The Hawaii Preparatory Academy Middle School Handbell Choir, under the direction of Georgia Polakova, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
The Hawaii Preparatory Academy Middle School Handbell Choir, under the direction of Georgia Polakova, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
The group is presenting a series of free public performances for the holiday season:
• Noon on Saturday, Prince Kuhio Mall, Hilo.
• 5 p.m. Dec. 3, Parker Ranch Tree Lighting at Pu‘uopelu, Waimea.
• 9:30 a.m. Dec. 5, Waimea Farmers Market, Parker School, Waimea.
• 4 p.m. Dec. 5, Kings’ Shops, Waikoloa Resort.
• 6 p.m. Dec. 5, Queens’ Marketplace, Waikoloa Resort.
• Noon on Dec. 6, Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court, Waimea.
The handbell choir, offered as a middle school elective, has been part of the HPA experience since 1985. The choir consists of 11 students who play for seven weeks, usually performing after only four weeks of rehearsal.
“What I like best about the handbell choir is the group dynamics that must happen to have a successful performing handbell choir,” Polakova said. “The members must be positive and supportive of their fellow handbell players. There must be unity among the group or the music just doesn’t come together. It’s quite exciting to see the students’ faces when they realize they can contribute to the group and bring forth beautiful music.”
The handbell choir’s first CD, “A Ka Makani Christmas,” is available for $10 at all HPA handbell choir performances, at the HPA Student Store, HPA Village Campus office, Isaacs Art Center and online at www.hpa.edu. All proceeds benefit the HPA Middle School Handbell Choir.
For more information about performances, call 885-2500 or 885-2501.