A thousand phone-lights shimmered through the arena as the beginning notes of “You Raise Me Up” filled the air. For BYU–Hawaii’s Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir, this wasn’t just another concert—this was a performance shared with the world-renowned singer, Josh Groban.
With only weeks to prepare for an event that demanded they bring their best, the choir gave it their all with doubled precision, confidence, and artistry.
Earning the Stage
This amazing opportunity came about as the choir continued to make its presence known on the professional stage. Over the past year, the choir gained national visibility through high-profile performances, including an invitation to sing with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra for its “Game On” concert and a May appearance at Carnegie Hall, where it performed Dr. Erica Glenn’s "Worldwide Requiem" with a full professional orchestra and four opera soloists. The Carnegie Hall performance received significant media attention, eventually leading Josh Groban’s producer to discover them.
“Josh needed a backup choir that could perform gospel and pop-style arrangements with authenticity and stage presence,” said Erica Glenn, director of choral activities and assistant professor of music at BYU–Hawaii. “Our students are cross-trained in classical, musical theater, and contemporary styles, and they know how to move and act with the music. That versatility made us the perfect choice for his Honolulu stop.”
The Call
Students were selected from the BYU–Hawaii Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir. Upon receiving word that they were selected, students were ecstatic. “I didn’t believe it at first,” said Ariyana Milad, a senior from Canada double-majoring in health and human science and vocal performance. “I thought it must be a typo. But then I realized I had been added to the group and selected to sing with Josh Groban. I was thrilled—I had hoped it might happen, but I never really expected it.”
“I was flabbergasted,” added Adrian Pramoso, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in both supply chain and vocal performance. “Josh Groban has been one of my favorite musicians for as long as I can remember, so hearing that I would get to perform with him was unbelievable.”
Chelsea Centeno, a sophomore from the Philippines, double-majoring in accounting and music vocal, said being chosen to perform was a remarkable and meaningful opportunity. “Being chosen felt very humbling,” she said. “I did wonder if my pregnancy would be a hindrance since I was seven months along, but more than anything, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity. I just really wanted to grab the chance and be part of something so special.”
Rising to the Challenge
When asked what the preparation for the anticipated performance was like, Milad said it required both musical discipline and mental focus. The choir rehearsed daily, and members were given practice tracks to work on independently outside of scheduled rehearsals. She made it a priority to feel completely secure in her part so she could step on stage with confidence. Beyond the technical preparation, she also focused on her mindset, reminding herself to give her full effort and embrace the experience. For her, knowing she had done her best would make the performance meaningful regardless of the outcome.
Echoing that sentiment, Pramoso added, “It’s not easy preparing for something like this while keeping up with school. We had to find time to practice, take care of our voices, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated. Being a singer is like being an athlete—your body and mind have to be ready.”
For Centeno, the experience of preparing was both surreal and exciting. “We had a quick rehearsal with last-minute changes, and we just had to adjust and trust our preparation. The first time we actually saw Josh was when we walked onto the stage, so there were definitely some nerves. But once the music started, everything felt natural. He has a very calm and confident presence, and that helped us focus on the music.”
“The first time we sang with Josh was during the actual performance. We only had a 30-minute rehearsal with the band beforehand, so we had to come prepared at a professional level. There was no time to learn notes—we just made slight adjustments and went on stage. It was a huge, live broadcast in front of 8,000 people, and it gave our students a glimpse of what a professional music career could feel like,” shared Glenn.
Beyond the Stage
In the glow of thousands of lights, the choir did more than perform alongside Josh
Groban, they represented BYU–Hawaii with excellence. They stepped confidently onto a larger stage, carrying with them the lessons, growth, and purpose the experience inspired.
“Representing Brigham Young University–Hawaii meant a lot to me,” said Centeno. “The university emphasizes excellence, faith, and community, and I felt proud to carry that with me on stage.”
For Pramoso, Josh Groban’s concert was the perfect place to represent the university. “His music’s message about love, joy, and unity resonated with what we represent in the chamber choir.”
Throughout the evening, Groban repeatedly acknowledged the ensemble by its full name, the BYU–Hawaii Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir, offering public praise for their performance. After the concert, the students had a meaningful opportunity to perform “Hiki Mai,” the university’s official oli, for him— a moment that allowed them to share a piece of BYU–Hawaii’s cultural identity beyond the stage.
Reflecting on their performance, Glenn added, “It speaks highly to the way we train our students—their work ethic, how they collaborate, and their ability to rise to a professional level. I could not have been prouder of them.”