About Us
Established in 1961 we are Hawaii's longest running and most advanced community youth choir, the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus offers a full spectrum of music education. We welcome students, grades K - 12 from any school on Oahu. We welcome all students regardless of ethnicity, religious preference, gender or national origin. Each year, HYOC serves approximately 1200 students from nearly 100 schools, in our program either through weekly involvement with our Saturday Program or in participation through our outreach and festival programs. Participants range from absolute beginners to Hawaii's finest young vocalists and musicians.
We produce, on average, 20 - 30 concerts per year, half of which are free to the public including music concerts in elderly care facilities and other community venues. With a commitment to music education, the Hawai’i Youth Opera Chorus (HYOC) has been making music since 1961. HYOC helps to foster the personal and social growth of its members and promotes their self-esteem, as well as giving children a lifetime of music appreciation. We invite you to learn more about HYOC and how our young musicians are building a lifetime of music and arts participation.
Mission
The mission of HYOC is to build a core nurturing and firm cultural and musical foundation for our youth in their Individual and collective lifelong pursuit of excellence in choral music and other performing arts, fostering leadership in the performing arts for future generations.
Vision
Our vision is to amplify the potential of our youth through quality musical experiences, which embrace and will perpetuate Hawaii’s cultural and musical legacy.
We produce, on average, 20 - 30 concerts per year, half of which are free to the public including music concerts in elderly care facilities and other community venues. With a commitment to music education, the Hawai’i Youth Opera Chorus (HYOC) has been making music since 1961. HYOC helps to foster the personal and social growth of its members and promotes their self-esteem, as well as giving children a lifetime of music appreciation. We invite you to learn more about HYOC and how our young musicians are building a lifetime of music and arts participation.
Mission
The mission of HYOC is to build a core nurturing and firm cultural and musical foundation for our youth in their Individual and collective lifelong pursuit of excellence in choral music and other performing arts, fostering leadership in the performing arts for future generations.
Vision
Our vision is to amplify the potential of our youth through quality musical experiences, which embrace and will perpetuate Hawaii’s cultural and musical legacy.
Meet our Artistic Staff
One of the hallmarks of HYOC, is the longevity of our staff. Many of our staff have been with the organization for more than 30 years, or are alumni of the organization. All our Artistic Staff are Music Educators and Seasoned Performers supporting many of our community choral and theater organizations. Our staff demonstrate professionalism through their individual artistic pursuits. They are also respected in our Island community for their passion and dedication for the arts. Our staff is frequently asked to mentor and collaborate with projects throughout the state.
Nola Nahulu - Artistic Director. Director for Gioventu Musicale & Ho'okahi Ensembles.
Ms. Nahulu became Artistic & Music Director for the Hawai'i Youth Opera Chorus in 1986. Since then the chorus has grown from twenty singers to as many as 225 children in the core program grades K-12. The focus of the organization is that of Music Education. There are nine graded ensembles, optional hula, piano and vocal coaching as well as choral conducting internships available for high school and college students and other teachers. She conducts the High School, Select & Boy Choir ensembles. The organization serves an average of 1500 students each year through its various outreach projects including hosting 3 choral festivals and music education outreach in an average of 8-10 schools a year. She serves as a teaching mentor and choral clinician to music education students and multiple visiting guest ensembles each season. She is considered an authority on Hawaiian Choral Music.
Ms. Nahulu is a member of HMEA (Hawai'i Music Educator's Association), Treasurer for SGM (Society for General Music) and is past president for ADCA (American Choral Director's Association) Hawai'i Chapter. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Hawaiian Music & Dance Foundation, Hawaii Arts Center for Youth, and the Hawaii Alliance for the Arts.
Ms. Nahulu serves as a teaching mentor and choral clinician to music education students and multiple visiting guest ensembles each season. She is considered an authority on Hawaiian Choral Music.
“In honor of her many contributions, Nola received the YWCA Leadership Award in 2010, she was featured on the PBS “Long Story Short” program in 2011, she was named a Honpa Hongwanji Living Treasure in 2013, and she was awarded a Ho`okele Award by the Hawaii Community Foundation for excellence in nonprofit leadership in 2014.” She has received lifetime service and choral excellence awards from the Windward Choral Society and Honolulu Chorale in 2018. She is recognized by the Aha Hipu`u of the Hawaiian Benevolent Societies for her work in cultural preservation and excellence in 2019.
Ms. Nahulu became Artistic & Music Director for the Hawai'i Youth Opera Chorus in 1986. Since then the chorus has grown from twenty singers to as many as 225 children in the core program grades K-12. The focus of the organization is that of Music Education. There are nine graded ensembles, optional hula, piano and vocal coaching as well as choral conducting internships available for high school and college students and other teachers. She conducts the High School, Select & Boy Choir ensembles. The organization serves an average of 1500 students each year through its various outreach projects including hosting 3 choral festivals and music education outreach in an average of 8-10 schools a year. She serves as a teaching mentor and choral clinician to music education students and multiple visiting guest ensembles each season. She is considered an authority on Hawaiian Choral Music.
Ms. Nahulu is a member of HMEA (Hawai'i Music Educator's Association), Treasurer for SGM (Society for General Music) and is past president for ADCA (American Choral Director's Association) Hawai'i Chapter. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Hawaiian Music & Dance Foundation, Hawaii Arts Center for Youth, and the Hawaii Alliance for the Arts.
Ms. Nahulu serves as a teaching mentor and choral clinician to music education students and multiple visiting guest ensembles each season. She is considered an authority on Hawaiian Choral Music.
“In honor of her many contributions, Nola received the YWCA Leadership Award in 2010, she was featured on the PBS “Long Story Short” program in 2011, she was named a Honpa Hongwanji Living Treasure in 2013, and she was awarded a Ho`okele Award by the Hawaii Community Foundation for excellence in nonprofit leadership in 2014.” She has received lifetime service and choral excellence awards from the Windward Choral Society and Honolulu Chorale in 2018. She is recognized by the Aha Hipu`u of the Hawaiian Benevolent Societies for her work in cultural preservation and excellence in 2019.
Wendy Chang - Associate Artistic Director and Principal Accompanist
Wendy has both her BA and MA in Piano Performances from the University of Hawaii Manoa. She has been the accompanist of HYOC since 1987. She has been a lecturer at the University of Hawaii Manoa Music Department and teaches piano privately. She is the Elementary Music Teacher at Maryknoll School teaching grades K – 5, and the director of the school choir since 2004. She is a member of HMTA & ACDA. She is Kodally Certified Levels 1, 2 & 3. She is Orff Certified in Levels 1 & 2. Wendy is Bilingual in Mandarin Chinese & English.
Wendy has both her BA and MA in Piano Performances from the University of Hawaii Manoa. She has been the accompanist of HYOC since 1987. She has been a lecturer at the University of Hawaii Manoa Music Department and teaches piano privately. She is the Elementary Music Teacher at Maryknoll School teaching grades K – 5, and the director of the school choir since 2004. She is a member of HMTA & ACDA. She is Kodally Certified Levels 1, 2 & 3. She is Orff Certified in Levels 1 & 2. Wendy is Bilingual in Mandarin Chinese & English.
Joanna Habermann - Assistant Director - Cantilena
Joanna began singing in HYOC (then HCOC) under Auntie Nola’s direction in 1989 and has been involved in choral music ever since. An ‘Iolani School graduate, she holds a BA in Music from Pomona College, an MM in Choral Conducting from Butler University, and a Kodály Certificate from Texas State University. Joanna teaches middle school general music and choir at Punahou School and has taught music in private schools in Hawaii, California, Florida, Texas and Indiana. Locally, she has served as assistant director with the Hawaii Opera Theatre chorus, led the choral program at Sacred Hearts Academy, and formerly directed HYOC’s Bambini Ensemble before returning to HYOC in 2021 to direct the Cantilena ensemble. Joanna has a passion for community children’s choirs and has worked with such nationally recognized groups as the San Francisco Girls Chorus, Indianapolis Children’s Choir and Miami Children’s Chorus. Joanna lives in Manoa with her husband Josh, also a choral musician, and their children Kira and Kai, who both sing with HYOC.
Joanna began singing in HYOC (then HCOC) under Auntie Nola’s direction in 1989 and has been involved in choral music ever since. An ‘Iolani School graduate, she holds a BA in Music from Pomona College, an MM in Choral Conducting from Butler University, and a Kodály Certificate from Texas State University. Joanna teaches middle school general music and choir at Punahou School and has taught music in private schools in Hawaii, California, Florida, Texas and Indiana. Locally, she has served as assistant director with the Hawaii Opera Theatre chorus, led the choral program at Sacred Hearts Academy, and formerly directed HYOC’s Bambini Ensemble before returning to HYOC in 2021 to direct the Cantilena ensemble. Joanna has a passion for community children’s choirs and has worked with such nationally recognized groups as the San Francisco Girls Chorus, Indianapolis Children’s Choir and Miami Children’s Chorus. Joanna lives in Manoa with her husband Josh, also a choral musician, and their children Kira and Kai, who both sing with HYOC.
Jerilyn Ornellas - Assistant Director Coro
Jerilyn Kylie Ornellas graduated from The University of Hawai’i at Manoa with a degree in Human Development and Family Services in 2017 and a Music Ed degree in 2021. Jerilyn is currently teaching K-5 general music at Kalihi Kai Elementary. Jerilyn previously spent two school years assistant teaching Choir & Band at Kapolei Middle School. Over the past couple years, Jerilyn has served on HI-ACDA board and NAfME Collegiate Board for the music community. Jerilyn is so glad to be joining the HYOC team this season and is looking forward to the rest of the year.
Jerilyn Kylie Ornellas graduated from The University of Hawai’i at Manoa with a degree in Human Development and Family Services in 2017 and a Music Ed degree in 2021. Jerilyn is currently teaching K-5 general music at Kalihi Kai Elementary. Jerilyn previously spent two school years assistant teaching Choir & Band at Kapolei Middle School. Over the past couple years, Jerilyn has served on HI-ACDA board and NAfME Collegiate Board for the music community. Jerilyn is so glad to be joining the HYOC team this season and is looking forward to the rest of the year.
Minhee Kim - Assistant Director Angeli
She is a graduate student from the Republic of South Korea. She has a Masters in Music Degree in piano performance from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Ms. Kim is certified Level I Kodaly and Level I Orff-Shulwerk. She is a member of the HMEA (Hawai’i Music Educator’s Association). She teaches at Mililani Mauka Elementary
She is a graduate student from the Republic of South Korea. She has a Masters in Music Degree in piano performance from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Ms. Kim is certified Level I Kodaly and Level I Orff-Shulwerk. She is a member of the HMEA (Hawai’i Music Educator’s Association). She teaches at Mililani Mauka Elementary
Nicole Sakata - Assistant Director Stelline & Outreach Coordinator & Instructor
Nicole is an alum of the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus. She graduated from University Lab School. She is a graduate of Brandeis University with a degree in Music Theory. She has completed Kodaly level I certified. She has been an assistant director for HYOC’s Early Music Program teaching grades K – 3 since . She has been the theory instructor HYOC's E Mele Kakou Outreach program since 2006. In 2019 She became the E Mele Kakou Outreach Project Coordinator. Nicole has sung all her life; calling HYOC home first as a singer, then as part of the administrative staff, and now as a member of the artistic staff.
Nicole is an alum of the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus. She graduated from University Lab School. She is a graduate of Brandeis University with a degree in Music Theory. She has completed Kodaly level I certified. She has been an assistant director for HYOC’s Early Music Program teaching grades K – 3 since . She has been the theory instructor HYOC's E Mele Kakou Outreach program since 2006. In 2019 She became the E Mele Kakou Outreach Project Coordinator. Nicole has sung all her life; calling HYOC home first as a singer, then as part of the administrative staff, and now as a member of the artistic staff.
Nicole Huffman - Assistant Director Bambini
She graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with her Post Baccalaureate in Music Education, and is currently the music teacher at Nana i ka Pono Elementary.
She graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with her Post Baccalaureate in Music Education, and is currently the music teacher at Nana i ka Pono Elementary.
Phil Hidalgo - Accompanist & Festival Coordinator & Outreach Instructor
He has been accompanist for HYOC since 1992. He is an award-winning Musical Director for productions at Diamond Head Theater, Manoa Valley Theater & Kennedy Theater. He is Level 1 Kodaly certified. His on-stage credentials include performing with the Hawaii Opera Theater's Chorus and singing with Kawaionaonapukanileo, a Hawaiian a cappella ensemble. He was the director for the Gay Men's Choir of Honolulu.
He has been accompanist for HYOC since 1992. He is an award-winning Musical Director for productions at Diamond Head Theater, Manoa Valley Theater & Kennedy Theater. He is Level 1 Kodaly certified. His on-stage credentials include performing with the Hawaii Opera Theater's Chorus and singing with Kawaionaonapukanileo, a Hawaiian a cappella ensemble. He was the director for the Gay Men's Choir of Honolulu.
Linda Asahina - Accompanist & Piano Instructor
Linda has enjoyed accompanying various choral organizations in the islands, including Punahou Junior School choirs, Chaminade University Community Chorus, Honolulu Boy Choir, Hang Sheng Chorus, and most recently, the Honolulu Youth Opera Chorus.
Linda has also played in the pit for many musical theatre productions at such venues as the Hawaii Theatre, Paliku Theatre, Mamiya Theatre, Diamond Head Theatre and Manoa Valley Theatre.
Linda has enjoyed accompanying various choral organizations in the islands, including Punahou Junior School choirs, Chaminade University Community Chorus, Honolulu Boy Choir, Hang Sheng Chorus, and most recently, the Honolulu Youth Opera Chorus.
Linda has also played in the pit for many musical theatre productions at such venues as the Hawaii Theatre, Paliku Theatre, Mamiya Theatre, Diamond Head Theatre and Manoa Valley Theatre.
Erik Haines - Vocal Coach
Is the Director of Education for Hawaii Opera Theatre where he has worked since 1992. He has appeared in more than 30 productions with HOT. Erik and the HOT education team keep busy creating and implementing opera-related programs for Hawaii's youth, providing lectures and demonstrations in the community, and promoting opera in general, including the company's award winning HOT Residency program. He performs frequently in the community. In addition to his work for the opera he is the voice coach for HYOC, is an instructor at the University of Hawaii West Oahu, teaches private voice and is vice-president of the Mililani. He is also a leather worker, enjoys most things science. His son is an alumna of HYOC.
Is the Director of Education for Hawaii Opera Theatre where he has worked since 1992. He has appeared in more than 30 productions with HOT. Erik and the HOT education team keep busy creating and implementing opera-related programs for Hawaii's youth, providing lectures and demonstrations in the community, and promoting opera in general, including the company's award winning HOT Residency program. He performs frequently in the community. In addition to his work for the opera he is the voice coach for HYOC, is an instructor at the University of Hawaii West Oahu, teaches private voice and is vice-president of the Mililani. He is also a leather worker, enjoys most things science. His son is an alumna of HYOC.
Lauren Kanoelani Chang Williams - Kumu Hula & Hula Instructor
Lauren is a 2001 graduate of Punahou School. She has her BA in Hawaiian Studies from the University of Hawaii. She is a Hawaiian Culture and Music Instructor at Punahou since 2019. She has been the Hula instructor and choreographer for HYOC since twice. She recently returned in 2022. She Uniki as Kumu Hula. She has danced hula since a child starting with Kumu Hula Leimomi Maldonado.
Lauren is a 2001 graduate of Punahou School. She has her BA in Hawaiian Studies from the University of Hawaii. She is a Hawaiian Culture and Music Instructor at Punahou since 2019. She has been the Hula instructor and choreographer for HYOC since twice. She recently returned in 2022. She Uniki as Kumu Hula. She has danced hula since a child starting with Kumu Hula Leimomi Maldonado.
