Windward Choral Society Concert held at Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Photo By Cpl. Colby Brown | Susan Duprey, founder and director of the Windward Choral Society, announces the last song of the night during their 4th Annual Spring Concert at the Base Chapel, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 1.  

KANEOHE BAY, HI, UNITED STATES

06.01.2012

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown 

Marine Corps Base Hawaii

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii — The Windward Choral Society's 4th Annual Spring Concert was held at the Base Chapel, June 1.

The U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, Band and Windward Children's Chorus accompanied the society and also performed a variety of music selections individually.

"I thought it was fantastic," said Joyce Schwake, an audience member from Kailua. "I love that it is just a group of people who love music, it's a neighborhood thing and they love what they do. I also loved the collaboration between the choir and Marine band."

The theme of the concert was "Cruisin' down the river," and songs included "Moon River," "Stand By Me," and a Hawaiian song called "'O'oe'io." The concert represented the journey of the society during the past four years since its founding, and the future journey of the choral society as they perform in cathedrals along the Danube river. While in Europe, they will visit the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria.

When Susan Duprey began the society she said she felt there wasn't enough singing on the island. She had a goal of a 25-person choir, but 50 showed up at the first rehearsal. Now, there are more than 100 members in the society. There are no auditions to join and they have a repertoire of more than 100 multinational songs. This concert was the last before the society began their summer hiatus.

"My favorite thing about directing the choir is the opportunity to share joy with the choir members, and the audience," Duprey said, Founder and director of the Choral society.

They also performed "Homeland," which was in celebration of recently returned 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and also 3rd Marine Regiment's scheduled end of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom deployments.

"I found the lyrics really beautiful," Schwake said. "By the end of the con cert your heart is so open, and to hear [their music] is really touching."

"Joy of Music ... Around the World," will be their next concert, Nov. 24, at the Koolau Ballrooms in Kaneohe. There will also be a silent auction and food. For all who are interested in joining the choral society, an open house rehearsal is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Aug. 28, at the Windward United Church of Christ.

"People enjoy singing, and I think people enjoy singing in a group," Duprey said. "We are a non audition group, so this allows people, who may be reluctant, the opportunity to come and make music with other people who just love music."

• Date Taken: 06.01.2012
• Date Posted: 06.08.2012 14:54
• Story ID: 89674
• Location: KANEOHE BAY, HI, US