Gift Wrapping Party

On Saturday, December 9th, a few Karolers met at Sarah and Pat's (our official photographer) home in Kailua to wrap gifts for the Ronald McDonald House.  A few days later we would attend and sing at the annual "toy raising" event known as the "Miracle on Merchant Street," hosted by Don and Marion Murphy. 

The Karolers wanted to participate in the giving.  Earlier in the week, Karol purchased many creative toys (like a potato clock), and on Saturday, Michał and Karol gathered packing supplies, some wine,  Carlyn, and headed over to Kailua, where we met Mitch, Sarah, Pat, Rupert and Max. 

It was a fun project and bonding time – and we were able to fill three sizable bags with gifts for the Ronald McDonald House!  

Carlyn and Karol's relationship with wrapping paper will never be the same again. 

Mitch is about to set a new Guinness World Record for wrapping presents quickly.  Sarah is planning her next move. 

I think we brought enough scissors. 

An Extra Rehearsal

When our group started up in 2012, we started rehearsals in late October and met once a week.  After a few seasons, as our repertoire grew in both size and scope, an occasional "sectional" was organized to help facilitate learning.  This season, the Karolers rehearse twice a week, usually on Wednesdays and Sundays.  That, however, is still not enough for some us.  Greg, the true pitch aficionado, has on several occasions organized a mini-sectional or note-clinic.  In that spirit, Karol has hosted an additional rehearsal on Friday, December 8th.  Although the rehearsal was optional more than half of the group showed up! 

The rehearsal was very productive and definitely very extra – just ask Chaplain Lena about it. 

Karol, Mitch, Greg, Lena, Carlyn, Brittani, and Taylor in the middle of working on notes and nuances. 

Beautiful Music

It is interesting to consider all rehearsals "optional."  Serious unpaid singers (SUSs) come together because of their passion for making beautiful music – not because of what is demanded of them.  There is a mutual understanding that making beautiful music is time-consuming and does not happen overnight.  Like all pursuits of excellence, making beautiful music requires time, focus, and discipline. These are not always easily mustered – all of us are consumed by our daily jobs, responsibilities, and life events.  After all, we are SUSs!  However,  it is clear that singers who make up the Karolers are extremely passionate and committed to making beautiful music. 

The beautiful music we strive to make could not happen if we only rehearsed once a week.  Although many singers prepare individually so that group rehearsals can be devoted to ensemble work, it is very helpful (and more fun) to learn new music in a group setting.  For many of us, it is difficult to learn by ourselves, and we are thankful to the more experienced singers in the group for helping us out.  It is the mutual understanding of the rehearsal process, the shared ambition to create something special, and the trust that everyone in the group is striving to do their best that brings and holds us together – in the pursuit of beautiful music. 

Greg's Birthday

After our performance at Tango we headed to Murphy's where we sang a Happy Birthday (one day belated!) to Greg.  We all very much enjoy singing with Greg and we wish him another amazing year filled with merriment, shenanigans, and successful carpentry projects. 

Still in black and blue from singing at the Finland's independence centennial, the Karolers gathered for a quick pint at Murphy's! 

Fun Fact

The group ran into an "Old Timers'" holiday party, hosted annually by print media professionals. Of course, we did not turn down a request for a carol or two.  Naomi, who originally came to Murphy's to do some homework, may have been spotted chatting with photographer Kim Taylor Reece and other celebrities!  It was a good time for all. 

Team Finlandia!

The Karolers gathering in front of Tango Restaurant with Maarit.  Bonus – we ran into the Hoovers! 

On December 6th, the Karolers helped to celebrate Finland's Independence Centennial.  We were asked by our friend, Maarit Tiirikainen to sing Finland's national Anthem Maamme and beloved song Finlandia at Tangö Restaurant where an intimate celebration was organized by Hawaii's Finnish community. 

After giving the Finnish language our best shot and rehearsing with pianist Tommy Yee we were excited to be able to lend our voices to something a little different. 

The setup, festive decor, and warm atmosphere were truly splendid and we felt grateful to be a part of this celebration.  We were also able to taste a delicious "hot welcome drink" which put us in the spirit for at least the rest of the week! 

Have a listen to the clip of the beautifully nostalgic Finlandia composed by Jean Sibelius.

Hawaii Yacht Club Caroling

On Sunday, December 3rd, the Karolers were invited to join Don Conover and Ernest Harada and sing at the Hawaii Yacht Club.  This was the Karolers' 4th appearance at the club and a much anticipated and fun event for us.  Needless to say, we had a grand old time, enjoyed wonderful performances by Don and the regulars, and were happy to sing a few songs on our own. 

The flyer for Hawaii's Yacht Club Christmas Party was not nearly as colorful as the festivities hosted by Don Conover and Ernest Harada! 

Mahalo!

We were surprised by the wonderful members of the club who have organized a potluck and brought extra food especially for us.  After a busy day for many of us, it was such a relief to be able to sit down and grab a bite. 

Mahalo to Don and the club members for organizing and bringing so many treats! 

The Karolers had their own table reserved by Don and Ernest!  This picture was taken before our first set and the wonderful potluck. 

First Concert!

Our first concert this season took place on December 2nd at the Hawaii State Library.  The Karolers met in the library basement to warm up and rehearse a few pieces.  We were treated to cookies and snacks by the library staff – thank you! 

After a quick warmup in the library's basement the boys are ready to go! 
Photographer: Pat Connelly

The State Library has wonderful acoustics.  The sound is very clear and resonant but the space does not have too much reverb, which is nice as it makes it easier for us to listen to each other.  After weeks of rehearsals, it felt great to finally be able to share some music with the community.  Our concert was fairly well attended – about 40 people remained for the entire performance and many visitors stopping by to hear one or two carols before heading their way. 

The Karolers performing at the Hawaii State Library. 
Photographer: Pat Connelly

We will leave you with a tiny little clip that our friend, and amateur toreador, Pat Connelly, has recorded. It should give you a sample of the great acoustic space! 

The Season Begins!

Caroling at Macy's

The Karolers have ushered in the Holiday season spreading music and cheer at Macy's in late November.  This time, a quartet +1 (the plus one being Michał), wearing their best holiday garb, the group has entertained shoppers and attendees of a Christmas decoration workshop and elicited a positive response and many smiles from the onlookers.  From a wide selection of carols, the crowd favorite was Scott Fikse's arrangement of Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree!  What a hoot! 

Macy's Caroling Crew

To catch us live, check out our Upcoming Events Calendar!