OST - The Arrangements, Performed by Hawai‘i Youth Symphony (AGS-095)
The Arrangements OST limited 12" vinyl release on Aloha Got Soul. A short film by Sonny Ganaden. Music composed by Michael-Thomas Foumai. Performed by Hawai‘i Youth Symphony.
Hawaiʻi-based nonprofits Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony (HYS) and ʻOhina Films are connecting youth through the power of music and cinema with a one-of-a-kind film scoring project for The Arrangements. The film follows Micronesian youth as they honor the passing of a friend through shared ritual and resilience. The Arrangements provides poignant storytelling from which to pair music performed by HYS students with a film about young people.
Learn more about this project: https://www.hiyouthsymphony.org/hys-journey-with-the-arrangements-where-music-meets-film/
Side A
1. Opening Titles, Chinatown
2. Shirts
3. Got Shirts
4. Friends
5. Hiding Treasure
Side B
1. Fight
2. Remembering
3. End Credits
The Arrangements was developed through the ʻOhina Labs program, a filmmakers workshop starting at the script level that brings together exciting local voices with mentors who are top professionals in the film industry. Through the support of Pacific Islanders in Communications and NMG Network, a powerful film has emerged, now making waves on the festival circuit. Featuring an ensemble cast of youth new to acting from the Kalihi neighborhood in Honolulu, The Arrangements has sparked meaningful dialogue about often marginalized communities and further aligned organizations committed to opening access to the arts. HYS commissioned Foumai, one of Hawaiʻi’s great composers and an alumnus of HYS, to bring his creativity and cultural sensibilities to a project that is truly a product of Hawaiʻi in every sense—from inception, to production, to soundtrack.
Rehearsal and preparation for the recording session was led by Maestro Joseph Stepec, who conducts HYS’ top ensemble, Youth Symphony I. Eight student musicians, hailing from Kailua High, Kalani High, ‘Iolani, Punahou, and home schools, were selected to perform the score in what was to become an immersive learning experience in the art of musicmaking for film. Hawaiʻi’ Public Radio generously supported the recording through use of the station’s celebrated Atherton Performing Arts Studio, and Honolulu-based record label Aloha Got Soul, a champion of new music and rare reissues, partnered to bring the soundtrack to vinyl.
“This inspiring opportunity marked our students’ first time participating in a recording session for film; an exhilarating experience that reinforces our mission to deeply connect young musicians with lifelong learning and relationships within the context of our islands’ cultures,” said HYS President and CEO, Randy Wong. “We are grateful to ʻOhina for joining us in prioritization of music as another tool for storytelling; a lens through which we can learn from, and understand each other. Together with our amazing community partners, we are taking learning to new levels, and building a platform on which all of Hawaiʻi’s youth can achieve their most courageous dreams.”
A limited vinyl 12" is available from independent label and retailer Aloha Got Soul. Featuring packaging designed by Commuter Industries, the album artwork is a visually striking design that includes an insert with behind-the-scenes production stills, messages from the producers and performers, and artwork inspired by the film. “Pressing a soundtrack is a first for us, and even better that it’s in support of the students' first recording session for film,” said Roger Bong, owner of Aloha Got Soul. “Hopefully the film, music, and vinyl make a greater impact on the community than any of us can expect.”