Purpose of the Program:

• To provide an opportunity for HPU students to express their vocal talents.
• To enhance HPU’s commitment to a diverse student body through the performing arts.
• To serve HPU as an outreach to the broader community through vocal performance.

• Singing ethnic choral literature from countries around the world.
• Proficiency in ensemble singing.
• Vocal abilities to the fullest potential.
• Musical competencies such as ear training and the reading of musical notation.
• Exploration of choral music from a historical and cultural perspective.
• Deepening an appreciation and understanding of the universal language of music and its ability to unify the human spirit.

Vocal Groups:

There are two performing choral groups at HPU: the International Chorale and the International Vocal Ensemble. Currently, HPU does not offer a music major or minor. The members of these two groups have chosen to participate because of their love of music and their belief in the principles of the International Choral program.

The International Chorale is comprised of 30-60 talented choral enthusiasts from the HPU community of students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty, and staff, as well as singers from the community, who perform choral repertoire from multiethnic sources. Individuals must audition in a “no stress” situation to qualify for the International Chorale. Rehearsals take place once a week. Academic credit for participation is available.

• International Vocal Ensemble - “Sing For Your Scholarship”

This special group of voices is composed of 20-25 select singers who are recruited and auditioned for their vocal talents and experience. It is open to qualified students enrolled in one of HPU’s undergraduate or graduate degree programs. The ensemble makes up the vocal core of the International Chorale.

Because HPU does not have degree programs in music, all of the members of the International Vocal Ensemble (IVE) are pursuing degrees in other academic disciplines. Members may receive academic credit for participation. The IVE is one of the few choral groups in the world made up of nonmusic majors who receive scholarship for their participation. 50% tuition waivers are available for incoming HPU students and continuing IVE members.

Download your application
(PDF file)

 

Director of Choral Activities  - Matthew Kala‘i Stern

In 2006, Stern completed a season as the Interim Director of the Hawai‘i Pacific University International Vocal Ensemble.  He directed the choir on a tour in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria, where the group participated in the Mozart International Choral Festival, celebrating 250 years of the composer’s musical legacy.  Stern also serves as the music director of First United Methodist Church of Honolulu and as music assistant to the performing arts department of the Kamehameha Schools.   In 2005, Stern earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.  While there, he studied choral conducting under Dr. Karen Kennedy and served as assistant conductor of the University Chorus, Concert Choir, and Chamber Singers programs for three years.   Stern previously directed the Honolulu Boy Choir from 2000-01 and the Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club Choir from 1993-94.  He has served as musical theater director for ‘Ohi‘a Productions, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, Saint Louis High School, Kamehameha Schools, and the Performing Arts Center of Kapolei.   Stern’s performance credits include theater, musical theater, Hawaiian music, and hula. He has performed professionally throughout Hawai‘i and has toured in California, Washington, and Japan.    In 2001, Stern was awarded multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards by the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts for his work with the group ‘Ale‘a. In 1996 he won first prize at the Frank B. Shaner Hawaiian Falsetto Contest.  Academic awards include the Mae Zenke Orvis Award for excellence in music performance, the Gregory Goetz Music Award for excellence in music education, and the Mary Jane Montano Award for preservation of Hawaiian music. In the summer of 2008, Stern will team up with Dr. Teresa McCreary, Hawai‘i Pacific University’s Director of Instrumental Music, to lead HPU’s orchestra and International Vocal Ensemble on a musical tour to Beijing and Zian, China.

For more information regarding the International Vocal Ensemble scholarship and the audition process, call, write, or email:

Kalai Stern

Director, Choral Music

choir@hpu.edu

 

Phone:  (808) 544-1127
(Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., HST. Excluding University holidays)