For generations, music has served as a universal language, connecting people across cultures and continents, expressing emotions, and marking celebrations. It’s a powerful tool for bringing communities together, reflecting individual values, and creating shared experiences. This holiday season, the Kaiser High School Band embraced this tradition, bringing festive cheer to Ala Moana Center with their annual winter concert on December 5th, 2024.
The band’s diverse program featured a range of pieces, including the vibrant “Africa: Ceremony, Song, and Ritual” by Robert W. Smith, the patriotic “National Emblem” by Edwin Eugene Bagley, and the beloved Christmas classic “Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson. The concert drew a diverse audience, including local families and tourists, all eager to embrace the holiday spirit through music.
The band members themselves recognize the profound impact of their music. “Music really helps convey messages because there is a lot of depth and intricacies of how it is constructed and performed,” shared Anderson McCallister, a member of the band. “The way that we perform our songs is unique because it is the band’s own personal take on the piece which emphasizes the emotional depth.” McCallister believes the band effectively communicates these emotions to the audience, offering a sense of calm and a therapeutic experience through their music.
Beyond the joy of performance, band members also spoke about the personal growth they experience. “Band has improved my work ethic and ability to be disciplined towards practicing my music for concerts,” said Caleb Kazarian. “I love doing band because I feel that it is a big family working together to make people happy through music. Seeing people smile after the band performs together makes me content to know that my hard work has paid off.”
Balancing the demands of band with schoolwork and other commitments presents a challenge, but one that ultimately fosters valuable skills. “Balancing school work with concerts and the requirements for band is challenging,” acknowledged Reef Tolosa, a sophomore in the band. “This also encourages me to do better in school and ensure that I’ve completed my school work before band rehearsals and concerts. I like being in a band because I’ve met new people and learned lessons along the way which have helped me as a musician and student.”
The Kaiser High School Band’s holiday performance at Ala Moana served as a testament to the power of music to unite and uplift. For the band members, it was an opportunity to share their passion, connect with the community, and experience personal growth. For the audience, it was a chance to embrace the festive spirit and enjoy the magic of the season.
