year, all expenses paid. To audition, sign up HERE. Contact Dr. Erica Glenn with any questions.

The Seasider Singers choral ensemble at BYUH brings together students, faculty, missionaries, and community members in a diverse and joyful setting with a special focus on global repertoire. Rehearsals and concerts are both fun and instructional; singers improve their vocal technique, sight-reading skills, knowledge of music history and theory, and general musicianship and study the music of diverse regions of the world (alongside other singers from those regions). The choir presents two concerts each semester and performs for devotionals and other campus events.

AUDITIONS

No audition is required! Simply register for MUSC 110R. Contact Dr. Erica Glenn with any questions.

The BYU–Hawaii Salsa Orchestra is an exciting Latin-jazz ensemble that consists of 14-16 instrumental musicians (sax, trumpet, trombone, rhythm) and vocalists. The group performs both contemporary and nostalgic popular music from South America, the Caribbean, and Brazil. Each semester their exciting concerts on campus have audiences dancing in their seats. The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:50 pm. To join, contact Dr. Duerden to schedule an interview/audition.

The BYU–Hawaii Polynesian Drum Ensemble specializes in the drum traditions of Tahiti, The Cook Islands, and elsewhere in the Pacific. Ka Pa Kāni Koʻele ʻo Lāʻie (the Drum Academy of Lāʻie) requires no previous experience in Polynesian drumming, but a strong practice ethic is expected. Directed by Kumu (teacher) Lloyd Chandler, the ensemble begins with basic beats but progresses quickly into complex rhythms and multivalent textures and "harmonies." Participants will prepare for a concert at the end of the semester which features dancers from a local halau (dance troupe). In addition, students gain a broader education in other Polynesian cultural drumming practices. To participate, students should enroll in Music 241R. The class meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 12:10-1:10 pm.

Shaka Steel is the name of the BYUH steel drum band. This 14-18 member ensemble specializes in the lively, fast-paced music of the Caribbean and Latin America performed on steel drums or "pans," which are native instruments of Trinidad. The directors are Dr. Darren Duerden and his wife Jennifer and the ensemble performs on-campus concerts each semester as well as for other events. To join, no previous steel pan experience is necessary but the ability to read music is needed and previous musical experience is also considered. The class meets Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-1:50 pm in Fall/Winter semesters and Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30-4:50 pm in Spring. For more information, email Dr. Duerden.