Na Leo Lani Chapter of SingUnited International

E PILI KAKOU MA O KE MELE O KA NA’AU – “We join together through music in that place that stirs emotion.”

ESTABLISHED IN 1975, Na Leo Lani is a current member of SingUnited (formerly Sweet Adelines International), Region 12. 

Averaging 20 to 30 members in size, our chorus sings in four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop harmony style. In barbershop, the four vocal parts have different names and functions than traditional choirs. The Tenors (equivalent to a soprano vocal range) sing the high harmony notes, the Leads (equivalent to a mezzo-soprano/alto vocal range) keep us on track and strong with the melody, the Basses (equivalent to a low baritone/bass vocal range) keep us steady with the low harmony notes, and the Baritones (equivalent to an alto vocal range), fondly called “the Bari’s,” sing the harmony notes that fill in the chord between the Leads and Basses, and create that beautiful tight sound for which the barbershop style is known for.

In honor of these islands we call home, Na Leo Lani sings song arrangements in both Hawaiian and English, and strives to live up to the meaning of our name, Na Leo Lani: The Heavenly Voices.

Na Leo Lani has performed throughout the Honolulu area since August 21, 1975, when our chorus began and was chartered by Sweet Adelines International (SAI) as part of the World Wide Region, later known as the Satellite Region.

In 1987, Na Leo Lani (NLL) was the hostess chapter for the international convention. Things were very different then with the hostess chapter taking an active part in the behind-the-scenes jobs that kept the competition running smoothly.  NLL was also a main part of the Showcase performance, singing and dancing many Hawaiian songs to welcome the participants to our Island home.

In 2006, we became a chapter of SAI Region 12–Pacific Shores. This region includes Southern Oregon, Northern California, and Northern Nevada. We regularly attend the Region 12 convention on alternate years. In 2015, we competed in the Open Division and won the Audience Choice Award. In 2017 Na Leo Lani competed in regional competition in Reno, Nevada. Most recently, in May 2022, we competed in a special videorecorded version of Region 12’s annual competition, as the first step in returning to in-person singing post-pandemic.   

Na Leo Lani offers a warm, inclusive community to women of all ages to experience the joy of a cappella harmony. If you like to sing, please come check us out at our weekly rehearsals or attend one of our events! Click our “Join Us” page to find out details. 

If you are looking for performers for school or community events, holiday entertainment, the national and state anthems, celebrations of life, private functions, or any other circumstances that would be enhanced through song, please visit our “Hire Us” page or simply email us at naleolanichorus@gmail.com