[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 102 (Friday, July 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1383-E1384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      GUAM'S STUDENT MUSICAL GROUP

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2001

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to bring 
attention to the outstanding accomplishments of Guam's student musical 
group, the Silouettes. Started in 1996-1997 by Michael Song in his 
first year as music instructor at JFK High School in Tamuning, Guam, 
the Silouettes have overcome difficult obstacles on their road to 
success and recognition. Originally composed of 13 females, 3 male 
voices, 1 accompanist and an outdated piano, the Silouettes struggled 
to earn the community's respect in their inaugural year. Due to their 
unrelenting desire to succeed and tremendous hard work, the Silouettes 
not only excelled in gaining the local community's respect, but also 
attained international recognition. They toured Korea and Japan, and 
eventually traveled to the U.S. mainland, where they were selected as 
champions in the ``Show Choir'' division of the 1999-2000 MusicFest 
Orlando. This year, the Silouettes have successfully defended their 
title, and have additionally placed first in the ``Concert Choir'' 
division, thereby earning the title of ``Grand Champions'' in the 
competition.
  The attributes setting the Silouettes apart are the group's 
tremendous ambition and will to succeed. In their inaugural year, 
without any community or government assistance, the group raised 
$17,000 and went on a tour to Korea, where they became the first 
foreign school students ever allowed to perform on the prestigious 
campus of EWHA Girls High School. The success greatly magnified their 
reputation, but the Silouettes continued to struggle while trying to 
obtain financial support. Through extensive fund-raising efforts, the 
group managed to raise the necessary funds to tour Japan and perform at 
9 schools and for the mayor of Gifu, who awarded the group Honorary 
Citizenship of his city. Their diligence, dedication, hard work paid 
off. Due mainly to their growing reputation, Government of Guam funds 
were appropriated enabling the Silouettes to fulfill their dream and 
compete against some of the highest rated U.S. High Schools at the 
Orlando MusicFest 1999-2000 and 2000-2001.
  Their magnificent talent led the Silouettes to place first in the 
``Show Choir'' division, in

[[Page E1384]]

which pop music is played using drums and other musical instruments 
accompanying the piano. In 2000-2001, the group not only defended their 
``Show Choir'' title, but also won the ``Concert Choir'' division, 
playing classical music relying solely on the piano. To win both 
titles, the Silouettes defeated a total of 47 schools, and were 
selected as ``Grand Champions'' by the committee of judges. Due to 
their success, the Silouettes have produced their first CD, earned two 
resolutions in the Guam Legislature, and garnered the appreciation and 
pride of the entire island of Guam. I, therefore, ask that you join me 
in commending this outstanding group of students for their phenomenal 
success.
  I additionally wish to submit for the Record, the names of the 
members of the Silouettes: Michael Song (Music Director), Troy Taitano 
(Accompanist), Brian Machie (Drummer), Ray Yoshida (Sound Technician), 
Charleen Remotigue, Verna Ventura, Karen Ikeno, Kim Solomon, Emily 
Servino, Tara Atencio, Gwen Nolos, Lucretio San Nicolas, Anselma Reyes, 
Azusa Hanashima, Sheena Hess, Michelle Ganadam, Krystal Abaya, Lily 
Tizon, Geneva McCoy, Kris Tiongzen, Eugene Guillermo, Daryl Muya, 
Calvin Huynh, Jeff Moreno, Steve Terlaje, Robert Brito.

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