From Dec. 4 to Dec. 7, the Aragon orchestra and choir traveled to Hawaii to play for the 81st Pearl Harbor Memorial Day. This is the first of two tours this year, though usually, the groups only tour once a year.
“We don’t really do too many tours,” said senior Sarai Camarena. “I think that because of COVID-19, everything was set back so this was kind of [to make up for that].”
During the week, orchestra and choir students performed and participated in some clinics.
“I feel very grateful to be able to participate in this huge event”
“We [performed] at the Pearl Harbor site,” said Orchestra and Choir Director John Chen. “The second day, we participat[ed] in the big ceremony all through downtown and on stage to honor the workers and the U.S. military service people involved in the event 81 years ago. We [were] also able to participate in two clinics and a tour at the University of Hawaii Pacific.”
Both ensembles performed selections from their winter repertoire. Chamber orchestra performed the “Holberg Suite” by Edvard Grieg, and Chamber Choir joined them to perform “Let There Be Peace on Earth” by Mark Hayes.
Chen is also taking the necessary precautions to make sure every student is safe on the trip.
“We [have] three doctors on board with us and a total of 76 people traveling,” Chen said. “I feel very grateful to be able to participate in this huge event. Definitely a capstone in the Aragon music department [will be being] able to say that we performed at the 81st [Pearl Harbor Memorial Day].”
“Definitely a capstone in the Aragon music department [will be being] able to say that we performed at the 81st [Pearl Harbor Memorial Day]”
Many music students are excited to participate and play at the event.
“I think it’s such a cool opportunity,” said junior Tom Rose. “For the past few years we haven’t been able to go on any tours because of restrictions. To have our first tour be in Hawaii is really exciting.”
This tour, however, does come at a very stressful time for students, as it is the week before finals.
“To have our first tour be in Hawaii is really exciting”
“I’ve just been trying to get ahead on my studying,” said junior Brendan Kennedy. “I asked teachers for [preparation for] final[s] and other materials that would help me get ready [earlier]. I have to just cram in all the studying [early], and then I also have the weekend when we get back, but that’s pretty much it.”
Students have prepared to make sure they all are able to go on the trip.
“As part of [going] to Hawaii, we had to get signatures from every teacher and have them tell us what we’re going to miss and how we can make up stuff,” Rose said. “Luckily, not that many of my classes are giving a lot of work for the week.”
“Even though it may be during a pretty inconvenient time, it’s still a good opportunity”
The unique experience of the tour has made it a once in a lifetime opportunity for some members.
“I feel pretty good about it,” said sophomore Aiden Yan. “Even though it may be during a pretty inconvenient time, it’s still a good opportunity. We get to play [on] Pearl Harbor [Memorial Day] and [we had] to be invited to play so I think [that’s] really good.”
In the spring, all advanced ensembles will be traveling to Southern California for a Disneyland tour.
