LIHU‘E — The Island School Chorus takes center stage Wednesday for its fifth annual spring concert. “Our Favorite Things: A Five Year Anniversary Celebration” begins at 6:30 p.m. at Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center in Puhi. Director Philip Steinbacher
LIHU‘E — The Island School Chorus takes center stage Wednesday for its fifth annual spring concert.
“Our Favorite Things: A Five Year Anniversary Celebration” begins at 6:30 p.m. at Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center in Puhi.
Director Philip Steinbacher said the concert is the chorus’ most ambitious yet and will showcase 145 students, the group’s largest enrollment since its inception.
“I started the choral program when I came to Island School in 2006, so technically this is our seventh year in existence,” Steinbacher said in a news release. “The first two years, however, we were still sort of a fledgling group, still getting grounded.”
It wasn’t until Christmas of 2008 that the chorus held its first full-scale concert.
“That makes our upcoming spring concert at KCC the fifth,” Steinbacher said “Students in the chorus, from grades 4 through 12, have been preparing since January for this concert celebration.”
The Island School Chorus is comprised of four choral ensembles — Alaka‘i Chorus, ‘Opio Chorus, Keiki Chorus and the Singers. On Wednesday, the ensembles will perform selections from the previous four spring concerts, according to the release.
“The pieces in this concert warrant more than one performance, so we’re revisiting songs our audiences have asked to hear again,” Steinbacher said. “Of course, I’ve selected my own favorites, but these are also the pieces students have told me they loved singing and have been asking to sing again.”
Steinbacher said the Island School Chorus has reached a point where it is creating its own traditions.
“And it’s fun to look at old favorites in new ways,” he said. “Naturally, the concert will also feature a few surprises.”
The performance is directed by Steinbacher and accompanied by Rose Alfiler on piano.
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for students in grades 4 through 12. Children grade 3 and under get in for free. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Island School office.
For more information contact Philip Steinbacher at 246-0233 or philip@ischool.org.
• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-0441 or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.
