Archives

Me ke aloha – rehearsing with love!

Feb29

This week and last, we had the enormous pleasure of two special guest coaches, Kumu Hula Lauren Kanoelani Chang Williams of Hālau Nā Pua Hala, and Sweet Adelines Master Director Kathy Scheel of Oregon Spirit Chorus. Kumu Lauren offered vital guidance on pronunciation and interpretation and inspired us with her beautiful hula. Kathy Scheel filled us with energy and excitement and underscored the importance of exacting attention detail as we prepare for our upcoming contest performance in Reno. Thank you so much for your expertise and insights, Kumu Lauren and Kathy!

See below for a short video clip and photos of these special events.

This is aloha!

Director Chris and Kumu Lauren

Master Director Kathy Scheel and NLL Director Chris
What a spirited group!

Backwards and forwards

Feb1

This week we hailed our January birthday celebrants, Chris and Nora, who wore the birthday sash with aplomb. In keeping with the theme of the week — “National Backwards Day” — they will now officially begin aging in reverse, like Benjamin Button. But we in Na Leo Lani already know that singing with a chorus is the secret to long life and a youthful spirit!

Congratulations, ladies, on another trip ‘round the sun, and may all your days be harmonious!

Happy birthday to you!
Backward and onward!

Having a holly jolly rehearsal

Nov16

With Christmas just around the corner and our holiday concert coming up in three weeks, we are ramping up our rehearsals with a lot of holly jolly energy! Enjoy this video clip of an impromptu ensemble at this week’s practice.

Like what you see? Come join the fun with us in concert on December 9 at Harris Methodist Church. See our concert announcement for details.

Holo holo to the Windward Side!

Jun29

We had a great time going holo holo this week to sing for the residents of Pohai Nani in Kaneohe. The theme of our show was the sights and sounds of the Windward side, explored through songs like ‘Ūlili E and Hawaiian Lullaby. Enjoy pics and a video clip from our performance below.

‘Ukulele singalong!
Aloha ‘Oe
Pure Nerves quartet

Adding ‘ukulele to our mele

Jun23

In preparation for an upcoming singalong, members of the chorus tuned up their ‘ukuleles on Wednesday and strummed the ever-popular folk favorite, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” The song originated as an African-American spiritual, so it was a timely choice to honor this week’s Juneteenth holiday.

Enjoy a couple of brief clips and a pic from Wednesday’s rehearsal below.

Such great chords in this song!
Trying out new part placements.
This week’s theme: “MUSICAL NOTES” 🤩

Flag Day fun

Jun17

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.

NLL joined by some special guests!
Where I live, there are rainbows…

Shabooming along & PBJ!

May25

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.

Group B working on blend.
Pure Nerves offered an ode to America’s favorite sandwich. 🙂
Doing our best to look like “Goths” — with a dash of Halloween spirit thrown in (photo courtesy of Suzanne).

Celebrating volunteership

May18

We had a ball today performing at the City & County of Honolulu Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) annual volunteer recognition celebration at the Waikiki Community Center.

In addition to honoring O’ahu’s 2023 volunteers of the year, we also recognized one of our own, Rosie Ramiro, who volunteers for the Lanakila Senior Center and many other places.

Whether serving on chorus committees, helping with rehearsal logistics, carpooling, or just sharing snacks, all of our NLL members are vital volunteers in our own right. Harmony is by definition a collective venture!

See video and pics below.

A couple of favorites.
Photos and video courtesy of Adam LeFebvre, a fellow barbershopper who serves the City and County of Honolulu when he’s not singing!

Four on the Floor fun

Apr16

Last week’s rehearsal was filled with fast-paced musical antics and opportunities to show off our chops in impromptu quartets as we worked on our songs of the moment. Share the fun in the clips below.

Harmony heaven!
Final chords are the best!

91 and going strong

Mar23

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!