Performing Groups
Vocal Ensembles
BROADWAY CABARET has created a buzz as one of the newest performance groups in the BYU-Hawaii Music Department. This Broadway-style company performs contemporary songs found in American musical theater and among the airwaves of pop music. Their upbeat and inspiring numbers express the roots of American culture and feature some classic show tune favorites that will strike a familiar chord.
CONCERT CHOIR: Formed in 1985, the BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir is the university's premier SATB ensemble. The choir performs a cappella and accompanied choral literature ranging from classical oratorio literature as well as international folk music, American musical theater selections, and art music of Europe, the Americas, and the South Pacific. Performances are frequently integrated with traditional Hawaiian numbers where choir members captivate crowds with customary dances and a variety of accompanying instruments.
The choir consists of approximately 60 university students representing more than 15 countries, such as South Korea, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Japan, Malaysia, Tonga, Samoa, and others. They have most recently toured throughout Japan and Korea. Future performances include Carnegie Hall on June 5, 2006, and an extended 3-week tour throughout China and Mongolia in May of 2007.
Instrumental Ensembles
The BYU-Hawaii BRASS ENSEMBLE was one of the first performing groups organized at the university. In the early days of the Church College of Hawaii, the band performed regularly in parades, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and other special events, including a reception for former President George Bush. Their first tour was an inter-island excursion in the late '70s. The tradition continues today as the Brass Band is still one of the university's most-talented ensembles, frequently performing throughout the Pacific for the last 35 years. The band's latest cross-cultural exchange included hosting the Tongan Army Royal Corps of Musicians, the official governmental ceremonial band of the kingdom of Tonga, during Golden Jubilee festivities in October 2005.
SHAKA STEEL BAND: In one concert, you can be taken across the Caribbean and back! Shaka Steel is the university's popular Steel Drum Band. Formed in 2001, the 15-member ensemble performs the lively, fast-paced music of the Caribbean and Latin America on steel drums or "pans," native instruments of Trinidad, creating a totally tropical ambience with cool grooves, good vibes, and great entertainment. This unique group plays a fun style of crowd favorites, such as the samba, reggae, spicy calypso, and rumba. They can also slow it down with inspiring versions of modern-day hymns, such as "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." This Caribbean combo is a delight for any audience and is sure to make them move in their seats.