Congratulations Senior Class 2022
Ian Jones
Joined HYOC in 2014 as a 5th grader in the Coro Ensemble. Has been a member of HYOC for 7 years:
Graduating from: Mid Pacific Institute
.
Awards or AP Classes: IB Spanish, Global Politics, Chemistry & AP Physics & Calculus
Additional Activities outside of HYOC: Ran Cross Country & Track throughout high school. Taking Piano from Joyce Shih since age of 6. In Classical & Jazz Band.
Attending in the Fall: University of Massachusetts Amherst studying Biomedical Engineering.
What has your time with HYOC meant for you? What impact do you see it having on your future?
What has HYOC given to you that you will take with you on your life’s journey?
It has meant a lot to me as I’ve met people who have been good friends and will continue to be a part of my life for a long time. It has given me great experiences like Midsummer Night Dream and other operas at HOT as well as fun times with friends and other members of HYOC. I think HYOC will help me connect with others in my future and it will help me appreciate music.
HYOC has given me an appreciation for music and I will take that with me for the rest of my life. I have also experienced a bunch of different cultures at HYOC by meeting different groups and also the people within HYPC who give me such a diversity of culture.
What words of wisdom would you like to leave for your “younger HYOC brothers & sisters”?
I would like to tell all the younger students to always bring water and never lock your knees because I have seen many people pass out due to dehydration and locking of knees. Another thing I would recommend would be to make your lei before the concerts start because otherwise you won’t have your lei and might bring your purple one to make up for it. It would also be hard to go to performances without music or other necessities which I have definitely forgotten.
Joined HYOC in 2014 as a 5th grader in the Coro Ensemble. Has been a member of HYOC for 7 years:
Graduating from: Mid Pacific Institute
.
Awards or AP Classes: IB Spanish, Global Politics, Chemistry & AP Physics & Calculus
Additional Activities outside of HYOC: Ran Cross Country & Track throughout high school. Taking Piano from Joyce Shih since age of 6. In Classical & Jazz Band.
Attending in the Fall: University of Massachusetts Amherst studying Biomedical Engineering.
What has your time with HYOC meant for you? What impact do you see it having on your future?
What has HYOC given to you that you will take with you on your life’s journey?
It has meant a lot to me as I’ve met people who have been good friends and will continue to be a part of my life for a long time. It has given me great experiences like Midsummer Night Dream and other operas at HOT as well as fun times with friends and other members of HYOC. I think HYOC will help me connect with others in my future and it will help me appreciate music.
HYOC has given me an appreciation for music and I will take that with me for the rest of my life. I have also experienced a bunch of different cultures at HYOC by meeting different groups and also the people within HYPC who give me such a diversity of culture.
What words of wisdom would you like to leave for your “younger HYOC brothers & sisters”?
I would like to tell all the younger students to always bring water and never lock your knees because I have seen many people pass out due to dehydration and locking of knees. Another thing I would recommend would be to make your lei before the concerts start because otherwise you won’t have your lei and might bring your purple one to make up for it. It would also be hard to go to performances without music or other necessities which I have definitely forgotten.
Danielle Akemi Yamashiro
When did you join HYOC?
I joined HYOC in 11th grade and joined in the Gioventu Musicale Ensemble, has been a member for 1.5 years.
Graduating From? Punahou.
Fall Plans?: Ithaca College majoring in Vocal Performance.
AP classes or Awards?: AP Japanese, Ka Lei o ka Hanu Ola - The Lei of the Breath of Life: Punahou Choir 2020 and 2021, Punahou Academic Actor award 2021, National School Choral award 2022
Additional Activities outside of HYOC?
Punahou Private and Group Voice lessons (2014-2022), Hawaii Opera Theatre’s Orvis Young Voices (2018-2022), Punahou Academy’s Singin’ in the Rain (2020), Orvis Young Voices Pirates of Penzance (2020), Punahou Choir (2018-2022), Punahou Carnival student chair (2021), Wrote a graduation song that was chosen out of several entries for Punahou’s class of 2022 ceremony, Madame Butterfly Chorus (2022),
What has your time with HYOC meant for you? What impact do you see it having on your future?
My time with HYOC may not have been the longest, but I cherish it immensely. There is an incredibly strong sense of community, and I was immediately welcomed in and treated like family. We’re all different people outside of the choral singing, hula, and performances. But singing together with everyone, I get a powerful goosebump-inducing feeling that I am part of something bigger than just myself.
When I first joined, it was during the start of the Pandemic. I was previously unable to commit to every Saturday. But zoom rehearsals quickly became the highlight of my week. While I much prefer in-person, those few hours each Saturday gave me so much hope and joy. Although I was still busy when things moved back to normal, I did everything I could to make it to rehearsals, even quitting my part time job. The only regret I have is not joining sooner.
It has been an honor to have been fully immersed in HYOC’s many experiences and take every opportunity provided. There is no “just singing” here, you’re learning about the history of Hawai’i, music theory, and hearing stories from Aunty Nola. Instead of just standing still like in most choirs, we often find ourselves walking, stepping, or dancing. As someone who initially viewed singing as a technical mechanical form, I feel that HYOC has also helped me to find more of my voice as a performer. And, helped ground me in this place that I’ve grown up in as I leave for college. There’s a lot of places you can go to sing, but not many will touch you so deeply.
What has HYOC given to you that you will take with you on your life’s journey?
My time at HYOC is something I will always carry with me. Nothing else can truly compare to the powerful feeling of performing in Kawaiaha’o for concerts, bringing family/audience members to tears with our music, or the feeling of pride we get when we step out in our uniforms and lei. I hope to carry the mindset and magic of HYOC with me as I go out into the world. Not every choir will connect in the way that we have, but the example set here has shown me what a choir can be, and it’s amazing. It is my hope that I can leave even a fraction of the positive impact on others that HYOC has done for me.
What words of wisdom would you like to leave for your “younger HYOC brothers & sisters”?
Always listen to Aunty Nola, not only when she’s giving directions but when she’s telling stories- there’s so much to learn if you’re willing to listen. And always talk to people, even if you’re feeling timid. The community at HYOC is really something special. I love music as does everyone else, but I first joined because of the people there. Before I joined, or even heard HYOC sing, I was touched by two girls' kindness. I was participating in the chorus for an event through orvis young voices, and they introduced themselves to me after realizing I didn’t know that many people. Now as I am graduating, the part that puts the most bitter in bittersweet is leaving everyone. Take the leap, because I was on the fence for awhile and wish I had joined sooner. So, my advice is to cherish every moment you have, and give it your all. And smile more!
When did you join HYOC?
I joined HYOC in 11th grade and joined in the Gioventu Musicale Ensemble, has been a member for 1.5 years.
Graduating From? Punahou.
Fall Plans?: Ithaca College majoring in Vocal Performance.
AP classes or Awards?: AP Japanese, Ka Lei o ka Hanu Ola - The Lei of the Breath of Life: Punahou Choir 2020 and 2021, Punahou Academic Actor award 2021, National School Choral award 2022
Additional Activities outside of HYOC?
Punahou Private and Group Voice lessons (2014-2022), Hawaii Opera Theatre’s Orvis Young Voices (2018-2022), Punahou Academy’s Singin’ in the Rain (2020), Orvis Young Voices Pirates of Penzance (2020), Punahou Choir (2018-2022), Punahou Carnival student chair (2021), Wrote a graduation song that was chosen out of several entries for Punahou’s class of 2022 ceremony, Madame Butterfly Chorus (2022),
What has your time with HYOC meant for you? What impact do you see it having on your future?
My time with HYOC may not have been the longest, but I cherish it immensely. There is an incredibly strong sense of community, and I was immediately welcomed in and treated like family. We’re all different people outside of the choral singing, hula, and performances. But singing together with everyone, I get a powerful goosebump-inducing feeling that I am part of something bigger than just myself.
When I first joined, it was during the start of the Pandemic. I was previously unable to commit to every Saturday. But zoom rehearsals quickly became the highlight of my week. While I much prefer in-person, those few hours each Saturday gave me so much hope and joy. Although I was still busy when things moved back to normal, I did everything I could to make it to rehearsals, even quitting my part time job. The only regret I have is not joining sooner.
It has been an honor to have been fully immersed in HYOC’s many experiences and take every opportunity provided. There is no “just singing” here, you’re learning about the history of Hawai’i, music theory, and hearing stories from Aunty Nola. Instead of just standing still like in most choirs, we often find ourselves walking, stepping, or dancing. As someone who initially viewed singing as a technical mechanical form, I feel that HYOC has also helped me to find more of my voice as a performer. And, helped ground me in this place that I’ve grown up in as I leave for college. There’s a lot of places you can go to sing, but not many will touch you so deeply.
What has HYOC given to you that you will take with you on your life’s journey?
My time at HYOC is something I will always carry with me. Nothing else can truly compare to the powerful feeling of performing in Kawaiaha’o for concerts, bringing family/audience members to tears with our music, or the feeling of pride we get when we step out in our uniforms and lei. I hope to carry the mindset and magic of HYOC with me as I go out into the world. Not every choir will connect in the way that we have, but the example set here has shown me what a choir can be, and it’s amazing. It is my hope that I can leave even a fraction of the positive impact on others that HYOC has done for me.
What words of wisdom would you like to leave for your “younger HYOC brothers & sisters”?
Always listen to Aunty Nola, not only when she’s giving directions but when she’s telling stories- there’s so much to learn if you’re willing to listen. And always talk to people, even if you’re feeling timid. The community at HYOC is really something special. I love music as does everyone else, but I first joined because of the people there. Before I joined, or even heard HYOC sing, I was touched by two girls' kindness. I was participating in the chorus for an event through orvis young voices, and they introduced themselves to me after realizing I didn’t know that many people. Now as I am graduating, the part that puts the most bitter in bittersweet is leaving everyone. Take the leap, because I was on the fence for awhile and wish I had joined sooner. So, my advice is to cherish every moment you have, and give it your all. And smile more!
Andrew Bell
Joined HYOC: in 2021, my 12th grade year in the Gioventu Musicale ensemble. Has been a member for 1 years.
Graduating from: Punahou School
Fall Plans: Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins
What AP classes or Awards: AP: Biology & Psychology
Additional Activities Outside of HYOC: Gymnastics, Theater & Voice
What has your time with HYOC meant for you? What impact do you see it having on your future?
Learning Hawaiian Choral Music, learning hula and just to sing together as a group.
What has HYOC given to you that you will take with you on your life’s journey?
Many memories and friendships which I'll carry with me forever.
What words of wisdom would you like to leave for your “younger HYOC brothers & sisters”?
Email Aunty Nola or Aunty Malia if you are going to miss rehearsals!
Joined HYOC: in 2021, my 12th grade year in the Gioventu Musicale ensemble. Has been a member for 1 years.
Graduating from: Punahou School
Fall Plans: Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins
What AP classes or Awards: AP: Biology & Psychology
Additional Activities Outside of HYOC: Gymnastics, Theater & Voice
What has your time with HYOC meant for you? What impact do you see it having on your future?
Learning Hawaiian Choral Music, learning hula and just to sing together as a group.
What has HYOC given to you that you will take with you on your life’s journey?
Many memories and friendships which I'll carry with me forever.
What words of wisdom would you like to leave for your “younger HYOC brothers & sisters”?
Email Aunty Nola or Aunty Malia if you are going to miss rehearsals!
Matin Kealaokahinano Bulos
Joined HYOC: in the 5th Grade in the Coro Ensemble. She was a member for 3 years.
Graduating from: Colburn School of Music
Fall Plans: San Francisco School of Music Classical Double Bass
What AP classes or Awards: AP Literature & Composition & Na Pio Young Artists Award
Additional Activities Outside of HYOC: Urasenke, Japanese Tea Ceremony, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Colvurn Conservatory Orchestra, Colburn Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, Musicology Club, Colburn Youth Ensemble.
What has your time with HYOC meant for you? What impact do you see it having on your future?
My time at HYOC prepared me to have the skill I needed for conservatory training and playing in multiple ensembles. It also helped me to stay close to my Hawaiian ancestry through the things that brought me closer to my family and friends: music!!
What has HYOC given to you that you will take with you on your life’s journey?
The feeling of love and belonging with a talented family!!
What words of wisdom would you like to leave for your “younger HYOC brothers & sisters”?
Take these skills with you……. create and discover the magic and inspiration music has to offer you and know you will always have a family here!!
Joined HYOC: in the 5th Grade in the Coro Ensemble. She was a member for 3 years.
Graduating from: Colburn School of Music
Fall Plans: San Francisco School of Music Classical Double Bass
What AP classes or Awards: AP Literature & Composition & Na Pio Young Artists Award
Additional Activities Outside of HYOC: Urasenke, Japanese Tea Ceremony, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Colvurn Conservatory Orchestra, Colburn Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, Musicology Club, Colburn Youth Ensemble.
What has your time with HYOC meant for you? What impact do you see it having on your future?
My time at HYOC prepared me to have the skill I needed for conservatory training and playing in multiple ensembles. It also helped me to stay close to my Hawaiian ancestry through the things that brought me closer to my family and friends: music!!
What has HYOC given to you that you will take with you on your life’s journey?
The feeling of love and belonging with a talented family!!
What words of wisdom would you like to leave for your “younger HYOC brothers & sisters”?
Take these skills with you……. create and discover the magic and inspiration music has to offer you and know you will always have a family here!!
Bao Nguyen
Joined HYOC: in Kindergarten in the Bambini Ensemble. He was an 11 year members.
Graduating from: Punahou School
Fall Plans: California Institue of Technology
What AP Classes or Awards: AP Classes: AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP US History, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Chinese Language and Culture
Awards: 1st Place - Hawaii State Music Competition – Piano Young Artist Division, National Merit Scholarship Finalist, US Presidential Scholar Nominee
Additional Activities Outside of HYOC: Piano/Violin, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Punahou School Symphony, Punahou School Chamber Music Program, Punahou School Math Team, Punahou School Science Bowl Team
What has your time with HYOC meant for you? What impact do you see it having on your future?
Beyond the lessons I learned about singing and musicality, the many important life skills that I have learned—particularly responsibility, collaboration, communication, and time management—will also be mementos that I take away from HYOC. In addition to these valuable skills, HYOC has also provided me an extraordinary ohana and left me with an invaluable sense of camaraderie. I will never forget the backstage antics we had in Blaisdell during operas, the jests we exchanged during break time, or the times we scrambled to practice our repertoire just minutes before the performance. It is also the people of HYOC that make is special. Who can forget Aunty Wendy’s allergies, Aunty Kanani’s beautiful choreography (and her help when we forget the hula), Uncle Steven’s and Uncle Phil’s skillful and deft playing, or Aunty Nola’s detailed stories. The memories I made and people I met through HYOC will forever be unforgettable parts of my life.
What words of wisdom would you like to leave for your "younger HYOC brothers & sisters"?
1.Always leave your lei, music binder, pencil, and water bottle somewhere you will always find them. NEVER forget any of them when going to rehearsal.
2.Learn people skills. It will not only help you make HYOC friend during breaks, but it will also come in handy when you sing Ahe Lau Makani and Aunty Nola asks you to find someone in the audience to dance with.
3.Make sure you move your hips during hula. Otherwise, Aunty Kanani will make you dance in a congo line with your hands on the hips of the person in front of you. Trust me, just move your hips to avoid the embarrassment.
4.If you are practicing Beethoven Sonatas during piano class in the morning, tone down the forte sections of the piece. Otherwise, everyone will hear the loud clacking of piano keys.
5.If you play in the Youth Symphony and are performing during the Na Leo Pili Mai Festival, be prepared to sing. If you think you can get away with not singing just because you are playing in the symphony you are gravely mistaken. Aunty Nola WILL call you out and make you come stage and sing in your tuxedo.
6.Bring a water bottle to the dining hall during camp. This way, you can fill it up with your favorite soft drink.
7.Know your music theory because you know Aunty Nola will test you during rehearsal.
8.I don’t remember who, but someone once told me that singing tenor requires an ample amount of two things: skill and prayer. If you are a baritone and you have the option of singing bass or tenor, choose bass.
9.This one is 100% hypothetical. I am not saying it has every happened. But, if you are the principal second violinist for your school’s symphony in your sophomore year, and you have a concert the same day as the opening night of Tosca, make sure to tell Aunty Nola WAY ahead of time. ESPECIALLY if the entire Te Deum procession has to be restaged. You probably should also buy a plot of land in Waianae and start a pikake farm. Once again, this is a totally hypothetical situation and has never happened before.
10.This one is the most important. HAVE FUN AND MAKE FRIENDS! Due to my time commitments, I have unfortunately not been able to participate in HYOC for the past two years. During the two years in which I was gone, I came to truly realize how much the HYOC ohana meant to me. The memories that I have made as a part of HYOC are ones that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Joined HYOC: in Kindergarten in the Bambini Ensemble. He was an 11 year members.
Graduating from: Punahou School
Fall Plans: California Institue of Technology
What AP Classes or Awards: AP Classes: AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP US History, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Chinese Language and Culture
Awards: 1st Place - Hawaii State Music Competition – Piano Young Artist Division, National Merit Scholarship Finalist, US Presidential Scholar Nominee
Additional Activities Outside of HYOC: Piano/Violin, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Punahou School Symphony, Punahou School Chamber Music Program, Punahou School Math Team, Punahou School Science Bowl Team
What has your time with HYOC meant for you? What impact do you see it having on your future?
Beyond the lessons I learned about singing and musicality, the many important life skills that I have learned—particularly responsibility, collaboration, communication, and time management—will also be mementos that I take away from HYOC. In addition to these valuable skills, HYOC has also provided me an extraordinary ohana and left me with an invaluable sense of camaraderie. I will never forget the backstage antics we had in Blaisdell during operas, the jests we exchanged during break time, or the times we scrambled to practice our repertoire just minutes before the performance. It is also the people of HYOC that make is special. Who can forget Aunty Wendy’s allergies, Aunty Kanani’s beautiful choreography (and her help when we forget the hula), Uncle Steven’s and Uncle Phil’s skillful and deft playing, or Aunty Nola’s detailed stories. The memories I made and people I met through HYOC will forever be unforgettable parts of my life.
What words of wisdom would you like to leave for your "younger HYOC brothers & sisters"?
1.Always leave your lei, music binder, pencil, and water bottle somewhere you will always find them. NEVER forget any of them when going to rehearsal.
2.Learn people skills. It will not only help you make HYOC friend during breaks, but it will also come in handy when you sing Ahe Lau Makani and Aunty Nola asks you to find someone in the audience to dance with.
3.Make sure you move your hips during hula. Otherwise, Aunty Kanani will make you dance in a congo line with your hands on the hips of the person in front of you. Trust me, just move your hips to avoid the embarrassment.
4.If you are practicing Beethoven Sonatas during piano class in the morning, tone down the forte sections of the piece. Otherwise, everyone will hear the loud clacking of piano keys.
5.If you play in the Youth Symphony and are performing during the Na Leo Pili Mai Festival, be prepared to sing. If you think you can get away with not singing just because you are playing in the symphony you are gravely mistaken. Aunty Nola WILL call you out and make you come stage and sing in your tuxedo.
6.Bring a water bottle to the dining hall during camp. This way, you can fill it up with your favorite soft drink.
7.Know your music theory because you know Aunty Nola will test you during rehearsal.
8.I don’t remember who, but someone once told me that singing tenor requires an ample amount of two things: skill and prayer. If you are a baritone and you have the option of singing bass or tenor, choose bass.
9.This one is 100% hypothetical. I am not saying it has every happened. But, if you are the principal second violinist for your school’s symphony in your sophomore year, and you have a concert the same day as the opening night of Tosca, make sure to tell Aunty Nola WAY ahead of time. ESPECIALLY if the entire Te Deum procession has to be restaged. You probably should also buy a plot of land in Waianae and start a pikake farm. Once again, this is a totally hypothetical situation and has never happened before.
10.This one is the most important. HAVE FUN AND MAKE FRIENDS! Due to my time commitments, I have unfortunately not been able to participate in HYOC for the past two years. During the two years in which I was gone, I came to truly realize how much the HYOC ohana meant to me. The memories that I have made as a part of HYOC are ones that I will treasure for the rest of my life.