At this past week’s rehearsal, we celebrated flag day, waving or wearing the flags of our foremothers and our various countries and regions of ancestry. After a solid stretch working on our two new Summer Program songs, we circled up and had some fun with an old favorite, “Hawaiian Lullaby.” See a snippet here.
Na Leo Lani had a special treat this weekend courtesy of Sweet Adelines International: a free video coaching session with Master Director Lea Baker of Endeavor Harmony (Sydney, Australia).
Setting up a two-way call with sufficient audio and video across a 20-hour time difference was beyond our chorus’s skill set, even with post-pandemic fluency in platforms like Zoom and Google Meets. Enter Jeff LeFebvre of Sounds of Aloha chorus, who generously volunteered his video-connectivity know-how and supplied his equipment, to boot. Jeff stayed with us the whole afternoon to fix any glitches that arose. We could not have done it without him. Thank you!!! 🙏🏽 🙏🏽🙏🏽
A huge mahalo as well to NLL member Suzanne, who provided the perfect space for our coaching session with a huge screen, steady wifi, tiered seating, and even fresh-popped popcorn for a post-coaching snack!
Thanks most of all to our director, Chris, for tenaciously following through on this coaching opportunity, to SAI’s Education Department for underwriting it, and to Lea Baker for her amazing ear and helpful insights. Lea put us all through our paces, even the baris and tenors, who usually fly under the radar as long as we warble our “doo doo dooooos” at the right time. 😉 We learned a ton in two hours and had fun doing it.
We spent the second week of our six-week Summer Program working hard on our new songs, getting to know our participants, and celebrating “National Chocolate Ice Cream Day” on June 7. (Not to worry, all you vanilla, fudge ripple, and mint chocolate chip lovers out there — there is also a general-purpose World Ice Cream Day in July — the more ice cream days, the merrier!).
Interested in participating in our Amazing Summer Program, learning two great tunes, and participating in a Friends & Family performance in July? It’s not too late to join us. CLICK HERE to find out more.
At this week’s rehearsal, Na Leo Lani members wore a festive mix of red, white, and blue to honor and acknowledge those who served and those we’ve lost.
Na Leo Lani was pleased to perform for the June 2 ceremony at 15 Craigside honoring Hawaii’s top volunteers of 2023. Guests included Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. Thank you to Adam LeFebvre for the lovely photos and video excerpt [click here to hear us!] from the event.
Another fun night of rehearsal with ensemble -style sectionals and a debut of a new tune by Pure Nerves quartet. The theme was “Goth Night,” which made for a lot of folks in black and some heavy eyeliner. 😉
Enjoy the video snippets and pic below.
In honor of Endangered Species Day and the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, the ladies of Na Leo Lani had a hoot doing energetic anti-poacher themed physical warm-ups at tonight’s rehearsal.
Our most spirited members sported outfits and images of their favorite wild species, from ‘Ohi‘a lehua (currently under threat from Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death) to rhinos. Enjoy the pic below.
We marked this week’s rehearsal with jaunty interpretations of Mexican attire, in a commemorative nod to May 5, 1862, when Mexican soldiers in the town of Puebla valiantly repelled troops sent by French Emperor Napoleon III. Despite being deeply outnumbered, Mexico’s defenders won. Mexican President Benito Juárez in turn declared the day a national holiday. (It would take four more years for Mexico to finally put an end to France’s conquering intentions, but that’s a story for another day. 😉 )
History lesson aside, Cinco de Mayo gave us a reason to celebrate spring with colorful outfits and shouts of Olé!
We also celebrated this week with thanks and a round of applause for our hard-working Music Team and outgoing BOD officers Kieko (President) and Kristi (Vice President).
We celebrated World Bicycle Day (June 3) a little early this year with a rehearsal homage to bicycle couture. A Tour de France trophy to Yvonne for being most in the spirit!
Our most senior member, Ruth, is not only a powerful bass, she’s also a proud Roosevelt High School alumna. In keeping with tradition, she celebrated her 91st birthday this month with an enthusiastic rendition of the Rough Riders’ school song, joined by fellow alumnae Rosie, Carole, Janice, and more! Hail to thee, Roosevelt, and Happy Birthday to you, Ruthie!
Na Leo Lani Chorus 