Artistic Director/Choreographer:
Nadari Hockenhull
Nadari Hockenhull is the Artistic Director of the Kona Glee Club and a Neo-Classical Vocal Artist
known for her seamless blend of operatic, R&B, gospel, and contemporary styles. A vocalist,
educator, choreographer, and holistic vocal therapist, she brings a rare combination of musical
excellence and healing-arts insight to every space she leads. With a background in ballet, jazz, and hip hop choreography, Nadari creates performances that unite powerful singing with expressive movement—offering audiences an experience that is both emotionally rich and visually captivating.
Nadari spent 15 years teaching in the Departments of Education in California, Arizona, and
Hawaiʻi, shaping her philosophy of inclusive, creative, whole-child learning. Her commitment to
emotional well-being and artistic growth continues to influence her work with singers of all ages.
She serves as a Performer and Board Member with the Kona Choral Society and is a Worship
Leader at the Kona International Christian Church, where she’s known for uplifting communities
through music, encouragement, and spiritual inspiration.
Nadari works at The Arc of Kona as a Services Supervisor, supporting adults with
developmental disabilities through compassion, creativity, and connection. Her background in
music, breathwork, and therapeutic vocal practices enriches her service, helping clients build
independence, emotional resilience, and meaningful daily rhythms.
Through her healing-arts practice, Resonate Vocal Wellness Sanctuary, she offers private voice
study, sound therapy, and emotional wellness sessions. Her approach is rooted in the belief that
the voice is a powerful instrument for regulation, release, and restoration—helping individuals
reconnect with their most authentic selves.
Before moving to Hawaiʻi, Nadari was a Professor of Voice at AMDA College and Conservatory
of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles and a Teaching Artist with the Arizona Opera, expanding
arts access for students and underserved communities. Her performance credits include a solo
appearance at Carnegie Hall honoring Kathleen Battle, the rap-opera Graffiti Blues at the Presidential Inaugural Ball for Bill Clinton, a regional award from the Metropolitan Opera, and a tour with Houston Grand Opera’s Porgy and Bess. She also trained in Austria with the Tyrolean Opera Program and was recently recognized as a 2025 Hawaiian Idol Finalist. Nadari has released both a gospel album and a classical recording featuring soulful interpretations of beloved arias.
Today, Nadari is honored to lead the Kona Glee Club—a community built on joy, collaboration,
inclusivity, and artistic excellence. She believes music is medicine, harmony is healing, and
when people come together to sing, they create something truly transformative.
Piano Accompanist:
Vaina Barton
Vaina Barton is from the beautiful island of Tahiti. After high school, she attended BYU-Hawaii and graduated with a Bachelor of Art degree in Piano Pedagogy. In college, she met her husband, a local Hawaiian boy. They are raising three amazing boys and one sweet girl in Kona where she divides her time between composing, teaching piano, photography, baking, crafting and other artistic pursuits. She loves music and recently wrote, from her heart, a collection of beautiful compositions.
