An energetic evening of music and games

We were thrilled to welcome seven guests, including new faces and old friends, at this week’s Membership Night. From the ribbon twirling warmups to a spirited round of tags, it was a nonstop evening of singing, laughter, and fun.

In an interlude between working on our contest songs and a hilarious round-robin game of Betty Boop (and Popeye and Wolf!) (see pic below), members shared how they came to Na Leo Lani and what they love about it.

Rosie spoke of how singing with the chorus had been a source of solace and uplift after her mother’s passing and a long stint volunteering at Hospice Hawaii. Summer, April, and others said they loved the sense of community they have found at NLL. JoAnne — hands down our most radiant and glamorous member — described how singing with Na Leo Lani has kept her young. She is now 88, and her daughter tells her she should never quit! And proving that we are never too old to expand our skill set and build our résumés, Ruth, now in her nineties, imparted how being a part of Na Leo Lani for so many years had put her in line for a leadership position at her assisted living facility, where she now heads the hymn-singing group.

Young or old, singing in harmony is our secret to feeling connected and finding joy!

Thanks so much, ladies, for making our January membership night a success. Let’s continue to grow!

Kinetic warmups with ribbon dancing
Our Membership Night guests!
Playing “Betty Boop” takes stamina and attention! 😅

Time to Sing in the New Year!

Put away those sparkly lights, holiday hats and festive decorations — it’s back to rehearsal this week and time to SING IN THE NEW YEAR! Whether you are a member coming back after our two-week break, a prospective member, or a singing sister just passing through town, please see our Calendar of Events for our January rehearsal times and dates.

In the meantime, here’s a toast to our December birthday gals — Hauʻoli Lā Hānau! – we love you lots!

Hip hip hooray for our December birthday celebrants, including Yvonne in absentia!

Blast from the past

Many of our members have been singing with Na Leo Lani for years. Enjoy this 2006 Honolulu Star Bulletin blast from the past featuring former long-running quartet, the Skylarks, just in time for Valentine’s Day!

COURTESY CLAUDIA CANNON
The Skylarks offer a woman’s touch in a singing Valentines Day greeting. Members are from left, Carol Wee, tenor; Charley Oyama, lead; Joann Kirihara, bass; Debbie Noguchi, baritone. (Star Bulletin features 7 February 2006)

Mele Kalikimaka and so much more

What a delight it was to see everyone again for our annual holiday concert this past Saturday! Mahalo nui loa to Harris United Methodist Church and Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Frances Wiebenga for hosting us, to Jeff LeFebvre and his team from Sounds of Aloha for their incredibly helpful technical and audio equipment expertise, and to all who pitched in with set-up and logistics. Special thanks as well to our guest quartets, H-4 Quartet and Vocal Mixology, for their marvelous blend of male voices. Mahalo most of all to our wonderful audience — your enthusiasm made our spirits soar!

Here are a few pics from the event. More to follow!

Birthdays, holiday hats, and more

Na Leo Lani members will sing anytime, anywhere, at the drop of a hat — and, more often than not, we do so while donning a hat! This week we were arrayed in a medley of holiday finery with blinking light leis, Santa hats, and cake crowns, while our November birthday girl, Rosie, joined in the fun of a rousing birthday salute.

Come check out our lively weekly rehearsals, where we always find reasons to celebrate, regardless of the season.

Birthday serenades are the best!

Gobble gobble

This week’s rehearsal featured a main dish of musical preparation with a side helping of turkey-themed fun. Thank you, ladies, for bringing your all to every rehearsal!

May your Thanksgiving be a time of togetherness with the people you love, and may your heart and lungs fill with enough joyous air to last you right through the last note of the holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving from Na Leo Lani !

Having a holly jolly rehearsal

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.

Mahalo, Lanakila Senior Center!

We had a great time this week performing at the Lanakila Senior Center. Like the expression “Imua a loaʻa ka lei o ka lanakila” (Go forth and win the lei of victory), singing for the public always feels like a win.

Mahalo nui loa to the Lanakila Senior Center for being a great audience and inviting us to lunch afterward.

If you like singing and performing, come check us out — visit our “Join Us” page for information on our weekly rehearsals or contact naleolanichorus[at]gmail.com

Photo credit: Suzanne. Thank you!

Our holiday concert is this Saturday, Dec. 9!