PSS delegates shine in Tumon Bay Music Festival

Three school-based music groups in the Commonwealth made yet another remarkable appearance in this year’s Tumon Bay Music Festival in Guam after they were selected as the “Judges’ Choice” and invited for a repeat show at the festival’s finale night.
Based on the official results of the 2014 TBMF released yesterday, last year’s overall champion, the Marianas High School Glee Club’s Rhythm ‘N Harmony, was chosen to perform at the “Command Performance Night” on Saturday where the recipient of the festival’s “Sweepstakes Trophy” is traditionally announced.

Besides Rhythm ‘N Harmony, Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Band and Koblerville Elementary School’s Umang Glee Club also earned slots for the finale night to be held on March 15.

The 2014 Tumon Bay Music Festival will run through Saturday. The adjudicated portion of the competition started on March 6. A special concert is slated on Saturday where the “Judges’ Choice” in various categories will perform.

MHS Rhythm ‘N Harmony director Paul Dujua confirmed with Saipan Tribune yesterday the group’s participation in the Command Performance Night after the group was hailed the “Judges’ Choice for High School Choir.”

Dujua shared that the group, during the adjudicated performance on Friday, sang I’ll Cover You from Rent by Jonathan Larson; Dies Irae from The Requiem by Mozart; Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye; and The Ballad of Sweeney Todd from the Broadway musical Sweeney Todd.

MHS Rhythm ’N Harmony is composed of Lady Dominique “Nikki” Canape, Anne Marie Cruz, Emily Lisa Jones, Diane Hermogenes, Jennella Nelmida, Annabel Manzo, Shaina Santiago, Lara Samantha Santiago, Lemuel Bunao, Simei Charfauros, William Percil, John Huevos, Darren Cajipo, and Noel Jimenez.

The Glee is also part of the Mack Brandon Project that is scheduled to do the finale on Saturday, according to Dujua.

MHS’ Dolphin Pep Band directed by David Frahm was also hailed the Judges’ Choice for Pop Ensemble.

Another Saipan delegation that was adjudged one of the winners in the adjudicated performances is the SSHS Manta Band, which was hailed the Judges’ Choice for the High School Band category. The group is set for a repeat performance on the final night.

Manta Ray Band member Allen Seo Park was also adjudged a winner in the Solo Performance Category and has been invited as well for the Command Performance Night.

According to Manta Band musical director William DeWitt, Park plays the euphonium and won with a rendition of Carnival of Venice by Arvan.

Koblerville Elementary School’s Umang Glee Club is also among the performers that will be showcased on finale night after being hailed the Judges’ Choice for Small Ensemble Performance and winning in the High School Choir category of the competition.