The Honolulu Boy Choir
“Open Auditions”
February 9 – Saturday
at Makiki Christian Church
(829 Pensacola St)
For boys ages 7 to 12. No prior musical experience; only the ability to match pitch, a desire to perform, and a great facial expression & personality.
Gain musical knowledge, poise, confidence, self-discipline, good grooming, travel opportunities, and more!
All auditions are by appointment only. For more info or to arrange
an audition appointment call 596-sing (7464).
The Honolulu Boy Choir is an island tradition and favorite entertaining Hawai'i and the world. Their beautiful voices, unique songs and dances, cheerful and expressive smiles, blue aloha shirts with fresh floral leis, and their signature bare feet have all combined to give them worldwide recognition! No other choir can compare!
Kale Chang, Choral Director
Kaimi Pelekai, Associate Choral Director
Jarett Souza, Kumu Hula
Linda Asahina, Accompanist
The Honolulu Boy Choir is a non-profit organization [501(c)(3)] founded in 1974. Membership in the Choir is free. The Choir supports its activities through generous donations from individual and corporate donors. We wish to express our appreciation to Makiki Christian Church for allowing the Choir to rehearse in its facilities.
(808) 596-sing (7464) bus or bnuibe@hotmail.com
615 Piikoi St. Suite 1901 Honolulu, HI 96814-3147
Aloha! Mahalo for your interest in our audition process. Today is the first step in what might lead up to being an experience of a lifetime! We audition boy’s ages of 7 to 12. All auditions are by appointment only.
Call 596-sing (7464) for an appointment.
The audition process should take no more than fifteen (15) minutes. Your boy will meet with the Choral Director for a personal interview and a simple vocal test. Parents (no young siblings) are invited to observe the audition process. At the conclusion of the audition, the Choral Director will immediately tell you of the results (welcome aboard, try again, or pitch problem).
What will qualify your boy to pass the audition?
1) First and foremost, he needs to have the personal desire to want to be a part of this world-renowned Choir; not because you as parent(s) are forcing him to participate. Experience tells us that if he does not have the personal desire, it just won't work. We will find this out during the personal interview. Also during this interview, we're looking for boys with enthusiasm, personality, a positive attitude, a degree of maturity (ability to stand still and face the Choral Director); all combined with a cheerful smile.
2) He must have the ability to sing and "match pitch"; to have a high clear sound. We will utilize the piano to see if he can match the pitch up and down the musical scale.
3) We will ask your boy to then sing a song of his own choosing "acappella" (without accompaniment). If he has no song in mind, we will suggest the song Hawai'i Ponoi.
Don't be disappointed if he doesn't make it. Praise him for trying. Some boys may simply not be ready at this time. Pitch problems have been known to remedy over a period of time. In this case, we may suggest that he audition again at a later date. Other boys (generally the younger ones) may not be ready for the intense rigors of this Choir. Every boy has a great potential to be a winner in other endeavors such as sports, arts, or academics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How old must one be to audition? Your boy must be age 7 or older at the time he auditions. No exceptions. We generally audition boys up to age 12.
2) Must my boy have previous vocal lessons and/or experience? No. In most cases, we prefer that your boy come with no experience at all. Ability to match pitch, desire, enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and disciplined behavior are all that is needed.
3) What will it cost to join the Choir? There is a $50.00 (non-refundable) processing fee each year to cover the cost of the music lyric book, the rehearsal CD’s, and an official Honolulu Boy Choir t-shirt. Otherwise, membership is free! Unlike other organizations, there are no monthly tuition charges. When a boy is "ready" to sing in concerts, parents must purchase the appropriate uniforms. Pants and shirt are approximately $20-25.00 each. Scholarships are available but very limited.
4) How often are rehearsals held? Every Monday and Wednesday, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Makiki Christian Church (829 Pensacola St). Attendance is mandatory. On occasion, extra rehearsals may be scheduled on other days.
5) What’s the Choir year like? We run a ten month program January to December, with the months of July & August as vacation time for the boys. Boys are subject to call during July or August for occasional convention performances.
6) How often are concerts held? During the spring season (February to June), we generally have a light schedule, 2-3 concerts per month. During the fall season December is traditionally the busiest month. The Choir may meet as many as 20+ times (rehearsals & concerts) in December. Attendance is mandatory at all concerts.
7) What kind of commitment must be made to the Choir? Each boy must attend all rehearsals and concerts. Prompt attendance is required. Three (3) or more "unexcused" absence from rehearsals will result in dismissal of your boy. An excused absence will only be by illness; attendance at a mandatory school function; being off island; or by special permission. It is an enormous commitment on the part of you as parents, as you’ll be required to shuttle your boy to all rehearsals and concerts.
8) Will my son be able to tour with the Choir? Unfortunately, we cannot take everyone on a concert tour (neighbor islands, mainland, far east, etc). Selection is always made on the basis of vocal quality, appropriate facial expression, positive attitude, disciplined behavior, maturity level, and attendance & tardy record. Tours are always a wonderful educational and cultural experience for the boys!
9) What will my son gain from this experience? The Choir is not meant for every boy and family. Boys are constantly reminded that participation in the choir is an honor and a privilege, not a right. As a member of the Choir, each boy will acquire musical knowledge, develop poise and confidence, improve his study habits, and learn self-discipline, responsibility, citizenship, good grooming, and respect for himself and others. These far-reaching objectives and high standards mean that much is expected from each boy, and at times it will seem very demanding. Commitment and perseverance are needed to succeed.
A new website for the Honolulu Boy Choir is under construction and due to be completed soon. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please complete the form below. We'll send you an email notification as soon as our new site is completed.
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