Alumni Spotlight: Alina Kalani

What year(s) did you march in the Blue Knights?

I marched from 2014-2018 (“That one Second” was my first season and “The Fall and Rise” was my ageout).

What section?

Colorguard Where did you attend high school? I graduated from Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii.

Education beyond high school?

I have an associate’s in Digital graphic design from Leeward Community College in Hawaii and am currently in the cosmetology program at the Honolulu Community College.

What is your current occupation?

I teach at Mililani High with the marching program!

Why did you choose to march with the Blue Knights?

I had a very good friend who I spun with during high school. He was a year older than me and went on to Blue Knights as I was finishing High school in my senior year. After sharing all the fun stories on tour, he convinced me along with my directors in the band to join him after I graduated.

What is your favorite drum corps memory?

I don’t have a specific memory that was my favorite. I would consider all 5 years as a great memory. I still to this day tell all kinds of stories to people from good and bad, the experience was just overall some of the best I’ve ever had.

How have the Blue Knights impacted your life?

The places I’ve been and the people I’ve met have really opened me up to a whole other world of my tiny island (I’ve lived on the island of Oahu my entire life). I would have never known if it wasn’t for those summers traveling with BK.

What are some of the Blue Knights’ core values/principles that have resonated with you in life?

One of my favorite things I’ve taken away was that being world-class wasn’t just an ability but a mentality. And I’ve kept that through work and my schooling. I can learn what I need to succeed, but to hold myself to a higher standard and consistently deliver my best is something I’ve kept after Blue Knights.

What advice would you tell someone considering trying out for the Blue Knights?

Don’t ever be afraid. Don’t be afraid of trying new things, asking for help, being in new places with new people. There’s no time to be fearful of the “what if” and “I can’t”. You’ll spend so much time worrying that you can’t enjoy everything the Blue Knights have for you. Plus there will always be people in that same boat. Everyone is there to help you. Work hard, and just go for it.

How would you like to see other Blue Knight alumni get involved in the organization?

I guess just speaking out with newer people and members is kind of the minimum. Our experience is so valuable and sharing what we know to people coming into the organization would help them out. For someone like me, it’s hard to go out to be volunteering, and because we’re so spread out I know it’s not always possible but it’s a good place to start.

 

∴ Want to be featured in a future Alumni Spotlight? Email us at [email protected]

Share This Post

BKX25 staff annc guard wp

Jessica Glasgow & Brandy DuBose Join Staff

The Blue Knights is excited to announce Jessica Glasgow as Visual Coordinator & Guard Designer and thrilled to welcome back Brandy DuBose in the role ...
Read More →
BKPE staff annc wp

BKPE Welcomes Shane Gwaltney & Tanner Leonardo

The Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble is thrilled to announce the addition of Shane Gwaltney and Tanner Leonardo to the 2025 Design Team! Shane Gwaltney joins ...
Read More →
BKPE staff annc wp

Sean McElroy Returns to BKPE

Sean McElroy returns to the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble as Visual Designer for the 2025 season. Sean McElroy grew up in southwest Denver, Colorado in ...
Read More →
BKX25 PERC staff annc wp

Welcome 2025 BKDBC Percussion Staff

                                   The Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps is ...
Read More →
BKX25 staff annc wp

Felix Cruz III and Ronnie Pruitt Join 2025 BK Staff

The Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps is excited to announce two additions to the 2025 staff. “We are very excited to bring on board ...
Read More →
Scholarship Winners

BKDBC 2024 Scholarship Winners

Ascend Performing Arts is proud to announce 2024’s Scholarship Recipients Ascend Performing Arts is committed to making life-changing performing arts experiences available to all. While ...
Read More →
Scroll to Top

Subscribe

* indicates required
/( mm / dd )
Country Code
Ascend Performing Arts - By providing your phone number, you agree to receive promotional and marketing messages, notifications, and customer service communications from Ascend Performing Arts. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.See terms.
Events & Happenings
Fundraisers
Alumni
Newsletter
Volunteering

Intuit Mailchimp

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.