Ke Alaka'i - Dec. 3, 2015 Issue

D E C E M B E R 3 , 2 015 路 Vo l u m e 113 : I s s u e 3

THE LEAD ER

PAGE 6-8 Students create cosplay costumes

PAGE 14-15 Night of Concertos performances wow students

DECEMBER 3, 2015 • Volume 113: Issue 3 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ADVISOR

E m i ly H a lls

Le e A n n Lambe r t

MULTIMEDIA

COPY EDITORS

JOURNALISTS

Jare d R o be r ts

Rachel Reed

A ly ssa T royan e k

Matthew Roberts

Samo n e Yu e n

Eric Hachenberger

Kevin Brown

Leiani Brown Megan Church

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brittanie Vorwaller

Ke lsie C arlso n

Alex Maldonado

Lexie A ran cibia

Alyssa Olsen

A u stin En ge man n

Taylor Polson

Sto p K h e mth o r n

Danna Osumo VIDEOGRAPHERS INTERNS

C amro n Sto ck f o rd

S a m o n e Yue n

Jo sh u a Maso n

H e c t o r Pe r i q uin ART & GRAPHICS ART DIRECTOR H e c t o r Pe r i q uin

A n dre a Marsh all Macke n zie McLe o d Yu k imi Kish i

The surf is mild in this view of Temple and Hukilau beaches from Laie Point. Photo by Kaylani Pula

CONTACT

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ON THE COVER: Taylor Steele holds the camera that he uses to shoot videos.

Photo by Kelsie Carlson

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ABOUT US

The Ke Alaka‘i began publishing the first year the university was started and has continued printing for 60 years. The name in Hawaiian means “the leader.” It began as a monthly newsletter, evolved into a weekly newspaper and is now a weekly news magazine along with a website,YouTube channel, Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram.

Today a staff of more than 30 students works to provide information for the campus ohana and community.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 4

David Wu and Taylor Lam win 4th place in Capsim contest

5

Ferre to retire after staging “Arsenic and Old Lace” again

6-7

Cosplay teaches skills of sewing and socializing

8-9

Cases of dengue fever on Hawaii Island continue to increase

10-12

FOLLOW US AROUND THE WEB

Facebook: KE ALAKA’I Website: KEALAKAI.BYUH.EDU

Taylor Steele changed his life to be behind a video camera

13

Missionary brings tuba-playing skills to BYUH

14-15

Concerto winners perform with Hawaii Symphony

16-17

International students share their impressions of Thanksgiving

18

Students on the cheer and dance team love to perform

19

Thanksgiving weekend serves men’s basketball team 2 wins

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Campus Comment: What are you thankful for?

YouTube: KE ALAKA’I NEWS Instagram: @KEALAKAINEWS

DECEMBER 3, 2015

3

Hong Kong students place fourth in national business contest B Y L EI A NI BRO WN

Attending Snow College together, serving in the same mission, and now sharing a fourth place victory as teammates in the National Capsim Challenge, BYUH freshmen David Wu and Taylor Lam said when it came to choosing a partner for the competition, the decision was easy.

“He happened to be the best student in his class, so why not recruit him?” said Wu, a finance major from Hong Kong.

Lam, an accounting major also from Hong Kong, said, “I loved working with David because he's really intelligent. Before the competition started, he did all these calculations and set up formulas that gave us a bigger picture.”

The challenge was sponsored by Capsim, a simulation technology used in business courses and corporations across the globe. The competition completely simulated running a business, and pitted students against each other as companies battling to come out on top, according to Capsim’s website. The BYUH team was initially up against 141 other teams. Six made it to the finals.

“It was like a mental marathon,” said Wu. “The whole competition went on for seven hours in a row; it was the longest competition I’ve ever been in.”

Each hour represented one year, and at the end of each year, Wu and Lam checked

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with nervous anticipation the status of their six competitors’ companies.

“It’s hard because you don’t really know what other people think,” said Wu. “You have to take risks in doing things you think are best for the company but that uncertainty is always there.”

Due to different time zones, the challenge began at 7:30 a.m. for the BYUH team, who spent all seven hours competing in their hale.

“It was disappointing starting off,” said Lam. “We suffered some unexpected losses and knew we probably weren’t going to make the big prizes, but we tried hard to focus more on something we could do better.”

Despite their rocky start, Lam and Wu relied on each other to work their way up.

By the end, they knew they wouldn’t finish in last place and had hopes for fourth place, according to Wu.

“That’s another thing we had to work on as teammates,” said Lam. “He is pretty positive about everything, and I am pretty negative about everything, so we needed to find the balance.”

Both agreed two was the best number for the team. “In a team with more people, you have five or six ideas flying around and it can be

hard to reach a consensus,” said Wu. “The best part of the simulation was when we were able to work together and get so much out of it.”

When conflicts or disagreements did arrive, Wu said it was easy for them to “take a step back and look at the whole situation again, without holding onto opinions or being adamant about ideas.”

Although the teams they were up against were better than they had expected, and despite being a little disappointed by the outcome, both Wu and Lam said they learned much that will help them in the future.

“We now know what our weaknesses and strengths are,” said Lam. “We didn’t oversee enough about ourselves to take the courage to do what we should have for our company. And I think that’s what entrepreneurship is—someone who takes the courage to step somewhere they’ve never been. And maybe I can start a business in the future, using the skills I learned here.”

“The biggest lesson I learned in this competition,” said Wu, “is that you’re never too good to continue to learn and improve.”

David Wu and Taylor Lam spent seven hours in their hale competing in the National Capsim Challenge.

Photo by Austin Engemann

Master of Theater

In the spirit of nostalgia, Ferre even invited former cast members to return and perform in his farewell show.

“Amazingly, two of the students have agreed to come back, one of them is even taking the same role she had back when we performed it the first time,” said Ferre.

Craig Ferre plans his last play at BYUH to be the same as his first Ferre said he has had a strong love for theater since even his youngest years. He B Y AL E X M AL D O N A D O said when he was about 12 years old, he and his 7-year-old sister, Robyn, would create and perform plays for their parents and two brothers, Timothy and Richard.

“I remember one Christmas we staged a theatrical version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ [where] I played Scrooge and Robyn played all the other parts. We [performed] in her bedroom and invited mom, dad and our brothers in to watch,” Ferre said.

“One of the greatest influences that helped me was the church because, back in [my earlier] days, they had what were called roadshows. Every year we would do a roadshow or some theatrical production like it, which gave me a lot of acting experience,” Ferre continued.

A roadshow was a 15-minute play or musical done by a ward, most usually in the youth program, said LeeAnn Lambert, who was a youth in the 1970s in California.

On top of regular performing opportunities at church, Ferre was also involved with the theater program as he attended Highland High school in Salt Lake City, Utah, which, according to Ferre, had the best theater department in the state at the time.

Craig Ferre works on part of a set. He has been teaching theater at BYUH After high school, Ferre earned a for 36 years and plans to retire in 2016. Photo by Lexie Arancibia bachelor’s degree in fine arts at the University of Utah, and a master’s degree in performing After 36 years of teaching theater at BYU Mikee Bayona, a senior from Califor- arts from the University of Utah. He moved Hawaii, Craig Ferre said he plans to retire at the nia studying English with a theater minor, works to La Puente, Calif., where he began teaching end of Spring Semester 2016. as the student assistant director with Ferre. She theater at Nogales High School.

After four years, BYUH had a job

“He was the type of teacher who said she affectionately calls him “Ferrbear” and opening for a professor in theater, to which really wants to help [his] students. I think he described him as “very willing to work with Ferre applied. He was accepted and moved likes his job for the students, not the payment,” his actors and understand their interpretations to Laie. said Tyler Morgan, a freshman from Washington of the scene or play… He loves the people he Years later, a student of his introduced State studying biomedical science. works with, and after every show, he gives each him to her mother, Harriette. Ferre and Har Ferre said this job has been a “dream cast member or technician a handwritten thank riette were married in 2009. job” for him, and the thing he will miss most is you card, which is a rarity now. He’s probably

Ferre said he has mixed emotions interacting with the students. the best mentor I could have asked for.” about retiring. He looks forward to being able

“Even though I’ve done [this] for a

Ferre said he plans to end his colto relax, but he knows he will miss his job long time, as the students come in, it’s generlegiate directing career with the same play he dearly. Ferre said after he retires, he hopes to ally all new to them and it’s exciting to see the started with 36 years ago, “Arsenic and Old become an ordinance worker in the temple and excitement in their eyes. It gives me a lot of Lace,” which he hasn’t done since. The perforspend his time serving there. energy in turn,” said Ferre. mance is slated for April, he said.

DECEMBER 3, 2015

5

Finding your niche

A passion for cosplay builds confidence and friendships B Y A LYS S A OLS EN

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Cosplay has helped a pair of best friends with the same names find new friends, confidence, and passion. Senior TESOL major Kierah Thurgood and freshman ICS major Cyra Olsen became friends while living in their hometowns in Idaho and are continuing to pursue their passion for cosplay on this side of the sea.

Cosplay is a combination of the words costume and play, according to Business Insider. “The best supported origin story on the Internet says that in 1984, Nov Takahashi, founder and writer for the anime publishing company Studio Hard, was sent to Los Angeles to cover the World-Con science fiction convention. He was impressed by the fans’ costumes and the elaborate displays at the masquerade, and when he returned to Japan, he coined the term to describe what he saw,” it said.

Cosplayers translate their love of anime, manga, video game, movie or television show characters into costumes, transforming the wearer into the character.

While some people have misconceptions about cosplayers, Thurgood and Olsen said once you understand cosplay, it is not that different from other hobbies. Thurgood said, “It’s really fun bringing a character to life that you love or a character that you just think looks cool and being that character. It’s kind of like acting.”

Olsen said before she was introduced to anime, she also thought it was weird. She said listening to convention-goers explain why they do it, her perspective changed. She compared it to dressing up on Halloween and having favorite TV show characters, both of which are culturally accepted.

Another misconception, Thurgood said, is that conventiongoers are antisocial. “People think that ‘nerds’–whether they’re for comic books or anime–are just weird people who don’t like to socialize. If you’ve ever been to a convention, they socialize until they have to kick you out of the convention center.”

Anime conventions are held periodically and annually. Olsen said, “For the larger conventions such as Comic-Con, they’re just once a year, and it’s a big big thing, drawing hundreds of thousands of people.”

Sophomore Teenie Wang from China said of cosplay, “I think it’s really cool, but I’ve never done it, [but] I went to comicon two years ago in Japan.” Conventions are held all over the world, Wang continued, “There are comicons held in Bejing, Shanghi and Guangzhou.”

Regardless of where it is held, Thurgood said, “The atmosphere at a convention is amazing...Showing off my hard work,” she continued, “That’s where my conceit side comes out. People are like ‘Oh my gosh you look amazing. Can I have a picture?’ So you stop and you’re maybe there for like five minutes or more because people keep coming and you just pose and pose.”

Olsen said it is a “buzzing” atmosphere, and convention-goers routinely compliment cosplayers even if they don’t know each other. “It’s a really nice environment.”

This atmosphere of acceptance draws people who love anime to conventions. Thurgood said it has made her more social and outgoing.

She said, “Especially in my younger years, I didn’t really talk to a lot of people. I felt like no one had an interest in what I had to say.”

When Thurgood began going to conventions and doing cosplay, she talked with people who were interested in the same characters and shows as she was. She said, “It just gets you comfortable and happy. Just apply that to real life and life gets better.”

Olsen concurred and said, “People who are there are all usually there for the same thing, which is to find people who will love them and won’t be rude to them or judge them. It’s the love of cosplay that brings them together.”

Thurgood and Olsen agree that among the cosplay community, those who make their own costumes are considered more serious cosplayers.

Thurgood has learned how to sew and build props out of papier–mâché and foam. She said, “[They’re] very real life skill[s] that you can take with you in life.”

Thurgood has been making and wearing costumes since she was 17, and has won a Master Cosplayer award at a convention in 2011.

Olsen is relatively new. The Anime Matsuri convention they attended on Nov. 28 in Honolulu was just her third convention. Thurgood has attended 13.

Olsen said, “This is my first convention making my own cosplay costume. I’ve been in one other competition and it’s very exciting.”

The process of making a costume begins months in advance.

Both Thurgood and Olsen began preparations as soon as they decided they wanted to be characters from the video game “Five Nights at Freddy’s.”

Olsen is dressing up as an Animatronic fox. “He’s one of the more popular animatronics. His name is Foxy. But I’m doing more of a humanoid version, so we’re taking animatronic and making it a little more mixed with human.”

Her costume includes armor, oversized furry fox ears, a tail, and a corset, all of which the two friends have been sewing and crafting for three months.

Thurgood is cosplaying a female version of “the purple guy.” In the video game, the character is always shown in pixelated form.

“It’s kind of hectic sometimes, doing it with school,” Olsen described, especially given the time and material constraints that come with being a full-time college student.

In the end, they both agreed it is worth every effort and they want to continue in years to come.

Olsen said she has seen families of cosplayers at conventions.

The children “get to go see some of their heroes and they love it.” She said she wants to do such a thing with her future family. “I think that would be something really fun as family time, because [conventions] are on the weekends.”

Thurgood echoed, “I really want to raise my family in costuming, creating, conventions and artistic things.”

Cyra Olsen and Kierah Thurgood share a hobby in designing and creating their own costumes for anime conventions. Photo by Hector Periquin DECEMBER 3, 2015

7

Dengue Danger strikes Big Island

Campaign ‘Fight the Bite’ launches in hopes to raise awareness B Y MEG A N CHU R C H

As of Dec. 2, 122 cases of dengue fever were confirmed on the island of Hawaii, 106 belonging to residents of the island and 16 belonging to visitors, reported the Hawaii Department of Health. Adults account for 93 of the cases, and 29 patients are under 18 years old.

According to the Mayo Clinic, dengue fever is a disease caused by one of f our dengue viruses, which are the viruses responsible for diseases like West Nile virus and yellow fever. Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes who carry the virus after biting an infected person, and then give it to the next person they bite. Therefore, residents can avoid contracting the fever by taking precautions against being bit by mosquitoes.

A campaign titled “Fight the Bite” was launched hoping to raise awareness about the risks and dangers of dengue fever. “Until we actually have full saturation of the entire public understanding and acting together ... we won’t see an end to this outbreak,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park.

To some degree, the campaign is working. At least 313 potential cases of dengue fever have been confirmed negative for the virus, meaning those 131 people actively sought medical attention.

Kristie Lam, a sophomore political science major from Washington said, “I think it’s really important that individual people start taking measures to protect themselves and get rid of mosquitoes.”

KHON 2 provided tips on how individuals can protect themselves from the outbreak, with the main advice being to clear standing

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water from outside homes, make sure screens are intact so that the mosquitoes stay outside of homes, and properly wearing insect repellent when they will be doing outdoor activities or even outside of their homes in general.

The Department of Health has sprayed Big Island schools and high-risk areas to kill mosquitoes.

Jacob Moss, a senior music composition major from Oregon, said he thinks the government does a good job of containing mosquitoes and people will find a solution when the problem grows to prominence. “For example, Ebola was in Africa for years and no one really did anything about it. It wasn’t a huge deal until it started spreading to other parts of the world,” Moss added.

The breed of mosquitoes that can carry the dengue virus is native to Hawaii, though virus itself is not, according to Huffington Post.

The disease is thought to be native to the Philippines and Thailand.

It is most common in the tropics and subtropics because those places have prime conditions for contact between infected mosquitoes and people with no immunity, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of the disease are similar to that of the flu. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for dengue fever, but if medical attention is sought in time, it can be managed.

Experts say to avoid infection, get rid of standing water where mosquitos breed, wear insect repellent and long sleeves and long pants, plus fix screens to keep the bugs out of your house.

Infographic by Yukimi Kishi. Information provided by the Hawaii Department of Health

DECEMBER 3, 2015

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BEHIND

THE LENS BYUH alumnus Taylor Steele shares his passion for videography

B Y L E I A N I B RO W N

He was always seeing shots—in between classes, walking down the hallway, sitting in lectures—possible camera angles or different ideas for potential videos. But BYU-Hawaii alumnus Taylor (Tay) Steele, who now teaches creative video marketing and works as a freelance videographer, had only ever regarded videography as a hobby and unrealistic career.

“I was really, really interested in political science,” said Steele, who moved here from his hometown in Kaysville, Utah after serving his mission in the Marshall Islands. “I wanted to go into the foreign service. I felt like that’s where I needed to go because I wanted to live and work foreignly.”

Steele recalled how on his first day at BYUH, his schedule was packed with political science classes. “I had a stomach ache afterwards; it just wasn't me,” said Steele. “So I went back to the drawing boards. I still appreciated political science, but as far as pursuing a career in it, it wasn’t the fit for me.”

He said the camera captured his interest at a young age. Growing up with six siblings, Steele was, as he described, “the annoying little brother who was always filming everybody.”

Although he thought it would be interesting to work with the LDS Church mak-

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ing videos, Steele said he wasn’t sure he could make a career out of it.

“I’d always asked people before considering it as a career, and sometimes I think I just talked to the wrong people—mostly older guys who had been in the business for a long time,” said Steele. “They were kind of naysayers, and told me there was no money to be had in it and that there weren’t a lot of opportunities.

I just believed them, and for a time I settled on that.”

Two or three weeks before moving to Hawaii, Steele met up with a man who was selling a lens he was interested in buying.

“It was super random that I ran into him,” said Steele, who learned the man was a producer for the church and had made some of the temple movies and worked a lot in the islands. Steele saw that he seemed to sufficiently provide for the needs of his family and began to think that maybe he too could have the “win-win” of supporting a family while still doing something he loved.

But it was winning in his category of the Fall 2014 Great Ideas Video Competition that ultimately confirmed in Steele’s mind that videography was what he wanted to do.

“We got a good response and lots of feedback,” said Steele, “which encouraged me to keep going. Whether it be through a certain event or specific social cause, it’s really, really rewarding to make an emotional connection with somebody. Sometimes it’s a rush. Sometimes it’s a feel-good feeling....But with every video I do, I try to create a positive message.”

Chad Tsuhako, who graduated in Fall 2015 and currently works as a systems consultant for BYUH, was one of Steele’s roommates and worked with him on the video. “He’s a very special guy,” said Tsuhako. “He’s very humble, very passionate, and he’s really good to work with in terms of how he sees eye-toeye with people. He’s not overbearing. He’s a team player and a good leader.”

Tsuhako said he first thought of Steele as quiet and unassuming. “I didn’t really get a grasp of his talents and gifts until we started to work together for the Great Ideas Video Competition,” said Tsuhako.

“He’s someone who has a firm grasp on what he’s good at and what he’s passionate about. Videography can spread a very powerful message, and he’s doing it for passion and social projects, and through that he’s able to affect social change,” Tsuhako said.

Alumnus Taylor Steele counts himself lucky to get paid to do the thing he loves–videography.

Photo by Kelsie Carlson

DECEMBER 3, 2015

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The competition brought about an array of opportunities for Steele. His team moved on to the Empower Your Dreams Competition in March 2015, where his skills caught the attention of Scott Stiles, alumnus and co-founder of the Fair Employment Agency, and Steele was asked to help with a project in Hong Kong.

Additionally, the competition led to continual interaction with the Willes Center, who recognized his skill set and its value, and eventually asked him to teach a class.

“I first knew him as a friend, so when I walked into the class, it was funny to see him up at the front and to think of him as my professor,” said junior Brenon Dopp, an international cultural studies major from Kailua, who first met Steele while working with him at BYUH Media Productions.

“The class was very interactive. He had a vision for the class, and you could tell he

Taylor Steele teaches video production courses on campus and students say he is willing to help them develop their own skills.

Photo by Kelsie Carlson.

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was able to achieve that vision,” said Dopp. “I noticed he knew every person’s name, and you could tell he really cared. He would spend so much time with the students. He stayed after class to help them, and he always arranged his schedule around theirs. I remember one time he wouldn’t go surfing with me because he had planned to meet with a student.”

If he’s not teaching or working with students, Steele is filming or editing projects for other people or companies that seek his help. Steele said much of the process begins with building a relationship with the person he is working for.

“You have to get on the same page, which requires research and caring for them as a person. But from there, once you understand their vision, you offer your creative approach.

That’s when your brain really starts working, and you still haven’t even picked up the camera,” said Steele. “Then once you get a solid

idea you go out and shoot. Sometimes you get it right the first time. Sometimes you don’t... but you don’t stop until they’re more excited than you; if they’re not excited, then your work’s not done.”

Despite being able to do what he loves and get paid for it, which is something he considers a blessing, Steele still has his doubts.

“There are times when I’m filming or editing, and I just think, ‘What am I doing?’ Even while I have the camera in my hand, even back in Hong Kong when I was really committed to that project, I didn’t let it show, but I had doubts,” said Steele. “I still have strong doubts for sure, but from my experience, if you just push through those doubtful moments there’s something really good to be had on the other side.”

Check out Steele’s videos at vimeo. com/taysteele

Series on Senior Missionaries

By Sister Brenda Jeppson

Photo of the Dalby Band during their 40th anniversary Christmas Concert (1963) Photo courtesy of Steven Cheney

Saved by a tuba A 30-year veteran of an Army band serves a math and music mission at BYUH

T

hrough the encouragement of their mother, young Elder Owen Denison and his brothers were taught by Mr. Cleon Dalby, a well-known Salt Lake City music teacher and band leader. Mr. Dalby taught his students to perform; there were many free summer concerts in and around Liberty Park in those days. The children of two families filled many of the positions of Mr. Dalby’s band: the Denison boys and the Cheney children. Steve Cheney, the famous steel guitar player for the luaus at PCC and a BYU-Hawaii retiree, was also performing with Dalby’s band at the same time Denison was.

“Mr. Dalby didn’t have a tuba player, and I think he must have known it was a financial struggle for mom to keep her boys actively playing in his band, with lessons and all, so he told her that if I would play the tuba, he would give the lessons for free. Mr. Dalby was a generous and compassionate man,” remembers Denison. He even secured a sousaphone (the tuba that wraps around the player’s body, made for marching bands), so that the weight could be handled better by a 10 year old.

Perhaps he knew then what he was building in little Denison. Denison continued with Mr. Dalby, and he played through his junior high and high school years and one year at the University of Utah. Denison quit playing

then; he focused on his university education.

But the instrument was not idle long.

Once the military draft was announced, Denison and thousands of other young men knew the only way to have control over their lives for the next decade was to enlist in the National Guard. Denison’s draft lottery lineup was No. 4. More and more 19 to 25 year olds were having to leave their homes, jobs, education, wives and young families and become soldiers.

Denison knew he must enlist in the National Guard rather than be drafted, but because of the draft, all Utah units were packed and had waiting lists. Another avenue, the Guard Band for Utah, didn’t need a tuba player at the time. However, one week later, two of Denison’s friends, both tuba players from all the band years together, decided to resign from the Guard Band. One, Charlie Eckenrode (who at age 25 became the lead tuba in the Utah Symphony), called Denison and advised him to see the company commander and audition for a tuba position. After some refresher lessons from Mr. Dalby and Eckenrode, he auditioned in the band’s rehearsal. That rehearsal was a turning point in Denison’s life.

“Thirty years!” Denison exclaimed. “I played the tuba for the 23rd Army Band of the National Guard, Salt Lake City, Utah, for 30 years! Forty-eight drills and two weeks of sum-

mer camp each year.” For these men, playing in the National Guard Band was an enlistment of service. They tutored and mentored students in junior highs and high schools throughout Utah.

They played continental and overseas concerts during summer camps, including concerts in every possible venue in Utah.

While his musical skills took him to exotic locations, Denison continued his schooling and taught math for 39 years, which is what he does at BYUH. He also manages the Math Learning Center and its 13 student tutors. In the little blocks of time between math classes and tuba tooting, Denison does the tickets arbitration—dealing with drivers’ parking tickets, and bikers and skateboarders.

Soon after his arrival at BYUH, he sauntered over to the Music Department and said, “Hey, guys, could you use an old tuba player?” He now plays in the Brass Ensemble and the North Shore Winds Orchestra.

Sister Teresa Denison is busy with teaching online and assisting international applicants who are working on their admissions forms. Her current online class is Introduction to Chemistry. Sister Denison was also in charge of the Sewing Lab for a year. In addition, the Denisons serve in the temple one day per week.

Prior to the BYU-Hawaii assignment, the Denisons served a mission in New York City.

DECEMBER 3, 2015

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An Evening of Conc

BY M E G AN C H U R C H AN D DAN N A O SU M O

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he Hawaii Symphony Orchestra was present to accompany been my dream since I started playing the piano.” Kinjo has had that several soloist student musicians, as well as the BYUH Concert dream for most of her life, as she started taking lessons at the age of 3.

Choir during the Evening of Concertos on Nov. 25, held in the

Saxophone soloist Koko Ohira, a senior music major, talked McKay Auditorium. about how over the summer, her concerto piece was changed due to

The student soloists were chosen in the spring during a concomplications with the length of it, yet she said she couldn’t believe that certo competition. The soloists were: Sun Mi Jin, a violinist from Korea; the performance was already finished.

Koko Ohira, a saxophonist from Japan; Cameron Abaroa, a baritone

While things went by quickly for the soloists, the time possibly vocalist from Arizona; Joshua Wallace, a percussionist from California; went by faster for the choir, who prepared for about two weeks. AccordKaylee Buss, a soprano vocalist from Colorado; Ayaka Kinjo, a pianist ing to freshman Brinley Berrett, a vocal performance major from Colofrom Japan; Sydney Nemrow, a soprano vocalist from Laie; and David rado, “It went by pretty quickly. We had to rehearse just this one song for Kinikini, a pianist from Hauula. two weeks.”

“The students have been preparing for months, and even years

This was the first time performing with a full symphony orfor some of them. Some of them have been practicing as many as 10 chestra for many of the students, which provided a number of new expehours a day,” explained Dr. Daniel Bradshaw, the chair for the Music riences. Soloist Sydney Nemrow, a music major in her senior year, shared: Department. He spoke very highly of the student soloists, saying, “This “It’s my first time to sing with the symphony. The symphony doesn’t come represents the culmination of an immense amount of work on their part.” often. And so to do it with such a big ensemble behind you is amazing.”

The majority of the soloists began their musical journeys during their

Soloist Sun Mi Jin, a sophomore music major, added, “It’s a childhood, making this, as Bradshaw stated, the result of several years learning experience. I don’t play perfect still. But each time I feel like I’m of work. getting better - especially with professionals.” Talking about performing

For soloist Ayaka Kinjo, sophomore piano performance major, with a pianist verses a full symphony orchestra, she said, “For pianists, the evening was a dream come true. She said, “Playing a concerto has they match me and so it’s easier. For orchestra, if you mess up you don’t

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certos

BYUH Orchestra partners with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra for a musical night

get a chance to get back. The orchestra is amazing and has no flaws, and I was behind much of the detail work for the concerto competition, the need to get better.” concert, and the preparation in between. According to Dr. Bradshaw,

On Nov. 23, two nights before the performance, the soloists “He had to coordinate a number of things with the symphony. He had to went down to Honolulu to rehearse with the Hawaii Symphony Orchesorder music from many different parts of the world.” tra. This rehearsal was conducted as a professional rehearsal, which some And everyone’s the work most certainly paid off. Students said students had never been to before. Each soloist had a section of time they were blown away by the performances that evening. Mikaila Sass, a specifically for them they had to stay within. freshman biochemistry major from Washington, was particularly im There were people assigned to keep track of the rehearsal pressed. “I think it was amazing to see all of the work that people had put schedule in order to make sure the rehearsal stayed right on track. This is into those performances and all the hours that must have been behind because the orchestra musicians are members of a union, and going over making it so perfect,” she said. time costs too much.

Choir member Reyna Shumway, a freshman music major from

“So we need to run things quickly,” said soloist Joshua Wallace, Laie said, “My favorite part has been watching the others. It’s a good a junior music major. “But when we run things quickly, we don’t have thing we didn’t perform first, not because we were worse, but we were enough time to go over, for example, things that I want to run over. But able to get pumped and inspired by the other performers.” everyone is just so talented and professional that it makes things easier.

Many thanks were expressed to everyone involved in the event It’s really thrilling and fun.” as well as those who supported the performances. Each soloist was also

Ernest Taniguchi, conductor for the North Shore Symphonic called back for a second round of applause from the audience.

Wind Orchestra and the BYU-Hawaii Chamber Orchestra, was the conductor for the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra for the event. He had to learn From left to right: Student soloists Sun Mi Jin, Ayaka Kinjo, and Joshua Wallace rehearse with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra on every part to the eight soloist pieces as part of his role as conductor.

Nov. 24. Photos by Stop Khemthorn

Dr. Scott McCarrey, a BYUH associate professor of Music, DECEMBER 3, 2015

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Members of YSA and Married wards come together for Thanksgiving meals. Despite a rainy day, ward members were in a holiday mood. Bottom right, Antonio Cardona from Guatemala eats Thanksgiving dinner with his ward members. Photos by Yukimi Kishi

First Thanksgiving

International students celebrate holiday for the first time with YSA wards B Y TAYLO R PO L SO N

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his past Thursday, Nov. 26, students congregated with their wards on and off campus to feast together in Thanksgiving celebration. For some international students, it was their first time experiencing this festive custom.

When asked about her impressions of the holiday, Jasmine Wikaira, a sophomore from Hokianga, New Zealand, majoring in music, said, “I think it’s a cool holiday.You get to eat heaps, so that’s good, and it’s cool just to give thanks for all we’ve been given.”

Emele Taivei, a freshman from Nausori, Fiji majoring in social work, said, “Well, [based on] the things I’ve heard from sacrament meeting last Sunday, I think it’s all about being grateful for things you’ve been given.”

In both New Zealand and Fiji, perhaps the most similar holiday to Thanksgiving is considered Christmas. “In Fiji, we only celebrate Christmas and New Years. Christmas is pretty similar [to Thanksgiving],” Taivei explained. Christmas involves gathering family members and eating lots of food, although it has more of a religious foundation than Thanksgiving.

Margaux Elysse Siasin, a freshman from the Philippines studying business, had these thoughts about Thanksgiving: “I think it’s really nice that people do that here and set a date–like Christmas

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when we celebrate the birth of our Savior–and this date is to say thanks. It’s a nice thing that they set a holiday for it. It’s about family and happiness.”

Siasin added, “What I really liked about Thanksgiving were the intangible things and how people are thankful and the spirit of happiness and gratitude. The tangible part that I like is the food–the turkey and ham. I didn’t like the pumpkin.”

Contrary to popular opinion, Thanksgiving is not just a American holiday. In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October, on the second Monday. In fact, in 1957, the Canadian Parliament decreed: “A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October,” according to the Herald Publishing Association.

Thanksgivings are also commemorated in Grenada, Liberia, the Netherlands, and Saint Lucia. Thanksgiving is also celebrated by some people in the Philippines and is becoming more common in the United Kingdom, due to the international influence of American culture, as well as the presence of U.S. expatriate workers, according to The Guardian.

DECEMBER 3, 2015

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The cheer and dance team performs to bring school spirit to games B Y R AC H E L R E E D

Above: The cheer and dance team performs at a basketball game on Nov. 27. Right: Cory Lange shoots the ball on the same night.

Photos by Kelsie Carlson

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ehind the red and gold pompoms and the white bows, the cheer and dance team puts in a lot of time and practice to bring team spirit to the basketball games. The combined cheer and dance team of 23 members comes together weekly to teach and practice new moves.

The team members said they encourage people to come to games, especially since athletics will be disbanded in one year and a half.

“Not a lot of people come to the games. If we get a crowd involved and get people to the game, that’s what we’re here for,” said Dance Captain Katie Burg, a sophomore studying elementary education from Utah.

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The cheer and dance

Being part of BYU-Hateam also riles up the audience at waii, the team has people from all basketball and volleyball games. over the world. “It’s such a diverse Tami Toma, the head coach of the group of people,” said Burg. “You team for 11 years, said, “We’re get to be on the team with people the ones who make people feel you’d never meet.” comfortable to start screaming

“It’s a good opportunity and yelling. We are the matchlight to get involved with the school,” to get it going and let people feel said Burg about the cheer team. comfortable to have fun.”

“It’s a good, safe environment to

Toma also said the cheer make friends.” and dance team performs at every

One of those friends is game and doesn’t do any competi- Isaac Cordy, a freshman studying tions on the side. exercise sports science and busi “For me personally, it’s ness management from Texas. such a great part of the week. I “It's a small team. Everybody look forward to,” said Toma. “It knows each other and everybody brings joy to my life to be with the are friends,” he said. girls and guys, and the dancing and The cheer team uses performing as a team. It’s great to skills that each team member perform and work together.” brings. “One year we had girls

with ballet background,” said Toma. “We have great talent here at BYUH.”

Being on the team is challenging and requires a lot of skill, strength, and coordination, at least for Bonfacio Auelua-Filituala, a sophomore studying business management from Alaska. “I like the physical side of it,” he said.

He said he joined the team this past year. He added, “To me personally, joining made me open into trying something new and made me more enthusiastic.”

Cordy said he joined this past semester and loves it. He said he is learning to come to practice and be consistent. “You get better and better,” he said.

Thanksgiving weekend serves men two wins B Y M ATTH E W RO B E RTS

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he BYU-Hawaii men’s basketball team celebrated Thanksgiving by winning back-to-back games in two nights. The Seasiders followed up a close overtime win against California State San Marcos (88-86) with a calmer victory against Chapman University (98-82).

Junior guard Cory Lange had the hot hand against Chapman, leading the Seasiders with 22 points off of 88.8 percent shooting from the field. Senior center Ian Harward also had a good game inside with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Senior forward Scott Friel had a great all-around game with 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Three-pointers by Lange, Justin Yamzon, and Tanner Nelson spurred the Seasiders to an 11-2 run, a lead they would hold throughout the rest of the game. The Seasiders got a, 18 point lead (41-23), before Chapman made a 10-3 run to close the gap to 11 going into halftime.

The Seasiders maintained the lead throughout the second half, giving a chance to get some players off the bench. The Seasider’s bench had a huge night, as they combined to outscore Chapman’s bench 30-17.

“It was good to get everyone a chance to play,” said Head Coach Ken Wagner. “I thought we played well, and it’s always good to get the win.” With the boost from the bench the Seasiders cruised to the 98-82 win.

The story was different the night before against Cal. State San Marcos. After a back-and-forth battle throughout the entire game, junior point guard Yasmin hit a clutch 3-pointer with time running out to send the game into overtime. “Time was just running down and we needed a 3. I just tried to make a move and get the shot off,” said Yamzon, an exercise science major from Nevada. “I was pumped because I thought the shot was long.”

Harward was big for the Seasiders as he hit a jumper and two free-throws to ice the game, 88-86. Harward finished the game with a double-double, 20 points and 10 rebounds. “It is always great to win games like this,” said Harward, a senior supply chain management major from Orem, Utah. “Winning hardfought games like these can help boost a team’s confidence going forward.” Additionally, Friel led all players with 30 points and made 12-of-16 free throws, says BYUH Sports Information.

With the two wins, the Seasiders improve to 3-2 on the season. The Seasiders will now go on the road to face UH-Hilo in their conference opener.

DECEMBER 3, 2015

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What are you thankful for?

B Y AL E X M AL D O NAD O | PH OTO S B Y STO P K H E M TH O RN

David Ye Freshman in business management from China “I’m most grateful for my personality. I’m always positive. I always like to experience new things, and I love going on adventures.”

Ben Kaivalvatana Sophomore in accounting from Thailand “I’m grateful for friends. I have some really good friends and they are always there with me. Even in the lowest parts of my life, they still believe in me.”

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Jose Gomez Senior in intercultural peacebuilding from Costa Rica “I am grateful for being healthy.

If you’re not healthy, it doesn’t matter what happens around you.

Everything feels bad. Sometimes we don’t appreciate just being able to run and do what you want without any pain.”

Ana Nuku Sophomore in social work from Australia “I’m grateful for the sky. I love all the sunsets and the sunrises, the clouds, the stars, and all the little miracles that happen every day. It reminds you that there’s more to life than whatever problems you’re facing in this world.”

Hineao Bishara Senior in social work from New Zealand “I’m grateful for the diversity here on campus. Back home, the only people there are Maori Polynesians. I didn’t see Americans, other types of Polynesians, or anything else. I never get a chance to see what other cultures are like back home, and I have that here.”

Matt Bell Freshman in psychology from Utah “Golf is a reason why I am here.

It’s taught me a lot of different attributes like honesty and sportsmanship, and it has earned me a half scholarship here.”

Rita Kennach Freshman in an undecided major from Washington “I am most grateful for my Samoan and Tongan roots and the opportunities that have come from them.

Because of my culture, I have learned how to dance, [which] is one of my talents that I use at the PCC to share the gospel and the Plan of Salvation with those who come to visit.”

Aurie Sorensen Secretary for online department from Hawaii “I’m grateful that I can just go down the street and have a beautiful place to hang out. The temple is right here. The school is right here. The beach is right here. The only way it could be better was if everything was cheaper.”