With their hearts fixed firmly on contributing to what is likely the world’s most important need – peace in our highly diverse world – public high school students in Guam showcased their many talents at the Agana Shopping Center on November 22.
Billed as a talent show competition, the well-attended performance took place under the banner “Action for Peace.” The event, held in the shopping plaza’s center court – came together as a collaboration and partnership among the Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon Mayor’s office, the Agana Shopping Center, Tumon Bay Youth Orchestra, Guam Philharmonic Foundation, Inc., the Guam Museum, Soka University of America, SGI-USA Guam, and the International Committee of Artists for Peace (ICAP).
It was an evening of performing stars on several levels. Prior to the event, Latin Grammy Award-winning flutist Nestor Torres, the contest guest of honor, mentored 56 youth from the Tumon Bay Youth Orchestra, whose musical repertoire ranged from anime songs to film soundtracks, including the multigenerational classic, “Over the Rainbow.”
Guam’s public high schools each submitted two groups of performers, who were required to adhere to specific rules, such as: performing groups could contain no more than five members, performances had to be three minutes or less, and all performances had to be related to the underlying theme of “peace and diversity.”
The first-place winner received a cash prize of $500, with $300 going to second place, and $200 to third. All other group participants received a $100 gift card from Agana Shopping Center.
Just before the competition portion began, attendees and participants watched an inspiring video message from ICAP President Herbie Hancock, who said in part:
“Guam is the foundation where SGI’s starting point for peace began. To join this movement for peace is truly my deepest joy. [And I am particularly happy to] have learned that Guam’s talented high school students are working together towards this same path of peace through the power of art.”
Mr. Hancock went on to say: “Our wish is that this event on November 22, the Action for Peace Talent Show Competition, becomes a turning point for each participant to become global citizens working for the sake of peace all around the world. To be able to share this mission is my own greatest wish.”
Geremiah Carlos, who performed in the dance category, claimed first place; followed by Julia Cabrera, who took second place in the category of song; and The Rising Bulldogs, who secured third place with their singing and instrumental performance.
Louise C. Rivera, mayor of Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon, extended her congratulations to the winners and all contestants, highlighting that each participant successfully contributed to promoting peace and diversity through their unwavering spirit to face their challenges along the way.
Nestor Torres, in his encouragement to these young artists of Guam, emphasized that the spirit to never be defeated is more crucial than mere victory or defeat. He acknowledged their remarkable milestone in creating art for peace.
Danny Domalaon, a senior at George Washington High School and a talent show contestant, said: “Though I was initially nervous, I managed to get through it and found immense enjoyment. I’ve been playing the guitar for three years, and my dream is to be on stage, sharing my story through music. The power of music to evoke emotions and unite people is incredible. This contest provides a fantastic opportunity, and I look forward to continuing to showcase my love and appreciation for music.”
The Tumon Bay Youth Orchestra is a youth music program of the Guam Philharmonic Foundation, Incorporated; is a member of the League of American Orchestras; and adheres to the performance licensing guidelines of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).