BEIJING, China — The BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir and the BYU Provo Young Ambassadors made what is believed to be the first-ever joint appearance of performing groups from the two campuses during a special musical social in the Chinese Academy of Art Theater that was attended by Church members and alumni here.
The 30-voice Young Ambassadors, under the direction of BYU-Hawaii alumnus and former student body president Randall Boothe ('75), took the stage first and shared an abbreviated version of their musical family-oriented program, which was mostly in Chinese. Then the 62-voice BYU-Hawaii choir, under the direction of music professor Michael Belnap, also sang several Chinese numbers, plus added a number of Polynesian selections.
BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway described the occasion as "a wonderful opportunity to communicate heart-to-heart with the Chinese people." He also explained that Elder David O. McKay foresaw what would eventually become BYU-Hawaii in 1921 during the same round-the-world trip that he stopped in Beijing, China.
All too soon the musical portion of the evening was over, but the "social" part continued as friends from the two campuses greeted each other, and alumni from the joint BYU-Hawaii/ Polynesian Cultural Center Asian Executive Management. intern training program greeted former mentors and associates, including "Uncle" John Muaina, PCC vice president of human resources who has personally worked with every single intern since the program began in 1981. The concert choir's tour partially marks the successful completion of 25 years of working with the government of China through the Asian Executive Management and other programs.
"When he dedicated the grounds for the campus in Laie [in 1955] he indicated that the focus or the mission of the school would be to embrace the nations of the Pacific and Asia; and he specifically mentioned China. This tour of BYU-Hawaii is just one tiny aspect of the relationship we have developed with China over the years."
Asia Area President Elder Daryl Garn said he was delighted to have the two BYU groups in Beijing at the same time. "I was delighted to see the BYU-Hawaii exchange with the China Conservatory of Music, and then tonight to see how great they are as ambassadors of the Church. They have made friends in a way that we could never done in any other way. We love and appreciate the students and their leaders."
"We appreciate BYU-Hawaii," President Garn added. "Many of our Asian students are getting their education there, and we look forward to having them back in our area as leaders in the Church."
Logan Wilkes, a senior BYU public relations major from Portland, Oregon, explained the Young Ambassadors group arrived in Hong Kong about three weeks ago and has been doing performances similar to those BYU-Hawaii has been doing, but in different cities with the exception of Beijing. The Provo group would leave China on May 21st.
"I think it's wonderful that we've met up with BYU-Hawaii, just so the people in China and more so for the members, can see that we have strength in the world, whether in China or America — that the Church is strong globally and there is hope. It's also very beneficial for the performers, for our own knowledge and experience," he said.
Josephine Tiawan Scere a senior BYU media music major from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who is preparing to serve a mission, echoed Wilkes' comments. "I feel like we've been so instrumental in opening doors here in China," she said, adding the group has made friends with Chinese universities and even the government.
Boothe said the Young Ambassadors, who are making their seventh trip to China, "have been welcomed with open arms. You can't help falling in love with these people: They are so warm and engaging. To have come here first in 1979, and to have seen the changes in China since then, is remarkable. We're just delighted we can be here, enjoy and learn from these great people."
Boothe also said it was an honor to appear with the BYU-Hawaii group. "I have such strong feelings from my days in Laie, and to hear the choir's beautiful blend, their heart and energy that fills their souls as they sing, just thrills me. I couldn't be more proud to be an alumnus of BYU-Hawaii."
Several Asian Executive Management alumni also shared their comments. Amy Xiaohong Jiang who came in 2004, for example, reported she works for China Youth Travel Service and that the AEM program "was wonderful. My experience at BYU-Hawaii not only helped me gain educational experience, but I learned much about the spirit of the people there. In my work, BYU-Hawaii has given me more of a brotherly view that has helped me improve my working abilities."
"The thing I miss the most is the wonderful people and the love I felt. I really love the people of Hawaii."
Dianna He, a 1991-93 alumna who was a journalist before she came to Laie, now works for a large bank. "The experience in Hawaii helped me change my careers. I remember all the people."
Another alumna, Madame Wang Yannan, who was in the inaugural AEM group in 1981 and now operates a Chinese fine arts auction house, recalls the "beautiful scenery and warm, hard-working people" in Laie and said all the members of that "first class are really doing well. My experience there has given me great competence."
"Actually Wang Yannan set a high standard of performance for the hundreds of Chinese students who have since come to BYU-Hawaii; but it was that first group that set a standard of excellence and involvement with people. They were all smart and very special," President Shumway said. "Our relationship with China in all other areas began with this group, and I want to thank Wang Yannan for being part of that."
"I believe I turned into another person after the program, which has really helped me," she replied.
— Photos by Mike Foley: (upper) BYU Provo Young Ambassadors; (lower): BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir members.
