The Middle School Handbell Choir at Hawaii Preparatory Academy has just released its first CD, A Ka Makani Christmas.  The CD features 10 favorite traditional holiday songs, including two foreign traditional melodies, one Russian and one Hebrew.

The handbell choir, under the direction of Georgia Polakova, has been part of the HPA Middle School experience for more than 25 years.

This holiday season, the 2009 Middle School Handbell Choir is offering these free public performances:

—Friday, December 4, Parker Ranch Tree Lighting, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

—Monday, December 7, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Lobby, 4-5 p.m.

—Wednesday, December 9, HPA Middle School Holiday Happening, Gates Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.