E Aloha E - HYOC's 60th Anniversary Video
Choral Program
We at the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus (HYOC) believe in Singing!. We believe in the transformative power of music and music education. We are Ohana! We share ALOHA through music, melody, friendship and community. We believe that the voice contained within each person is unique and needs to be fostered, developed and guided. Singing has lifetime cognitive, physical, emotional and spiritual benefits. We believe that singing together transforms individuals and communities. The poetry and melodies contained within sung music has more value than ever to soothe, inspire and affect lives in powerful ways. Choirs, and the experience of group singing and making real connections, are powerful ways to express beauty, joy and hope!
Established in 1961, We are Hawaii's longest running and most advanced community youth choir servicing all communities of O'ahu. In Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus' (HYOC) Saturday core choral program we work with students K through 12, who are divided across seven ensembles based on grade/age. Rehearsals and classes are held on Saturday mornings at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Music Department. Enrollment is held in August and January.
In addition to learning great choral music, weekly classes in theory and hula are taught. Optional classes in piano and voice are also offered. Students must be enrolled as singing members to participate in optional classes. Most importantly we offer young people the opportunity to learn, have fun and make friendships that last a lifetime.
The chorus was started when our sister organization, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT), needed a children's chorus for one of their productions. The relationship with HOT is maintained to this day and when children are needed for their opera productions in the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall they come from HYOC.
As the HOT connection remains strong, the birth of a program specific to Hawaiian Youth Opera was developed. Youth operas are commissioned by HYOC whose premise is to give our youth in Hawai’i the “OPERAtunity” to tell the stories of Hawai’i. This season we will presenting a debut of a new commission "Scales" in June.
What does your child get when they join a choir or study music?
Singing teaches many valuable skills which transfer to real world applications. They will learn sequential process, they will gain confidence to stand before their peers and teachers. We study foreign languages, we delve deeply into poetry, we focus on clear diction, we aim for precision of rhythms and pitches, we discuss the historical context of the repertoire, we focus on the art of presentation and our responsibilities to our audiences, and we promote concepts of working as a team for the pursuit of truth and beauty. Yes, music is fun and relaxing, but it's so much more! It has the power to inspire, provide solace, to lift us up, and to connect with our deepest emotions in a powerful, aesthetic manner. Study after study has shown that learning music rewires the brain so as to facilitate the learning of math and language. Study after study has shown the longterm effects music learning has on memory retention long into life. The ancients Greeks understood this, as have many cultures since. Your child in HYOC will sing music and languages from all over the world and will learn many musical styles.
The mission of the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus is 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.
It is the vision of HYOC to amplify the potential of our youth through quality musical experiences, which embrace and will perpetuate Hawai`i's cultural and musical legacy.
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.
The Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus admits students and does not discriminate on the basis of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities provided by HYOC.
Interested in how to join or costs? Enrollment General Info PDF.
Established in 1961, We are Hawaii's longest running and most advanced community youth choir servicing all communities of O'ahu. In Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus' (HYOC) Saturday core choral program we work with students K through 12, who are divided across seven ensembles based on grade/age. Rehearsals and classes are held on Saturday mornings at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Music Department. Enrollment is held in August and January.
In addition to learning great choral music, weekly classes in theory and hula are taught. Optional classes in piano and voice are also offered. Students must be enrolled as singing members to participate in optional classes. Most importantly we offer young people the opportunity to learn, have fun and make friendships that last a lifetime.
The chorus was started when our sister organization, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT), needed a children's chorus for one of their productions. The relationship with HOT is maintained to this day and when children are needed for their opera productions in the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall they come from HYOC.
As the HOT connection remains strong, the birth of a program specific to Hawaiian Youth Opera was developed. Youth operas are commissioned by HYOC whose premise is to give our youth in Hawai’i the “OPERAtunity” to tell the stories of Hawai’i. This season we will presenting a debut of a new commission "Scales" in June.
What does your child get when they join a choir or study music?
Singing teaches many valuable skills which transfer to real world applications. They will learn sequential process, they will gain confidence to stand before their peers and teachers. We study foreign languages, we delve deeply into poetry, we focus on clear diction, we aim for precision of rhythms and pitches, we discuss the historical context of the repertoire, we focus on the art of presentation and our responsibilities to our audiences, and we promote concepts of working as a team for the pursuit of truth and beauty. Yes, music is fun and relaxing, but it's so much more! It has the power to inspire, provide solace, to lift us up, and to connect with our deepest emotions in a powerful, aesthetic manner. Study after study has shown that learning music rewires the brain so as to facilitate the learning of math and language. Study after study has shown the longterm effects music learning has on memory retention long into life. The ancients Greeks understood this, as have many cultures since. Your child in HYOC will sing music and languages from all over the world and will learn many musical styles.
The mission of the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus is 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.
It is the vision of HYOC to amplify the potential of our youth through quality musical experiences, which embrace and will perpetuate Hawai`i's cultural and musical legacy.
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.
The Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus admits students and does not discriminate on the basis of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities provided by HYOC.
Interested in how to join or costs? Enrollment General Info PDF.
COVID-19 Approach
HYOC’s offering Instruction "IN PERSON" and using best practices for healthy singing and instruction.
For our Youngest Singers (Grades K - 2) we will be offering general music and musicianship. We are offering IN PERSON rehearsals and performances. Teaching basic music skills, theory, aural training and pitch matching utilizing internationally based folk music & partner songs.
For grades 3 to 12 we are planning for IN-PERSON rehearsals and performances. Performing music from around the world and several generes.
HYOC is celebrating our 64th Anniversary this season. We will continue to build on the musicianship skills training of theory, aural training etc.
We will expect students to make a commitment to be with HYOC for the entire season.
For our Youngest Singers (Grades K - 2) we will be offering general music and musicianship. We are offering IN PERSON rehearsals and performances. Teaching basic music skills, theory, aural training and pitch matching utilizing internationally based folk music & partner songs.
For grades 3 to 12 we are planning for IN-PERSON rehearsals and performances. Performing music from around the world and several generes.
HYOC is celebrating our 64th Anniversary this season. We will continue to build on the musicianship skills training of theory, aural training etc.
We will expect students to make a commitment to be with HYOC for the entire season.
HYOC in the Media - Read about our Impact
Midweek Oahu - May 12, 2015 - Proof Positive Column Article - "Personal Growth Through Musical Education"
Midweek Oahu - May 22, 2019 - Proof Positive Column Article - "HYOC Shares the Gift of Music with Island Keiki" pg 38
Honolulu Magazine Article - June 17, 2020 - Letter from a father to his son (HYOC alum) on his graduation.
Midweek Oahu - May 22, 2019 - Proof Positive Column Article - "HYOC Shares the Gift of Music with Island Keiki" pg 38
Honolulu Magazine Article - June 17, 2020 - Letter from a father to his son (HYOC alum) on his graduation.
