Back-to-back for Rhythm ‘N Harmony in TBMF

Members of Marianas High School’s glee club Rhythm ‘N Harmony celebrate their win after being awarded the Sweepstakes Trophy in the 12th Tumon Bay Music Festival held from March 3 to 8 in Guam. (Contributed Photo)

The CNMI’s Rhythm ‘N Harmony again won the Sweepstakes Trophy Award for the second straight year in the 12th Tumon Bay Music Festival held from March 3 to 8. The finale concert and awards ceremony was last Saturday.

“The Sweepstakes Trophy Award is given to the ensemble who got the highest rating from all categories both choir and band ensembles,” said Rhythm ‘N Harmony musical director Paul Dujua.

The Marianas High School glee club competed in the high school choir category where they went up against hometown bets Tiyan High School’s A Generation of Voices, Guam High School Chorus, La Voce (The Voice) of Simon Sanchez High School, and St. John’s High School Glee Club.

“In our category, we were the Judges Choice for High School Choir,” added Dujua. “This is the fourth time in five years that we won the Sweepstakes Award.”

This is the second straight year that Rhythm ‘N Harmony won the Sweepstakes Trophy and the Judges Award. The Sweepstakes Trophy is the highest award given in the annual music festival, which began with the two-day Chorale Festival on March 3 and 4.

Miguel Aninon, Roland Balajadia, Mikee Campo, Riczi John Cano, Grace Catalma, Eden Conner, Zowie Cruz, Neil Fama, Gios Gozon, Paula Regine Gozon, Diane Hermogenes, John Huevos, Leonard Manuel, Annabel Manzo, Joselle Reyes, Charley Sablan, Clarisse Noelle Torio, and Erica Faye Tubera—who was the second runner-up in last month’s Miss Teen Pusong Pinoy—are the 18 members of Rhythm ‘N Harmony.

Rhythm ‘N Harmony previously won in 2012, 2013, and 2015. Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Band & Percussion Ensemble was the Sweepstakes Award winner in 2014.

SSHS also won the award three more times in 2008 (Manta Band), 2009 (String Ensemble), and 2011 (Manta Band).

Santa Barbara Parish Boys Choir’s Opus Angelicus of Dededo was the Festival Sweepstakes Award winner in 2010, while MAGIS, also from Guam, was the first recipient in 2007.

The Solo & Small Ensemble Festival was held on March 5, while the Band & Orchestra Festival was on March 7 and 8. The competition took a break on March 6 with a rock performance and festival pop concert.

A band instrument workshop—flute, clarinet, saxophone, double reeds, brass, guitar, bass guitar, drums, and percussion—was also held for two days on March 7 and 8 at the Guam National Guard’s Barrigada Readiness Center.