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 and international locations.

Auditions

HCC is capped at 45 members. A meeting with the conductor is required prior to registration. For more information, contact Dr. Erica Glenn (erica.glenn@byuh.edu).

Broadway Revue (MUSC 235R) is an exciting musical theatre and pop ensemble comprised of eight women, eight men, and a small band. Performers combine contemporary singing and dancing in themed performances that have delighted auditorium audiences for years.  

This ensemble rehearses and performs every winter semester.

Auditions

For audition information, contact Dr. Melissa Glenn (melissa.glenn@byuh.edu) 

Seasider Singers invites students from around the globe—with and without prior experience—to be a part of an excellent choral experience that embraces a wide diversity of styles from around the world, both written and oral. Seasider Singers offers an education in the basics of singing technique and choral ensemble collaboration along with a fun experience, a strong sense of camaraderie, and meaningful learning. Seasider Singers prepare for two on-campus concerts each semester and perform for campus devotionals and other special events.

SS has no audition or interview requirement. All who are interested may register!

The BYU–Hawaii Brass Ensemble was one of the first performing groups organized at the university. In the early days of the Church College of Hawaii, the band performed regularly in parades, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and other special events, including a reception for former President George Bush. Their first tour was an inter-island excursion in the late '70s. The tradition continues today as the Brass Band is still one of the university's most-talented ensembles, frequently performing throughout the Pacific for the last 35 years. The band's latest cross-cultural exchange included hosting the Tongan Army Royal Corps of Musicians, the official governmental ceremonial band of the kingdom of Tonga, during Golden Jubilee festivities in October 2005.

The BYU–Hawaii Salsa Orchestra is a Latin-jazz ensemble or “little big-band” that performs the music of Latin-America, the Caribbean, and Brazil. This ensemble morphed from a traditional American jazz band several years ago and it has become one of the showcase instrumental music ensembles on campus. The change to a salsa format has provided a more intensive experience for the instrumental music majors, involved more percussionists, included vocalists, and has become more reflective of BYUH diversity. Along with performances on campus and around the community, The BYUH Salsa Orchestra continues to do bi-annual performance tours on the neighbor islands and this past February they performed several times on Kauai. The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-4:40. To join this ensemble, contact Dr. Duerden to schedule an 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.

The North Shore Symphonic Wind Orchestra was founded in 2009 by Dr. David Kammerer and Mr. Ernest Taniguchi with three notable goals in mind. NSSWO’s first mission is to foster and perpetuate the performance of quality music literature within the Koolauloa community. Second, is to provide musicians in the Koolauloa area an opportunity to experience rehearsals and performances in as much a professional setting as possible. Third, to provide Koolauloa residents on a regular basis an occasion to hear and experience a diverse variety of music composed, transcribed, or arranged for woodwind, brass, percussion ensembles, and collectively as a symphonic wind orchestra. The NSSWO is comprised of talented wind and percussion musicians from Brigham Young University–Hawaii, Kahuku High School, and the Koolauloa Community.

The North Shore Symphonic Wind Orchestra welcomes talented wind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists to consider becoming a member. The NSSWO rehearses in the Band Room (Cannon Activities Center Room 176) on Thursday evenings during Fall, Winter and Spring semesters. If you are interested in becoming a member and wish to receive more information, please contact Mr. Ernest Taniguchi (music director). Please provide your name, instrument(s) you play, the previous ensembles you have performed in, and your best opinion of your musical proficiency. Membership is open to BYUH students (Music 247R) and faculty, advanced musicians of the Kahuku High School Band, and musicians who reside or work in the Koolauloa community.

Shaka Steel is the name of the university steel drum band and it is the premiere percussion ensemble at BYU–Hawaii. With its roots in the steel pan music of Trinidad, Shaka Steel has become a favorite ensemble of BYU–Hawaii audiences and there is a feeling of celebration whenever they play. Founded and Directed by Dr. Darren Duerden in 2001, the group has toured the neighbor islands on several occasions along with their on-campus performances each semester. To join, no previous steel pan experience is necessary but the ability to read music is a must and experience in collaborative ensembles is a plus. For enrollment information, email Dr. Duerden.