Manta Ray’s concert band tops Guam music fest anew

Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Band once again emerged champions in the 2nd Annual Tumon Bay Music Festival after successfully defending their crown during the final show in Guam Saturday night.

The group’s conductor and music director Will DeWitt relayed the good news over the telephone yesterday.

“We’re very happy to see how our concert band amazed everyone here [on Guam]. They truly deserved to win,” DeWitt said, adding that members of the Manta Ray Band were elated with the praises and applause from the audience.

DeWitt and her talented wards are scheduled to return to Saipan today.

Besides the concert band top honor, three more gold medals were bagged by Manta Ray Band members.

Last Saturday morning, four students of the group dominated the string quartet category en route to winning the gold medal.

Early last week, its solo performer in the cello instrument was named champion of the category, while its Manta Flyerz won the gold medal in the rock band category.

DeWitt said so far, the group already bagged four gold medals and are all scheduled to perform in last night’s Command Performance where top winners were asked for a repeat performance.

DeWitt said they are still hoping to get three more gold medal awards from the various solo instrument performances yesterday.

“We’re waiting for the results…and we’re hoping to get three more gold medals [in the other solo performances],” he said.

The music conductor revealed that the support of the school administrators added more confidence to the band members.

Principal Peter Leau, he said, arrived on the concert band performance along with other school supporters.

DeWitt’s wife, Lois, also flew to Guam Thursday to lend her support to the group.

“Very exhilarating!” as what the music director described his and the group’s feeling.

DeWitt recalled how the students managed to practice their pieces in the last several months.

“They really worked hard…and these awards are testament to their commitment and dedication to what they do. We’re very proud of our students and their achievements. These pays off all the difficulties and challenges we experienced,” he said.

The Tumon Bay Festival is an annual event that aims to promote music among students. Last year, SSHS’ Manta Ray Band entered only one contest category, the concert band, where it was adjudged champion.

This year, the school sent 44 members of the group that competed in various categories and divisions.

Participants in the festival are from Guam and other Pacific islands.