On February 7th, 2026, Moanalua High School’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SWE) held its annual Pops Concert, featuring guest performer Casey Tamanaha and a theme inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood. Unlike traditional band concerts, Pops concert gives students more freedom to explore different styles of music while performing in a more creative and relaxed environment. The concert included different elements such as stagecraft, costumes, and movement, helping bring the Hollywood theme to life while creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for both the students and the audience.
Band director Mr. Andrew Ching shared insight into the purpose and preparation behind the concert. Ching explained that this concert challenged students to prepare music on a short timeline while experimenting with different music styles.
This year’s concert was also different from last year’s performance. According to Ching, the previous Pops Concert was a joint performance with the Symphony Orchestra and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. However, due to the differences between the two groups, it presented challenges. This year, the focus was mainly on the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, which allowed students to take more ownership of the performance. Ching stated that the stronger trust between him and the students made it easier to try new ideas to create a more engaging show.
Ching said he hopes his students feel proud of their efforts. Preparing a full concert in a short amount of time is no easy task. He also hopes the audience enjoyed seeing a different perspective from this ensemble. Ching quoted, “Band oftentimes has a reputation of being really strict, hardcore, and scary. I want the parents to walk away feeling happy that their students can join band. I hope parents see their students being happy, dancing on stage, and doing funny stuff.” Through this, Ching hoped people would see a new side to band, and that it’s not only about structure and hard work, but also about having fun and expressing yourself.
For many new members in the Wind Ensemble, the concert was a memorable experience. Senior Cayla Tamura described her first Pops concert as “more fun, engaging, and less strict” compared to other concerts she has performed in.
Junior, Hunter Navarro, also enjoyed performing in his first Pops Concert. “I really enjoyed my first Symphonic Wind Ensemble pops concert” he said, “I don’t really get to dance during concerts, so it was a fun experience. I also really enjoyed the music theme we played, it was kind of like jazz and pop.”
Similarly, sophomore Bonnie Lee described the concert as one of the best musical performances she has participated in. “Being a sophomore, I never expected my music journey to get this far. I was really happy throughout and I feel extremely privileged to be apart of the Moanalua High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble. I’m excited to see what we have in store next” Lee said. Her experience reflects on how the Pops Concert gives newer members the chance to grow as musicians and motivates them to continue their journey in the program.
This Pops concert highlighted the Symphonic Wind Ensemble’s growth, creativity, and dedication while giving students the chance to express themselves through music engagingly and uniquely. By combining performance, creativity, and collaboration, this concert allowed students to focus on building their confidence and strengthening their bond rather than stressing the musical aspect (traditional band concerts). The Pops concert serves as an important stepping stone in each student’s musical journey, showing how music can bring people together and give students the chance to grow while doing something they love.
