Manta Flyerz: Making SSHS, CNMI proud

The outstanding members of the Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Flyerz band, who emerged champion in the rock category during the 5th Annual Tumon Bay Music Festival in Guam, shared their recent success with Saipan Tribune with the objective of inspiring more students and youths to get involved in worthy activities that will bring fun and memorable experiences to all.

Composed of Yoon Seok Choi, Sang Woo Han, Joseph Jang, and Min Seok Choi, the group wishes to thank the school’s band teacher, Will DeWitt, and administrators Peter Le’au and Craig Garrison for all their support to the student band members.

[B]Saipan Tribune: How does the group feel about winning the gold award and emerging as the best rock band in the Tumon Bay Music Festival?

Flyerz:[/B] We are proud that we who came from the CNMI won the first place.

[B]ST: How do you assess the overall performance of the Manta Flyerz and what were the pieces of music you played in the festival? How did you come up with the selection of these pieces?

Flyers:[/B] One of the three songs that we performed is Arirang. Arirang is Korean traditional song, which was passed down from old times. What we performed was the translated rock version by artist Do Hyun Yoon. Since all members of Manta Flyerz are Koreans, we decided to take the chance to introduce Korea to many people by performing our traditional song.

[B]ST: What inspired and motivated the members to join the festival, considering that the group is newly formed?

Flyerz:[/B] We wanted to challenge ourselves. Our goal is to step up to any challenge…and we’re happy we successfully overcame this one particular challenge for us.

[B]ST: What characteristics and traits were developed among you when you joined the festival?

Flyerz:[/B] Teamwork and unity.

[B]ST: What are the goals and plans of the Manta Flyerz after this successful Guam competition?

Flyerz:[/B] We will practice to get better each day, and we will prepare for the next Tumon Bay Music Festival.

[B]ST: What memorable moments did you have in the Guam competition?

Flyers:[/B] We had a lot of memorable moments there but we cannot forget the moment when we met music experts like Ryan Shook, who was among the judges in the festival. We admire him for his awesome performances with the Matala Group of Musicians.
[B] ST: Can you share with us how the Manta Flyers was formed?

Flyers:[/B] It was through our music teacher, Mr. DeWitt, who introduced us to the jazz and rock music. He inspired and encouraged us to form the group as he believes that we have the talent, skill, and commitment to play rock music. Our co-member Joseph then formed the Flyerz.

[B]ST: Any message to colleagues, youths, and students in general?

Flyerz:[/B] Whenever you have the chance to show your talent, show it and use it.

Chang Young Kang, 17, sophomore, plays the drums. Yoon Seok Choi , 18, junior, is the band’s vocalist. Min Seok (Vincent) Choi, 19, senior, plays bass. Joseph Jang, 16, sophomore, plays guitar; Sang Woo Han, 16, sophomore, guitar; and Jimmy Jung, 16, sophomore, bass.