Manta Ray Band to defend title in Tumon Bay’s Music Festival

Over 40 students from defending champion Saipan Southern High School will be traveling to Guam next week to defend its title in the Tumon Bay Music Festival.

The school’s Manta Ray Band, mostly composed of sophomores and juniors, will perform more difficult pieces of music that are expected to wow the crowd from various schools in the Pacific region.

The Manta Band ruled the competition in its first attempt in 2008, giving members the chance to perform at the Beijing Olympics last year.

Will DeWitt, the band’s conductor and music director, disclosed yesterday that the school will be sending three different groups to compete in concert, rock, and string categories.

This year marks the Fifth Tumon Bay Music Festival, which will be held March 6-15.

DeWitt disclosed that following last year’s competition, the school band has been diligently working on fundraisers for this year’s trip, which will cost close to $20,000 for the entire group.

The cost excludes the festival fee of some $800 where international musicians and musical experts will give 90-minute clinics to participants.

The group also began practicing last year, which they later changed to a rigorous daily 6:30am rehearsal from Mondays to Saturdays.

DeWitt, who admires the students’ dedication and commitment to their goal, said he hopes to bring honor, learning, and memorable experiences to the students.

Saipan Tribune learned that since last year, the group had conducted six car-wash campaigns and four special luncheons to raise needed funds.

On Tuesday, March 3, the group will hold its last concert fundraiser in the school’s cafeteria to get the needed funding for their trip. Tickets are priced at $5 for general admission, while students will be charged $3. The show will start at 6:30pm.

DeWitt said the Public School System—through Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan—has contributed a significant amount for the group’s travel.

“Without the incredible support from the school system and our SSHS administrators, this is impossible for us. We’re fortunate that they have the same vision that we have and that’s to excel musically and make this opportunity available to our amazing talented students at SSHS,” he said, adding that “cash on hand” is pretty close to what they need for the entire trip.

DeWitt vows to give the best performance of the group in all three contest categories.

“For the concert band, we’re playing pieces that are actually harder than last year. This year’s band, though, is much more talented and much more capable of taking on those difficult pieces. So I am sure we’re going to surprise people on Guam,” DeWitt said.

Last year, the group sent 33 to the competition—all for the concert band.

According to Naomi Cabrera and Christine Santiago, leaders of the Manta Band, although there is some pressure in this year’s competition, they still hope to win.

“I know the point is not always about winning…but doing what you love,” Cabrera said.

Santiago said she’s looking forward to a “great experience.”