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).
Summer days are here again! Keep cool with six weeks of singing with Na Leo Lani.
Do you love singing but aren’t sure whether you have the time to commit to joining a chorus? Or maybe you are already in a chorus and want to dip a toe into the cool waters of barbershop harmony? Well, come give our easy breezy six-week Summer Program a try! We will be learning two barbershop takes on contemporary tunes over six weekly rehearsals, May 31 – July 5, culminating in a performance (and open mic opportunity!) for friends and family on Saturday, July 8.
Come join us!
When? Weekly on Wednesday evenings 6-8 p.m., May 31 – July 5
Where? We rehearse in the Mo’ili’ili Hongwanji Social Hall Annex, 902 University Avenue, Honolulu
For driving and parking directions, see: https://naleolani.org/join-us/
How much? $25 (includes sheet music, learning tracks, and vocal instruction with the chorus). If you decide you would like to audition and join Na Leo Lani at the end of the program, your Summer Program fee will go toward your first month of NLL chorus dues.
How to sign up? Email naleolanichorus@gmail.com and let us know you are interested!
Ar tonight’s rehearsal we marked National Denim Day with a rhapsody in blue — blue jeans, that is. Following some high-spirited singing, we held our annual Board of Directors installation ceremony to welcome new and ongoing members onto the BOD.
Thank you, Music Team and installation volunteers, for making tonight fun!
And a very happy birthday to Karlyn, who did the birthday sash proud with her beaming smile.
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!
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.
Spring has sprung, and with it, we achieved a fabulous new milestone in March — three new members, all of them Leads, in a single month! Congratulations and welcome to Suzanne, Karlyn and April — we are so excited to have you join us. We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding celebration of song together.
What better way to celebrate Spring and honor the Earth than to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle unwanted goods from your closets and garage? You can do so AND support Na Leo Lani at the same time by donating your gently used household goods and clothing to our APRIL 2023 Savers FUNdraiser!
Bring your bags and boxes of donation items to rehearsal this week Wednesday, April 5 and next week Wednesday, April 12.
Savers pays non-profit organizations by the pound for goods that we collect and donate on a designated date of our choice.
If you are not a chorus member and but have items you would like to donate, please contact us at naleolani[at]gmail.com Or combine dropping off your donation items with sitting in on our rehearsal and joining us in song! Prospective members are always welcome. Visit our “Join Us” page for our rehearsal location info and more.
Please see below for info about the kinds of donations items that Savers accepts.
We had a wonderfully intense coaching weekend with Angela Suraci, Sweet Adelines International Master Director and longtime Director of the award-winning Mission Valley Chorus. In addition to an evening session on Friday night and a full day of coaching on Saturday, Angela guided our leads and basses through sectional instruction and had energy leftover on Sunday to coach the Pure Nerves quartet. Throughout it all, she maintained her signature good humor, keen ear, and amazingly perceptive insights. Angela put us all through our paces, and for that, we say thank you so much!
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 