In 2019, the Waipahu Intermediate School (WIS) Chorus fundraised for their trip to perform in the 2020 Choirs of America festival at Carnegie Hall. Through their hard work, they earned thousands of dollars and gained multiple sponsors. They were prepared to sing on one of the world’s grandest stages for performers. 

But in March of 2020, the Hawaii Department of Education canceled all school-related US mainland travel due to COVID-19, just weeks before the chorus’ departure. 

Eight Waipahu High School choir students who were supposed to perform at Choirs of America in 2020 had the opportunity to perform this year’s Choirs of America alongside WIS on March 25, 2023. Chlouie Banawa, Xerxes Imanil, Gregory Cochard, Tiffany Englar, Marielle Magdirila, Juniper Mendoza, Ash Reagan, and Julianne Ulibas finally got to experience performing at Carnegie Hall, along with Waipahu High School’s choir teacher Aaron Scholtz.  

Imanil, now a sophomore, says, “After three long years, the seven other high schoolers and I could finally sing in one of the most beautiful and memorable places in the musical industry.”

Reagan adds, “Going to New York after the pandemic was such a rewarding feeling. For me and I’m sure the other high schoolers that went, the build up was insane and felt like a long time. We were all just so grateful to be there and to even have the opportunity to go.”

Along with performing at Carnegie Hall, students got to explore New York. Banawa says, “It is so different. People there know what they want and where they are going, so if you are a slow walker or just trying to sightsee, watch out! I also found it so interesting that I became more aware of my surroundings especially since there were many more people so you have to be way more careful than you are here on Oahu.” 

“For me, and I’m sure the other high schoolers that went, the build up was insane and felt like a long time,” Reagan expressed. “We were all just so grateful to be there and to even have the opportunity to go three years later. I couldn’t thank the teachers, staff, and anyone who helped us go enough, for giving me the chance to go to New York City.” 

The students who went on this trip all agree that going to New York City and singing at Carnegie Hall was the experience of a lifetime.