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‘Dako-On’ drum group to perform at Street Market
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Posted on Feb 18 2014
Over 200 students from Seisa High School in Japan are currently on island for their annual cultural exchange program with the Public School System’s Marianas High School.
The first batch, composed of 84 students, arrived Monday night while 111 additional members were scheduled to arrive on Saipan last night.
This year’s delegation is headed by director Kuniko Sasaki and includes two school principals and an assistant who serves as the group’s chaperones.
Arranged by the Nippon Travel Agency, it was disclosed to Saipan Tribune that 10 students from the delegation are up for their maiden performance at Thursday’s Street Market at the Garapan Fishing Base.
These 10 are members of the “Dako-On,” a popular drum group in Seisa High School that has already performed in various venues in Japan and other countries.
Saipan Tribune was told that the group of young drummers made a remarkable performance in Cuba in 2000 and in China two years later. The group was also invited to showcase its talents in The Netherlands in 2005.
The group won first prize in the “Kumagaya Dome” festival in Japan in December 2011.
According to Ramon Valesteros, NTA tour agent, the group’s schedule for the weeklong cultural exchange is packed with activities inside the MHS campus including class participation, sports activities, and others.
Saipan Tribune learned that this year marks the 28th year that Seisa High School has traveled to Saipan for the traditional celebration with their counterparts at MHS. The group is scheduled to leave the island on Saturday.
