Youth auditions set

Auditions for the Hawai'i Youth Opera Chorus will take place Jan. 8 and 15 in the Kawaiaha'o Church basement, 957 Punchbowl St., for boys and girls in grades kindergarten through 12.

Students will rehearse and be auditioned individually to determine range and vocal quality, a process that is not meant to weed out singers. Audition times:

Grades K to 1: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. or 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Grades 2 to 4: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Grades 5 to 8 and 9 to 12: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Boys with changed voices: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Arrive 20 minutes early to fill out registration form. Parental consent and signature are required.

The Hawai'i Youth Opera Chorus (formerly the Honolulu Children's Opera Chorus) is the oldest and largest youth chorus in the state. Since 1961, HYOC has provided singers for all Hawaii Opera Theatre productions that require children.

Rehearsals are held for two hours every Saturday morning. Call 521-2982.

Rainbow films sought

The programming committee of the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival is seeking entries for the annual event held in memory of Adam Baran.

Entries, in any length and genre, must have been made no earlier than Jan. 1, 2004, and cannot have been shown in any commercial, theatrical or television venue or been part of any other U.S. festival screenings.

Entries must be postmarked by Feb. 15. Entry fees are waived for Hawaii-based filmmakers. Others will pay $15 for projects under 30 minutes; $25 for longer entries.

The entry form may be downloaded online at www.hglcf.org. Send entries to Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival-HGLCHF, Attn: Programming Committee, 1877 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu 96815; or call Connie Florez, 381-1952.

Aiken headed this way

Clay Aiken will be a special guest when the Bubel/Aiken Foundation hosts a benefit dinner, "Voices for Change," on Feb. 25 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel in Waikiki.

The multiplatinum "American Idol" recording artist will perform for the benefit of the foundation, which serves children with special needs.

Registration and a silent auction will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner at 8 p.m., followed by Aiken's performance. Cocktail attire is requested.

Tickets are $250 and $175, with tables for 10 available for $15,000 (Platinum Sponsor), $10,000 (Gold Sponsor) and $5,000 (Silver Sponsor). Purchases are tax-deductible.

Aiken earned his degree in special education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The foundation is based on an independent study project Aiken created while in college.

For information, visit the Web site www.voicesforchangebenefit.org, or contact event chairman Stephen Potts at 521-2328 or by e-mail, hawaiivoices4change@hawaii.rr.com.

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Home Depot Workshops

Mark your calendar for the following free do-it-yourself workshops coming up in January at Home Depot stores throughout Hawaii. Call 800-430-3376 or check the Web site at www.homedepot.com.

» 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Jan. 17: Do-it-herself workshops

» 7 p.m. Tuesdays: Power tools 101, You can try it before you buy it.

» 7 p.m. Thursdays: You can measure and install window treatments

» 7 p.m. Friday: You can install laminate flooring

» Saturdays: 10 a.m., You can get organized; 2 p.m. You can measure, cut and install moulding and trim

» 2 p.m. Sundays: You can have fun with color and faux.

Clinics last about one hour unless noted.

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