For the past few weeks, we’ve been watching and listening to particular grade levels or groups practicing their motions and songs for the opera, Kahalaopuna. You already know that this original opera, written by Dr. Neil McKay, will be performed May 9 and 10, 6:00pm, to celebrate MPI’s 100th year in Manoa.  It’s been somewhat a leap of faith for all the children who’ve been practicing their numbers pretty much in isolation, without fully comprehending the opera in its entirety.

Well, today the pieces all fit together to create a wondrous tapestry of song and image. What talent abounds in the school! And I was amazed by the students’ sense of space and how they were able to adjust from practicing in the dining room or on the courtyard lawn to practicing in a space three to four times the size of their practice areas. They were focused on their cues and didn’t seem to skip a heartbeat.  This opera, from the very beginning we began on this schoolwide journey, has been integrated into classroom curriculum through the production aspects. The children read James Rumford’s book, discussed the plot and themes, researched life on the ahupua`a (food production, Hawaiian pastimes), and read the libretto.  As I compose this letter, the performance is less than 24 hours away. Based on today’s preview for the middle school and high school, I’d say you’re in for a very special treat!

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