Archives

Our Chorus’ 51st Anniversary!

Aug26

Last week we celebrated Na Leo Lani’s 51st anniversary as a chorus! Congratulations! And to top it all off, we were joined by a very special guest, Zoe Brown, a longtime barbershop signer who first got started about 30 years ago right here in our chorus! She now sings with Diablo Vista Chorus. Last week we also welcomed our newest returning member to our Baritone section, Summer! A million-watt smiles on everyone, and a million more to come as we continue preparing for our next performance at Pohai Nani on Sept 5, and the momentous Pan-Pacific competition happening in October at Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Coaching with Julie Starr

Aug8

We had a fantastic coaching session in early July with Julie Starr, Region 12 Education Coordinator, Director of Bay Area Showcase Chorus, and a Master Director with many years of experience training choruses to turn up and tune up!

After putting us through our paces with bubbling galore and refining songs in our repertoire, Julie led us in a discussion of elements to work on as a chorus and as individual singers.

Julie is a longtime friend of Na Leo Lani. It was a wonderful to see her again and gain from her insights!

Chris and Julie
Fourth of July theme week and a great coaching session with Julie Starr

Fun-loving and fabulous!

Aug1

Sharing our birthday congratulations and warm wishes to four amazing NLL members — belated, but no less heartfelt: JoAnne and Charley (our May birthday gals) and Arlette and Jojo (June birthday gals)!

JoAnne is now 91 years old!!! Singing really does keep you fun-loving, fit, and fabulous.

Here’s to another healthy, happy, and harmonious year around the sun!

Kicking off June with tai chi warm-ups
And marking May with three cheers for our Lead Charley and Bass JoAnne!

Thank you and aloha!

Jun14

On May 27, the chorus bid a very warm aloha ‘oe to longtime Na Leo Lani member and former President, Kieko, who is relocating to Australia. They showered her with lei, heartfelt song, and a very thoughtful card and surprise gift. Thank you so much, ladies!!!

I, Kieko (speaking in the first person here 😉 ), will continue to serve as NLL webmistress for the time being, even from afar — so sisters in song, please keep sending me your photos and updates!!

Thanks for more than a decade of friendship, community, and harmony! Love you all! ❤️ 💕 💗!!!

So lovely to see all of you!
. . . And sing tags, of course
Huge appreciation for NLL director, Chris . . .
And a big hug for current NLL President, Nicole!
. . . until we meet again xo

Off to contest!

May14

We had a fabulous experience last weekend performing for friends and family as a final preparation for our Region 12 Contest this weekend in Sparks, Nevada. As you can see from the photos below, a good time was had by all as we sang for our nearest and dearest. Everyone was wonderfully enthusiastic and supportive, which made us in turn sing our best. Thank you!

Special thanks to Mark Conching for his warm and insightful coaching, Adam LeFebvre for serving as our Friends and Family event emcee, Suzanne Chun-Oakland from the Lanakila Senior Center, where the event was held, and also to the marvelous Emma at the Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji, where we rehearse every week.

Our Na Leo Lani singers are currently en route to Nevada for this weekend’s big event. Safe travels, ladies! Break a lip and put on a great show!

Sporting our favorite blue chiffon, we sang like angels!
Mahalo nui loa, Chris and Mark!

Wonderful as always to sing and connect

Coaching is key!

Apr26

We had a super productive coaching session with Mark Conching this week as part of our preparation for our Sweet Adelines International Region 12 contest in Reno next month.

Mark was wearing his Honolulu Marathon finishers shirt, which felt appropriate, because preparing for contest really is a marathon, not a sprint!

Practice, practice, practice is key to getting that blend of barbershop harmony just right. Thank you so much, Mark, for holding us to account and for supporting our director, Chris, with your insights.

And wow, NLL ladies! You worked hard and it shows! 🎶❤️!

It’s on! Come on and try your luck at our BINGO fundraiser!

Feb26

If you like games of chance and the spirit of community, come spend this Saturday afternoon, March 28 with Na Leo Lani as we have fun and raise funds for our upcoming Sweet Adelines Region 12 competition in Reno!

Choose from an array of prizes when you compete and win.

$25 for five cards. Pay at the door or purchase in advance — scan the QR code below for the form, or click this link.

What: BINGO!

When: March 28, 2026, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Where: University Avenue Baptist Church, 2305 University Ave, Honolulu

Have some laughs and experience the joys of harmony, both on your bingo board and in four-part a cappella style!

A big thank you to University Avenue Baptist Church for hosting!

To purchase bingo cards, scan QR code below or go to: https://form.jotform.com/260535842381155

Scan this QR code to purchase cards for our BINGO event in advance, or pay at the door. We can’t wait to see you!

Love one another

Feb14

What better way to feel the love in these difficult times than a Valentine’s Day-themed rehearsal celebrating the human capacity for harmony? Share the fun of our impromptu exchange quartets in the video clip below.

Happy Valentine’s Day — may love grow and harmony flourish in this country and around the world!