The 14th Annual Honolulu Festival not only included school band representation from local junior high and high schools but also from the mainland U.S.A. They included the Lake Highland Preparatory School Band and Choir from Florida, the Potomac Falls High School Band from Virginia and the Toby Johnson Middle School Band from California.

In the past the Japanese participants were most noticeable at the Honolulu Festival however recently there has been an increase in participation from other areas of the world including the mainland U.S. The Foundation is most excited about this turn of events.

This was the first time to Hawaii for many of the mainland students. They were all anxious and excited to come to Hawaii. Although they were accustomed to performing at home this was the first time for them to perform in Hawaii so they were a bit nervous. But more than that they were just happy to be able to enjoy the beautiful blue skies and wonderful beaches of Hawaii and also have the opportunity to be part of Honolulu Festival’s cultural exchange experience.

The students, guided throughout their stay by their chaperones, performed beautiful harmonious music. It was a joy to listen to their music, to have these young students be part of the 14th Annual Honolulu Festival. 

Mrs. Welch, mom of Emily Welch who plays the flute for the Lake Highland Preparatory High School Band from Florida said, “This is the first time for the group to perform in Hawaii and it is such a great opportunity. I’m really happy for them.”


Lake Highland Preparatory School Band and Choir (Florida)
The symphonic band from Florida consists of students from 7th-12th grade. The band director is Christopher Greening.　This popular symphonic band has performed on board the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as well as at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York.  They also participate in many concert and marching competitions locally and statewide.

The choral ensemble is made up of students from 9th-12th grade. Their voices are so clear and resonating, it was such a pleasure to hear them perform. Led by Bettie-Ann Candelora this choral group has showcased their talent in places such as New York, Chicago, the Bahamas and now Hawaii. They were invited to be part of the Candle Light Processional at Disneyworld’s EPCOT Center in December 2007. They have performed in Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and will also participate in community service projects such as for Ronald McDonald’s House.

Potomac Falls High School Band (Virginia)
The Potomac Falls High School Band is from Sterling, a suburb of Washington D.C. The band program at this school includes symphonic and concert band, jazz band, flute choir, marching band, indoor drum line as well as a variety of solo and small ensembles.

Potomac Falls High School is known for their marching band and although they are quite new they have already won 150 awards. The Potomac Falls Band has earned the title of “Virginia Honor Band” by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association seven consecutive times since the school’s opening in 1997.


Toby Johnson Middle School Band (California)
The Toby Johnson Middle School Jaguar Marching Band and Color Guard are from Elk Grove, California. The band director is Jay Roberts and he leads a group of students all in 8th grade. The group has been together for two years and have entered and won band competitions in Northern California.

 The Honolulu Festival would like for more participants including choirs, cheerleading squads and bands to join in the 15th Annual Honolulu Festival.  We look forward to seeing you all in Hawaii next year!