[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14077]
[From the U.S. 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 Silhouettes. Started in 1996-1997 by Michael Song in his 
first year as music instructor at JFK High School in Tamuning, Guam, 
the Silhouettes 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voices, 1 accompanist and an outdated piano, the Silhouettes struggled 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 Silhouettes 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 Silhouettes 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 Silhouettes 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 Silhouettes 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 Silhouettes to place first in the 
``Show Choir'' division, in 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 Silhouettes defeated a total of 47 
schools, and were selected as ``Grand Champions'' by the committee of 
judges. Due to their success, the Silhouettes 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 Silhouettes: 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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