Mayday is coming around the corner and I am very excited! Mayday is a huge thing at our school, especially for eighth graders. Let me explain a little about Mayday. Mayday is an event a school hold in the state of Hawaii to represent and honor the ancient Hawaiian traditions. Each class corresponds with an island based on the size and age (kindergaten is Niʻihau, Niʻihau is the smallest island). For me I have a huge honor and a lot to do since I carry two positions as Mea oli (chanter) and Kahu (second to the queen). I am very excited and nervous since I have four tasks to do (class hula, court's hula, queen's dance, and the oli), but I would not have it anyother way!
On the weekend of April 17-19, our 8th grade class of 2014 went on our retreat. The 8th grade retreat in my mind, is always a huge event because it is one of the final event we have together as a class. The retreat makes me almost speechless, because so much happened in one day ( it almost felt like I was living multiple days in the 24 hours) This retreat will always be remembered because it was a time spent with my class. Mr. Frank Hill brought up the iPad project to the 8th grade girls to create a short iMovie about the usage of the iPads in our school. This clip will be played during the Live Auction on Saturday, April 5, at the Pioneer Inn to showcase our school and hopefully receive funds to support the iPad project.
March 12, 2014 the class just finished the movie The Odyssey. The movie was an interesting interpretation of the book. The movie brought together different aspects unlike the translated book version by Bernard Evslin . We got to see what was happening in Ithaca versus only reading about his adventures. The movie brought my imaginary images to life. It was interesting to see Andrei Konchalovsky, the director's interpretation and summary of the book. "And what he greatly thought, he nobly dared" - Homer On Saturday, February 22, Sacred Hearts School opened their hearts out to the community by having an open house. Ms. Enriquez was in Alaska attending ASTE, Alaska Society of Technology and Education. It was up to us, the students, to run the class, and to share what we know best, being a Sacred Hearts 8th grader. The open house was slow, there were only two new families we spoke to, but I feel that they took an interest in the school. Running the class was an experience to remember, because we were now teachers. We needed to empress these students to showcase the school in the best way. Open house will be remembered.
On Saturday, February 15, Whales Tales invited the class of 2014, to perform the song, "Where in the World are the Whales." The song we recorded in September with Steven Grimes. The event was held at the Ulalena theater (Maui Theater). As we were getting ready to perform, we were told to be comfortable, and not robotic. For many performers tend to act stiff and uncomfortable . As soon as I stepped on stage. I tried to center myself and focus and the music.. As we were singing, I thought, "Wow , this might be the last time we ever sing this song!"
Over the course of two months, our school as been setting up a St. Francis Garden to try and bring the community together. The idea of our small garden is to resurrect the idea of having a small organic garden for us to thrive on. We have been watering and caring for the plants and I cannot wait until the plants are fully mature. Well, Wednesday, February 19, might have been a bit nerve wraking, because we had our May Day Court interview. As I was pacing, overthinking things, I realized that the interview needed to come from my heart so that I could truly show my personality. As I waited, ( because I was one of the very last), I did not know what to do, until finally I was called to be next. I opened the door and chanted, Aloha Oli. I then greeted the judges and gave them a treat, okoshi, a Japanese sweet treat, to share with them a part of my culture. Then I read my I am from Poem...., after reciting the poem, it was questioning time. I did not know what to expect. As I was answering question, I had a feeling that they were not answered throughly or that I would repeat answers. When I stepped out I thought, " Oh well, it is in the hands of destiny now."
update as of March 4, 2014: I was cast as Kau (second to queen), and Mea Oli (chanter) A tree stump dead, but oh so alive. Its natural history and depth. What kind of tree was it? What is its ancient past? . It's still rooted to the Earth and feeding off of nature's beauty. Why is it so complex, its grains of wood and all of it grooves intertwined with one another. Like it is holding on to each other for dear life. Like it building a structure so it can rise or die together, with full commitment. How did it catch my eye? What is this dead tree stump that drew me into it. Like it was vibrating energy and life around it. Even though it may be dead its remains are still with us, it is there.
What is Jazz? Is it a type of music or is it a lifestyle? Ms. Halie Loren was the performer, sharing to us about her rhythmic lifestyle. Halie explained that music was always in her life, especially jazz. Halie inspired me not with her lecture but with her voice. It told the story of her life, joyful with the hardships of one. Her voice was smooth with a bit of rasp, that made a perfect jazz singer. Loren then shared about what a songwriter does and how she can take her life experiences or something make believe and express it through her music. She started off with a few songs that we would know in her jazz style. Listening to the original version versus a jazz remix made the song a whole lot different. Haile Loren will not be a name I will forget and I know she has made me a better songwriter and singer.
|
AuthorMy name is Erin. I attend Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina, I have a passion for music. I play the flute and piano and I am ready for a new year in 8th grade. I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. Categories |