This fall, a group of Hawaiʻi teenagers walked into a professional studio and straight into the world of film scoring. The Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony’s top ensemble recorded the soundtrack for 'The Arrangements,' a short film about Micronesian youth in Kalihi. Scored by composer Dr. Michael‑Thomas Foumai, the project has already yielded a limited 12‑inch vinyl release, with digital streaming on the way.
Students record at HPR’s Atherton studio
Eight Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony students rehearsed and recorded the score under Maestro Joseph Stepec at Hawaiʻi Public Radio’s Atherton Performing Arts Studio. It was the ensemble’s first time working on a film recording, and the session took place on August 31, according to Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
Composer aims for grief and healing
Dr. Michael‑Thomas Foumai composed the original motion picture soundtrack with grief and recovery in mind as the film moves through a story of loss. “There’s such emotion in this film where there’s a loss of a brother,” Foumai told Hawaiʻi Public Radio, explaining that he turned to a pared-back, timeless approach to support the narrative and its sense of forward motion.
Limited vinyl press from local label
Honolulu label Aloha Got Soul pressed a limited 12‑inch edition of the soundtrack, featuring artwork by Commuter Industries along with an insert of behind-the-scenes stills and messages from the creative team. The Bandcamp listing describes the release as a small edition and frames the record as a collector’s item tied directly to the film project, as reported by Aloha Got Soul.
Community partners framed the project
ʻOhina Executive Director Gerard Elmore said the soundtrack lets listeners hear "the heartbeat of a community coming together to share stories,” while Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony President and CEO Randy Wong called the studio session an “inspiring opportunity” for student musicians. Coverage of the partnership also notes that proceeds from vinyl sales are designated to benefit nonprofits serving the Kalihi community, as mentioned by Maui Now.
From ʻOhina Labs to the festival circuit
'The Arrangements' grew out of the ʻOhina Labs script-to-screen workshop, a program that develops short local projects with support from industry mentors and production resources, as per ʻOhina. The film has been showcased in the Made in Hawaiʻi Shorts program, and director Sonny Ganaden discussed the project in a conversation presented by the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival.
Hands-on experience for young musicians
According to the Bandcamp notes from Aloha Got Soul, eight student musicians were selected to perform the score, representing Kailua High, Kalani High, ʻIolani, Punahou and home schools. The session is framed as a rare professional opportunity that links their musical training with film storytelling and community engagement.
Where to hear the music
The soundtrack for 'The Arrangements' is set to move beyond the screening room. Reporting states that the music will be available for digital streaming on platforms including Apple Music and Spotify, and that the limited vinyl can be purchased through the label’s channels, as noted by Maui Now.
