Imua Family Services launches ‘100 Voices,’ Maui’s first community-based youth choir

Imua Family Services is inviting Maui County’s youth to raise their voices together for 100 Voices, the island’s first community-based youth choir.

Open to youth ages 11 to 18, 100 Voices welcomes singers of every background and experience level. There are no tryouts, and the program is designed to include everyone who wants to take part.

The choir takes its sound and spirit from “Glee” more than from a traditional chamber choir.

“100 Voices is built to be fun and lively, with music chosen to get people moving and singing along, not just listening,” the agency said in an announcement.

Applications are open until Feb. 28. Rehearsals begin in March. Participants who complete the program will earn 20 hours of community service. 100 Voices will make its debut performance at Imua Family Services’ 80th anniversary gala on April 17.

“We are creating something very special for the 80th anniversary celebration of Imua Family Services in 2027, but what makes it special is including the voices of the youth from our community,” said Dean Wong, chief executive officer of Imua Family Services. “These are the voices of the future, the voices of the next 20 years of Imua. It’s what Imua is all about, the celebration of life moving forward together, and there is no better way to celebrate it than to sing about it!”

Julia Golding, a lifelong choral singer and experienced music educator, will lead 100 Voices as musical director. Golding holds a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. She has sung in choirs since the age of 7 and has toured internationally across Europe, the United States and South Korea. She has served as choir director at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Honolulu and as choir director and chapel pianist at St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Baton Rouge. On Maui, Golding teaches band at Seabury Hall.

For performances, participants will need black pants or a black skirt and black shoes.

To apply, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/imuafamilyservices/event/100voiceyouthchoir/.