2025 Floating On Top of the World, A New Music Video by Pomaikaʻi 4th Graders!

In March of 2025, When We Shine Foundation was delighted to release the 4th Grade students of Pomaikaʻi Elementaryʻs music video entitled, Floating On Top of the World. Imagine itʻs a perfect day in Maui, the skies are clear, the sun is bright and the ocean is inviting you to come and play - this was their version of "the best day ever!"

The songwriting residency at Pomaikaʻi with Melinda Caroll began in November of 2024 with 4, 4th classes, (88 students) sharing their ideas, lyrics and melodies, to create a new song and story that has never been told. The big questions for the students why do you think Maui is so special? And how can we teach people the importance of protecting our ʻĀina? Their answer was to share the everyday joy they experience while living here!

Using creative theater techniques like Tableaux, word games and poetry exercises, we ʻdiscoveredʻ the language and deeper meanings in the lyrics of our song. The students "became" the ʻĀina and the more-than-human-world beings that inhabit our beautiful land and waters. Through these playful explorations, they understood their role as protectors.

We finished writing and recording the song and afterward, David Kauahikaua and Melinda helped create a professional guide track,  ...just in time for the kiddos to perform it live on December 13, 2024 at the annual Pomaikaʻi Winterfest for over 900 school friends, family and community members!

Next stage in our songwriting and music video program, Shelley Toon Lindberg, WWSFʻs Director of Visual & Multi-Media Art, began classes with the same songwriting students in March of 2025, and along with a very talented Maggie Sutrov, they guided the students into building the storyboard, and characters. Together the students learned the art of digital storytelling with a special iPad set up with a Stop-Motion app. Eager, fast learners, their song came to life as a music video, Floating On Top of the World! (see top of page.)

We love our jobs creating art with children that helps to develop environmental sensitivity and empowerment as stewards and protectors of our ʻĀina. If you would like more information on our school and community programs, please contact glow@whenweshine.org.