Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 3, 1 March 2001 — Himeni: Nurturing spirituality through songs of faith [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Himeni: Nurturing spirituality through songs of faith

By Manu Boyd Over the last quarter century, themes have guided the selections performed at the annual Kamehameha Schools Song Contest, the inter-class singing competition that has refined the tradition of Hawaiian choral singing. This year, "Nā Himeni o ka ' Ekalesia ," (hīmeni, the Hawaiianization of hymn; 'ekalesia from the Greek ekklesia, to gather or assemble), will re-visit the origins of the art form with the performance of hymns that inspired our kūpuna. Kamehameha Schools, established in 1887 by the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop to educate Hawaiians, was founded on the Christian principles of the Congregational Church. Hlmeni singing at regular 'Ekalesia devotion sessions, Founder's Day and at the Bishop Memorial Chapel are fundamental practices, but, except for onee, has not served as the theme for the annual contest. "I am overwhelmed by the hymns," said Kahu David Ka'upu, Kamehameha's ehaplain and spiritual leader. "It (the theme) substantiates a sense of spiritual value in our school 'ohana."

"Nā ■ 0 j-a lEkalesia" is also the title of the new Hawaiian Hymnal, whieh helped guide this year's theme. Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Hawai'i Conference of the United Church of Christ, the revised hymn book includes those hymns formerly published in "Nā Hīmeni Haipule Hawai T'(known as the red hymnal) as well as newer pieces such as "Na 'Iehova nō i Hana," by Kamehameha Performing Arts Director Randie Fong, created for the 1988 dedication of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Memorial Chapel.

These hymns, presented in an array of new arrangements, comprise the contest repertoire. A song contest highlight is the hō'ike or "halftime" dance presentation whieh has evolved into an impressive multi-media production of music, dance and drama. Following the 'ekalesia theme, Fong and a cadre of coordinators, choreographers and arrangers, will present an unprecedented Biblical interpretation. "Aperahama a me Isaaka," will depict the Hebrew nomadic leader Abraham and his son, Isaac, in a mini musical combining hula, chant, choral singing and orchestration. According to Fong, "the approach will reflect a Native Hawaiian, 2 1 st century perspective of what 19th century Hawaiians might have imagined in their mind's eye upon first hearing this story told by missionaries." The 79th Kamehameha Schools Song Contest will be held March 16 at the Neal Blaisdell Center Arena, and will be broadcast live on KHON TV. ■ Martha Hohu, pictured with hymnal, contributed her vast experience to its revision. To her lett, KS Chairman Robert Kīhune presents an award. Above, the class of 2002 and their ieader perform in the co-ed competition. Photo courtesy: Kamehameha Schools.

Hanana Kūikawā ' r /;7 /

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