Last night was Naomi Castro‘s final concert as the choral director of St. Andrew’s Priory, a position she has held for the last seven years before she goes off to grad school at the University of Oregon. It was actually my late husband, Carl Crosier, who recommended her for the job—her first proclaimed “big girl” job after graduating in Voice at the University of Hawaii. She grew up at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu under Carl’s tutelage and the entire Castro family—Naomi, her mother Olivia, her father Jimmy, and her sister Karyn, were involved in the church’s music program from its early beginnings. (Remember I told you that I played for Olivia and Jimmy’s wedding over thirty years ago?)

The concert last night was a culmination of Naomi’s work as a choral conductor—the sixth graders whom she taught seven years ago are now graduating and are seniors. As Naomi has gained choral conducting skills, so have her students gained musical skills and poise. The tone of the young girls was well-blended and light, in tune and not forced. The whole concert was on a very high level of excellence, but what came through was that Naomi shared her enthusiasm and love of singing with these students—and they in turn loved her back!

As we have come to expect, the Priory girls sang in a variety of styles and languages (English, Hawaiian and German). The program was called “Ke Ala Hou: New Beginnings,” and the theme was endings and beginnings, night and dawn, conflict and resolution, love and heartbreak, young and old life, death and ascension.

Music included: “Night” (David A. Sasso); “Ke Alaula (William K. Panui and Louis R. Kauakahi); “I Wish I was a Child Again (arr. Michael Neaum); “Fair Warning (Shirley W. McRae); Lachen und Weinen (Franz Schubert); Gonna Get Over You (Sara Bareilles, arr. A. Eberhardt); Birdsong (Paul Read); “Sing Me to Heaven” (Daniel E. Gawthrop, arr. Paul Carey); “Were You There” (arr. Melba Williamson and Sandra Peter); “I’m Going Up a Yonder” (Walter Hawkins, arr. Martin Sirvatka); “Go the Distance” (Alan Menken; and “How Can I Keep From Singing” (arr. Ginger B. Littleton)

The musical portion of the concert only lasted an hour, but the next 25 minutes were awards to the seniors and an absolute lovefest for Naomi Castro! Every girl in the Chamber Choir went up to the microphone to give Naomi a verbal “hug”—what they will remember and miss about Naomi the teacher and mentor. They gave her gifts to take to graduate school to remember them by: some earrings, a memory book containing a collection of writings by each student, and a Kate Spade handbag! (This gift TRULY impressed me! I’ve NEVER received such a nice handbag as a gift from students!)

Here are some of the comments from the girls and their parents:

Thank you for not only teaching me singing techniques, but life lessons I can take wherever my journey takes me! I will most definitely miss you.

Always remember the valuable lessons Ms. Castro has taught you: smile, look pleasant, (have good) posture, and have fun!

Thank you to Ms. Castro and all the other adults who have inspired me and shaped me into who I am. You all have a special place in my heart, I will treasure our time together.

We have shared so many moments together and I’m so glad I got to be a part of this family. The way we come together and create beautiful music is an experience I will always treasure. Thank you for putting up with the soprano section whenever I’m flat and don’t know my note. I also appreciate all of your patience with me when it takes a little longer for me to understand directions when I’m completely lost. Even though all of us will be embarking on a new journey, I hope you look back at this moment in time and smile. I’m incredibly lucky to sing with all of you and I hold a space in my heart for this choir. Thanks for everything and lots of love! I will miss all of you when I go to college.

a big thank you to Ms. Castro. Her favorite memories of Ms. Castro will always be when she turned to the choir with that mom look that said girls you are better than this. She wishes Ms. Castro all the luck in the world when she leaves for Oregon and is going to miss her so much.

What an emotional night… beautiful angelic voices of the St. Andrew’s Priory Choir, senior recognition and a wonderful sendoff to choir director Naomi Castro. We love Priory and the amazing opportunities our daughter has been given.

Thank you for being the best choir director EVER!

(From Gordon Tokishi, former Priory Band teacher): Absolutely stunning concert by this young lady’s choirs… Congratulations, Naomi Castro! Your final concert at the Priory was wonderful! Your girls love you and their performance showed it! Blessings to you as you start your new chapter at Oregon! St. Andrew’s is gonna miss you!

And Gordon sent me a link to the YouTube video with these words: “Carl would have been proud!”  

Even when I saw Naomi’s parents after the concert their first words to me were: “Thank you, Carl!”

You’re right, he was very much on my mind tonight and we all owe him a debt of gratitude.