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SSHS Manta Ray Band won the Silver Award at the New York International Music Festival!

Just being selected as one of six schools to compete and perform at Carnegie Hall was a huge honor. Winning second place is incredible!

Congratulations Manta Ray Band and Mr. Will DeWitt. Thanks for all you've done and kudos for another amazing success!

Another pre-dawn light rain. Dogs barking in the night. Crescent moon.
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Thanks to Rose Cuison Villazor who sent this photo of Anna Rose (flanked by Roseanna Sablan and Theszaray Omar).


I'm guessing this was before the show. (Strange hair, which in later years will be material for comedy, I'm sure!)

The arrival of the Saipan Southern High School Manta Ray Band in New York City has not gone unnoticed! PRI's The World (from BBC) has a short feature and interview with them.

Fumi and James make the photo! Naomi and Leagine get interviewed. Will DeWitt is in there too.

Photo by Mary Kay Magistad

Good content, too.

The first report from the Manta Band in New York City is positive.

All arrived safely. Most students went on a walking tour Saturday evening, but a few (nine?) went to see THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at the Majestic.

This production adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber has been playing on Broadway for 22 years (since January 1988), and is older than the Manta Band students!



It was a short conversation. No time to hear about the weather, the hotel, or any other impressions of NYC, the Band, or the trip, just a short rave review of Anna's first Broadway experience. (She was almost speechless as she tried to express her feelings about seeing this show!)

The days are gradually lengthening. It's still light at 6:30 PM. We never have those long summer days experienced in the temperate zones--at most we'll get to light still at 7 PM or so, but it's still nice to notice the longer daylight. Also beautiful sunsets the past two days--not glorious, but simple sun sinking into the water and a gradual pink to gray sky.
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While other students enjoyed a day off on "Easter Monday," the SSHS Manta Ray Band had a 3 hour rehearsal--from 4 AM to 7 AM! They're working hard on their Carnegie Hall performance and testing the time adjustment, as well.

And it looks like they will be in good shape financially, as well. My gripe (wanting information about the amount raised and not only general cheeriness) was just a bit premature. This week, SSHS Principal Craig Garrison announced that, with the latest donation of $7,000 from Bridge Capital, the band has reached its goal, previously announced as $142,000, the estimated cost of the trip.

The band is still accepting donations, because the estimated fundraising goal is just that--an estimate, and the worry is that it may be too low or that unexpected expenses may crop up. So if you want to donate, (any amount!) you can make a check payable to Saipan Southern High School and in the memo box, write in Manta Ray Band.

The band leaves April 17, 2010 for its debut performance in New York City, first at Central Park, and then at Carnegie Halll.

The tangentangen is full of brown, crackling, dried seed pods. Breadfruit trees are laden with huge ripe fruits. The nights are still cool and comfortable for sleeping, but the days have become hot and close--the kind of heat that leeches the energy out of you and makes you want to take a nap.
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Immigration -- There may be a court challenge to the CNMI's recent enactment, P.L. 17-1. If you are an alien in the CNMI, and you want to join forces in challenging the law, you might see a lawyer now. Low income persons can apply for help at MLSC. Others with middle or more income could check private lawyers like Mark Hanson, Rob Torres, Steve Woodruff, Colin Thompson, Richard Pierce (or any attorney of your choice).

CNMI politics--Still as disruptive as ever. The AG's office seems to be an arm of the Governor's Office, rather than an office serving the interests of the people. I now favor an independently elected AG. I worried that this would only make the office more political; but it now seems to be so political that "more" is impossible. I worried that legal work is not well-understood by the community and the opinions publicly stated would often lead to unconstitutional and unfair results; but the office is being used for unconstitutional and unfair results in the hands of the Governor, without accountability, so the people may be a better choice! I realize that the people re-elected the Governor, so there is little likelihood of real improvement with an elected AG; but it is remotely possible that such election would provide a measure of independence that is currently not present, and that would be healthy.

The CNMI budget--We're going to see the new CNMI Constitutional provision in play this year, and it won't be pretty. Governor Fitial will have a proposed budget by April 1. But the pressure on the Legislature to pass a budget by October 1 may force concessions no one likes.

Some ideas for what our CNMI Legislature could be focusing on now:
1. We have too many government employees--and the cuts should be at the top first, where expense is greatest. Constitutional protections apply to those in office, but if our CNMI Congress would pass legislation now that lowers these salaries, we will at least see savings in the future. Do it!
2. They could change to a part-time Legislature. And eliminate the municipal councils. We don't need so much government.
3. They could LEGISLATE a list of essential public services, so that the Governor cannot decide who gets money and who doesn't based on his own preferences, all under the guise of what is essential, if and when the budget doesn't pass.

We want a rational process, not unmitigated and unrestricted politics.

Community--The SSHS Manta Ray Band concerts on 3/26 and 3/27 were a success. Great performances, reasonably good attendance, successful fundraising. Just one small complaint: fundraising should be transparent. When you've set a specific goal ($140,000) for your trip to Carnegie Hall, you should be telling and showing exactly how close you are to the goal, on a regular basis. You shouldn't dodge specific questions like 'how much more do you need to reach your goal?'with vague assertions like 'we're close.'

Bright and sunny now. It rained yesterday morning and there was a lovely rainbow in the southwest. I saw a single yellow sulphur butterfly while driving on the road near NMC and remembered the past, when there would be clouds of them "crossing the road" at times.
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The SSHS Manta Ray Band is looking forward to springtime in New York City. They will be there from April 17 to April 21, 2010 to participate in the New York International Music Festival. They have a busy schedule in that short time.

Their two key performances will be on Monday (late morning/afternoon?) at Central Park bandshell and on Tuesday at 2 PM at Carnegie Hall. The second performance is an adjudicated event; if they do well (and we are hopefully confident and confidently hopeful), they may win awards, which will be presented after an 8 PM evening show performed by Stockton California musicians (the San Joaquin Delta College Symphonic Band and the Stockton Wind Ensemble).

If you are interested in tickets to the Carnegie Hall events (2 PM performance, evening awards), you can get tickets at the Carnegie Hall Box Office. No cost for the afternoon performance; $20 for the evening show.

Saipan Southern High School's Manta Ray Band is heading to NYC to perform at Carnegie Hall for the New York International Music Festival. They won the right to be on stage through their audition. But now they are desperately trying to raise the funds needed for the trip.

Come have fun and help them! This Saturday.



You can pledge for the band members joining the fun run (either by dollar amount or by the laps they run). [I'd be happy to take pledges! I know several of the students. Checks are made payable to SSHS with a notation in the memo part for Manta's Carnegie trip.]

You can come to the evening festival and spend your pocket money.

Please take this opportunity to help!


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We've been having perfect weather, but just now it's gone grey and looks a bit stormy. The bouganvillea is stunningly bright and beautiful, in full flower. There is plumeria in blossom and even a few Flame Trees already starting to show orange flowers.
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Addendum: If you'll be in New York City during April 2010, you might be interested in seeing the Manta Ray Band on stage at Carnegie Hall. Here's what I've found out about tickets, which are AVAILABLE NOW:

Performance Date – April 20, 2010
Performance Times! – 2:00pm and 8:00pm

Location – Isaac Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall

Cost – 2:00pm Adjudicated Performances - Ticketed but free of charge, obtain tickets at Carnegie Hall Box Office

Cost – 8:00pm Showcase Concert - $20.00 per person, obtain tickets at Carnegie Hall Box Office


How to get Ticket – Obtain tickets at Carnegie Hall box office
Box office info – http://www.carnegiehall.org/

Carnegie Hall
57th Street & 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10019

Tickets released – February 15, 2010

Friday night at the Multi-Purpose Center saw an interesting blend of western and Asian cultures. The SSHS Manta Band performed. First the advanced band 1 played 2 pieces, Arirang and Caprice. Most of these students have been playing music for just 1 1/2 school years, yet their performance was enjoyable and enthusiastic.

Then the Manta advanced band 2 played 3 pieces. The first was a piece by John Chance that they will perform at Central Park in NYC this April. The other two, which will be played at Carnegie Hall in NYC in April, were more familiar--Invincible Eagle by John Phillip Sousa and a Duke Ellington piece.

Their performance was greeted with much applause from the crowd, which was sold out and standing room only (with people standing in the back!).

After a short break, the audience watched a group of Korean dancers drum and march; then a dance called "yard of drums;" and then three acts of a Korean dance/story. I loved the gongs in the first piece. The women drumming in the second piece were mesmerizing. And then the rest of the show was swirling skirts, graceful movement, strong rhythms and an enchanting, but slightly eerie music.

I couldn't help but realize how little I know culturally of this type of dance and I wonder how much I missed. But even from my very limited point of view, it was a beautiful and impressive performance.

When it was over the two groups exchanged greetings and offers of friendship and posed for many photographs.


Manta Band and Korean dancers.


The Korean dancers, who had arranged and scheduled the entire show, donated the proceeds to the Manta Band for their April Carnegie Hall trip.


Joseph Jang and Craig Garrison with the donations box.

The Korean Dance group also gave a $1,000 donation to the Manta Band. SSHS Principal Craig Garrison expressed thanks and was all smiled throughout the evening. The generous donation from Mr. Park and the entire Korean Dance group will be used for the Manta's Carnegie Hall trip.

The Pacific Winds would like to invite everyone to their 15th season spring concerts this weekend.


This is the annual season-ending concert celebrating our 15th year of community band performances. The Saipan Pacific Winds community concert band has 30 members this year and is conducted by myself and Ms. Christine Nierras. We are thrilled to welcome some special guests to perform with us onstage at the Multi Purpose Center in Susupe this weekend. On Saturday evening, June 6 (6:30 pm) we are featuring the Saipan Southern High School Manta Band. This award winning ensemble will perform soundtrack music from the new Harry Potter film, a stirring version of the classic work, Alvamar Overture by James Barnes, and their signature piece which earned them a second straight Gold Award at the Tumon Bay Music Festival, "When Angels Weep" by David Shaffer. Of course, the Pacific Winds will perform as well, entertaining the audience with a mixture of jazz selections, marches, pop favorites, rock hits, and even an Irish Jig.

Tickets are just $5.00 general admission and $3.00 for students/seniors.


The Pacific Winds will deliver an encore matinee performance on Sunday afternoon, June 7th (3:30 pm) at the Multi Purpose Center. This time, they will be joined by homegrown singing talent Ms. Lori Mendez whose long awaited homecoming follows an extended period of musical study in Guam and now New York City. Her career and burgeoning reputation has spanned several continents, including performances with many of today's notable opera stars. She will perform a number of selections ranging from spirituals to opera, broadway to classical, in her much anticipated debut concert here in Saipan.

The Pacific Winds will perform many of their most requested pieces too, including music from the pop group Chicago, the Jazz Police, Ralph MacDonald's "Just the two of us" and many more favorites. Ticket prices are the same as Saturday.

To purchase advance tickets, please contact Will DeWitt at 235-1087 or email him at [email protected].

The Saipan Pacific Winds is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving all Saipan wind and percussion musicians the opportunity to collectively share their talents with the community through several yearly concerts and special performances. Since 1994, their founder and conductor, Mr. Will DeWitt has welcomed all who wish to play their flutes, saxes, clarinets, trumpets, drums, trombones, french horns, and tubas with other enthusiastic musicians of all ages.

There are two special events you can thoroughly enjoy this holiday season and know that, by doing so, you are also giving to worthy causes.

I'm very late posting these. The concert at Aqua Resort was delightful.







There was a lot of variety, from march to swing.







I'm sure the Manta Band members who are going to the Olympics in Beijing are very excited. Although the group traveling is small and select, every student in the Band is an asset to the group. If you get a chance to hear them play, I encourage you to take it!

Thanks, Gis, for also awarding me the You Make My Day Award. (We are afterall bird-related, check out her cute birdies!) Here is a wonderful opportunity to give some shout outs to all the blogger friends I 've made and some recent goodies I've received over the mail:

A package from Zari- I was so blown away with the personalized notebook (I love that chicken with my initials on it!) and all the other goodies! Her work is even more amazing to look at in real life. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, Zari:
I wish I had more time to participate over at Monday Artday ATC, but I was still getting some wonderful ATCs. Some recent ones:
Top left: A Halloween Cutie from Jeff Brame- He is incredible with making so many great ATCs to trade! Thanks, Jeff!
Top Right: Bearuh sent this as a surprise, a kawaii donut, whats not to love?
Bottom: Fatburger and Shake from JC, she did this one especially for me since I told her I loved drawings of food!

Thank you guys! Cluck Cluck!

Happy 2008! Wishing everyone a wonderfully creative new year.

Might seem a bit late here but I wanted to show some of the goodies I made for a secret santa swap over at Monday Artday ATC (and I hope all my recipients got their packages?!):

I love cello sleeves. Its so much fun making your own little packaging.

And fruity notebooks made from an Illustration friday entry.

Next up, some new year's resolutions, so many things I would like to accomplish this year!

I participated in a secret santa Christmas swap, I can't wait to show some of the stuff I made here but I don't want to spoil it for the recipients. So I will wait till after Christmas. But above is a sneak peek of some Christmas tree plushies work-in-progress.

Anyways, its time for me to take a break from the blog and enjoy the holiday goodness, but also really to catch up on some work. Have a good holiday, everyone! Chickeny wishes to all.