BYU Men’s Chorus Connects With Polynesian Culture, History and Music While Performing Sacred Music in Hawaii
This May, the BYU Men’s Chorus embarked on tour in Hawaii, spending a week sharing their light through music and performance. Concerts took place almost daily across different locations including BYU–Hawaii campus, Pearl Harbor and the Central Union Church in Honolulu.
Men’s Chorus members Ryan Skyles and Jacob Pincock had been looking forward to the trip since hearing about it over a year ago. For them, the experience was memorable and exciting.
“Every day was filled with something new,” said Skyles, a tenor in the chorus. “Our tour was jam-packed with participating in activities, performing, singing and learning about Polynesian culture and history.”
At the Polynesian Cultural Center, members of the chorus learned how to play the ukulele. While Pincock was familiar with the instrument, practicing helped him refine his skills.
“I had the opportunity to play the ukulele in a small instrumental ensemble where we accompanied performers representing South Australia and Tahiti,” said Pincock, who sings bass. “I really had to practice, and I gained appreciation for my fellow instrumentalists.”
Singing spiritually uplifting music was a meaningful part of the trip for Pincock. He hopes the hours he spent performing on stage helped audience members feel the Spirit and connect with Christ.
“I hope that we helped people see Jesus Christ,” said Pincock.
A highlight for Pincock was being invited to sing at the Central Union Church in Honolulu, a sacred space for a faith different from his own. His favorite songs included “He Sent His Son,” “Redeemer of Israel” and “Weeping Mary.”
“Those songs carried a special spirit as we sang, and I hope the audience felt connected to God,” Pincock said. “I'm so grateful for being able to be part of the Men’s Chorus and go share our talents with the people of Hawaii.”
After each performance, a professor attending the trip encouraged students to engage with the audience and have conversations. Pincock notes this experience pushed him out of his comfort zone and encouraged him to form new connections.
The Men’s Chorus formed valuable memories beyond the performance stage. Pincock recalls visiting Pearl Harbor and exploring the USS Missouri with his peers.
“My favorite day was going to Pearl Harbor because we got to explore American history and the USS Missouri together,” Pincock said. “We learned what it means to be an American and what it means to sacrifice.”
The tour also opened the door for missionary opportunities for the student performers. Skyles noted that as they traveled in a big group wearing matching t-shirts, many people approached the group with questions, allowing the students to share their faithful motivations for the trip.
“It was an opportunity for us to do missionary work through music and help others understand what we believe,” Skyles said. “The experience helped me grow my relationship with God and find joy in missionary work again.”
Though Skyles is not a music major, this experience helped him better understand how to balance his life.
“I may be in a technical field, but singing and performing bring me joy,” Skyles said. “I hope that I can continue to find opportunities to do both and find joy in many different things.”
Despite the group's busy schedule, connecting with others through music energized Skyles to get through the day. The trip strengthened his belief in music’s power to bring people together.
“I learned a lot about the people of Hawaii and their kindness, happiness and light,” Skyles said. “I'm grateful for getting to understand their history, culture and positive practices.”
Transformed from connecting with the people, history and culture of Hawaii, Skyles and members of the BYU Men’s Chorus can use their experience to go forth and serve.
“I hope people recognize the value that music can bring to their lives,” Skyles said, “and that they continue to support in any way that they can, whether it's attending our performances, their local school’s performances or anything within the arts.”
Visit this link to learn more about BYU’s Men’s Chorus and explore upcoming performances.