By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
SAVE the Music Foundation’s Voice of the Marianas presented its 14 newest talents during The Rhythm to Success: Youth Ukulele Recital at the Kagman Community Center on Saturday.
The students showcased their ukulele-playing skills and shared their voices during the recital, which was themed “Where Culture Finds Its Voice.” The event featured Chamorro songs and modern music performed by students from the program’s first cohort, who completed a six-month ukulele course.
The performers were Champ S. Calvo, Isabel I. Carreon, Aubrielle S. Aguon, Leila V. Leightley, Eujavinel Pinaula, Makai C. Cutting, Isaiah P. Villagomez, Ezekiel P. Villagomez, Mikko Soriano, Mackoy Soriano, Ha‘ani V. Diaz, Connie G. Romolor, Daydin M. Romolor, and Journey G. Romolor.
Their instructors were Miles Borja, Edward Diaz, and Isaiah Sablan, with Alfonso Sablan serving as instructor aide.
Among those who witnessed the performances were Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, Rep. Thomas John DLC Manglona, Special Assistant for Management and Budget Vicky Villagomez, Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho, and Division of Youth Services Administrator Vivian Sablan. Office of the Governor Chief of Staff Claudio Norita also attended on behalf of Gov. David M. Apatang.
Other partners and supporters of the ukulele class program include Gov. Apatang, Rep. Angelo Camacho, Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao, Rep. John Paul Sablan, Indigenous Affairs Resident Executive Luella Marciano, Office of Youth Affairs Director Robert Magofna, and Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Arts Council Director Gloria Teuira.
Borja said the recital marked the culmination of the six-month ukulele class and showcased the students’ hard work, musicianship, and cultural understanding.
“I am very happy as an instructor to see how far they have come,” Borja said. “I am also grateful to the Save the Music Foundation for giving me the opportunity to teach and share music.”
He added that the students performed well despite having a short time to prepare and praised their behavior on stage. “This is just the beginning of their musical journey,” he said.
Voice of the Marianas President Arlene Reyes said the second cohort will begin on March 28, and the 14 students who completed the inaugural class will advance to a Level 2 ukulele course. The next level will be more comprehensive and will feature additional Chamorro songs blended with contemporary music.
Reyes said the students made significant progress over six months, learning chord techniques, strumming patterns, and vocal skills while promoting culture and indigenous language through music.
Saturday’s recital marked only the beginning, Reyes said, noting that the program aims to train young talents to gain confidence performing on stage.
“During Season II of the Voice of the Marianas, we noticed that there are many talented youths in the CNMI, but they are shy and hesitant to perform,” Reyes said. “Our goal is to bring them out of their shell.”
Reyes thanked the program’s supporters and partners during her closing remarks.
“Thank you for being the silent rhythm behind these performances,” she said. “Your support is the reason these students are standing on stage today.”
Florence Calvo, a parent, thanked Save the Music Foundation, doing business as Voice of the Marianas, for providing opportunities for children.
“You can see that in a short amount of time, they improved greatly,” she said.
Calvo said her son Champ had previously played ukulele but became more confident through the program. Before joining, she said, he was too shy to perform publicly.
Other officers of Voice of the Marianas include Vice President Gus Litulumar, Executive Director Donovan Castro, Administrative Officer and Marketing Lead Lorenzy Leo, Sergeant-at-Arms Dwayne Castro, and members Bernice Shane Sabino and Sebastian Tajibmai.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
