One of the things I’ve enjoyed since retiring from church music are my Thursday nights — no more Thursday night rehearsals! And one of our favorite programs we’ve enjoyed watching on Thursday nights is a local public television show called “HIKI NŌ — Can Do,” the nation’s first statewide student news network. According to the website: 

Hawaii’s only public television broadcaster partnered with more than 54 of Hawaii’s public, private and charter high schools and middle schools to create a statewide student news network with all schools collaborating through equal access, regardless of geographic boundaries or economic challenges.

HIKI NŌ is an example of media and education working together for a better society. Many leaders in education and business in Hawaii and across the nation see a model like HIKI NŌ as an opportunity for students to develop the skills and competencies they’ll need for the 21st century.

Well, tonight’s program featured Hawaii organist and pianist, Beebe Freitas, in her role as Chapel Organist of Punahou School. We’ve known Beebe for decades!  She is one of the most respected musicians in Honolulu, and one of the few to be designated a Living Treasure of Hawaii. In fact, she will be honored this Saturday, April 26th, by the Oahu Choral Society in an event called “Vivace! A Night in Paris, celebrating Beebe Freitas.” You can click here for information on this gala banquet.

You might remember that Beebe came to my Bach concert last August and I wrote a post about it: “A mountaintop experience.”

I’ve embedded the video here — the part where Beebe comes on is about 18:14 minutes into the program.