Special Segments-
Amelia Domer
Why is songwriting important to you?
“Songwriting has always been a very important part of my life. This event was very special to me because in past Moonlight Serenade’s there has never before been a segment where students shared their individual pieces”
Amelia has been writing ever since she was 12 years old and got her first ukulele. Since then, she has independently written music, and made sure to always implement music into her life regardless of what she studied.
“Music has been a special part of my life for as long as I can remember. I am lucky to have been able to meet so many people on island to share this passion with!”-Amelia Domer
Music has and always will be such a special part of my life. It has been a great experience working on this project, not only have I learned so much about website building, but I have also been able to express myself and share it with others. My hope through creating this website is that people who were unable to attend can learn more about Moonlight Serenade. Additionally, the serenade is an annual event, I hope that future students can take over this domain as we enter a more digitally literate world, this website can live on! Thank you for checking out my website, and for listening to my connection with music!
When I first came to HPU, I was afraid because I was unsure if I would be able to find a musical outlet since I was going to be studying communications. I was lucky enough to connect with peers in class and find my way to music again. I have been able to be lead singer in a band and met so many talented individuals on Oahu. I was so excited to celebrate both my passion for marketing and music in this project.
Media Lead
Yusuf Najjar
Yusuf is a musician that is originally from Manama, Bahrain, and raised in Ottawa, Canada. He went to Canterbury High School for the Performing Arts, where he earned a certificate of Fine Arts in Dramatic Arts.
Yusuf has learned a lot of knowledge on music, and also plays the piano. This year, Moonlight had a special touch of featuring a plethora of his original music.
Why did other people perform your music?
“Other people performing my music reflects the versatility that my music has. Hearing other people sing my music brings it to life, allowing them to add their own unique touch”- Yusuf Najjar
Moonlight Serenade was an incredibly special event for Yusuf. Not only did it serve as his capstone project but it also served as a means for a creative outlet that not only allowed for him to express himself creatively, but for others to as well.
How did Yusuf Najjar and Amelia Domer collaborate on this project as different majors?
Yusuf Najjar was also a member of Boxhead Band with Amelia Domer. In this band, they both sang together, and Yusuf also played piano. Amelia and Yusuf collaborated musically, which was able to spark their friendship. Through their connection, they decided to do their capstone project together so that they could combine their passions individually to create a space for people to express themselves like never before in this years Moonlight Serenade.
Francheska Macato
“How long have you been into music, and what first got you started?”
“I’ve been a musical person all my life. Growing up, my parents would surround me with music and there was always a range of songs from Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Bob Marley, some classic rock, and more playing in the house or in the car (even since the womb my mom’s been playing songs for me!) At around age three, I began singing and loved it so much, eventually I was enrolled in voice lessons at age five for about ten years. In 5th grade, I began playing the guitar and flute, I also began playing the tuba in 8th grade.”
“What was your relationship with music like before coming to HPU?”
“Before coming to HPU, music was an everyday neccessity. From daily band practice, to monthly public performances and grand shows for my music program, or just jamming out with friends and family, music was something that never went silent and I found so much comfort in it. It’s definitely one of my favorite ways of feeling and expression my thoughts/emotions”
What does music mean to Francheska?
Francheska describes her relationship with music as a “language that requires no words”. Music allows her to share emotion, feelings, and ideas in communities that make her feel the power to influence and move many.
Her sound is described as deep, upbeat, and also rich in emotion. She shared with us that she enjoys singing Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, and Loren Allred growing as a few examples of what songs fit her voice and vocal range too.
Trinity Rakowski
“How long have you been doing music for?”
“I’ve been doing music for 7 years. I started out in theatre, singing in ensembles but when I was gifted a guitar and started teaching myself, I really started immersing myself into everything music. Since then, I have been incredibly passionate for my songwriting and playing guitar”
“What did you think about Moonlight Serenade this year?”
“I loved the inclusion of original music in Moonlight this year and I thought everyone’s songs were so perfect for their voice and everyone seemed really passionate about it. I was really excited to perform my own song, and be included, I love sharing my music with other people”
A little more about Trinity
Trinity Rakowski started at HPU after moving from Southern California. She is a cybersecurity major due to her love for computer science and ethical hacking for CYBS. At HPU, she is the president of the VERSES writing club. Trinity is able to express many of her passions here at HPU, and was able to share her pieces at Moonlight Serenade too! We can’t wait to see where she goes!
Andrea Maminta
Who is Andrea Maminta?
This year, we were lucky enough to get this special event passed down to us. Andrea Maminta is an HPU alumni that most recently held Moonlight Serenade as part of her capstone project in 2024. Andrea flew in from Idaho as a special treat to emcee the event, and also have a surprise performance.
What does music mean to Andrea?
Andrea was part of the music program throughout her time at HPU. She was part of the vocal ensemble and has been singing for much longer than just her time at the school. She truly feels connected to music, and even more connected when she is able to share her gift with her peers as well. Although she has now graduated, we know how special music still is to her, which is why we invited her back for Moonlight this year.
Since this years serenade had such a unique touch, she was able to get a special experience in coming back that made the flight well worth it. Seeing students perform original music of their own was incredibly exciting for her to see, she stated, “so much talent” when asked about the Moonlight Serenade show this year, and we couldn’t be more pleased. We only hope to continue to pass down this tradition as well as she did.