ascc music room

Office Hours: Room 30
Mon-Wed-Frid: 8-9;3-4
Tues & Thur: 11-12
Phone: 699-9155 ext 329

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733-9583(cell)
644-1504(Home)

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Music Programs

FALL 2002 CONCERT
Mozart's Requiem
Handel's 'Hallelujah Chorus'

DECEMBER 18, 2002
ASCC Auditorium
7:00pm

SEE PROGRAM

Music Newsroom

ASCC Choir represented American Samoa and joined other nations of the world in the performance of Mozart's Requiem on September 11, 2002 special memorial service.

Choir Photo Gallery

Paintings by Local Artists during "Requiem" Performance

ASCC ALMA MATER
(Words & Music by Paul V. Pouesi)

Hail ASCC!
Filled with joy and harmony
Serving people in our community
Hail ASCC!
Marching on to victory
We're the future of our families

We are proud of our ASCC - Hail Chiefs!
Your name is my crown across the sea - Hail Chiefs!
We pay tribute to all who have served faithfully
We thank the Lord, our parents and the faculty
You're my ecstasy

Hail ASCC!
Thank you for the memories
We will treasure your love and hospitality
Keep on reaching for the sky
Keep on searching and you'll find
With the blessings from our God on high

Submit research papers and assignments to my e-mail box below

FINE ARTS MISSION

Associate of Arts in Music & Art

[email protected]

Christmas Message from the President

Welcome to ASCC Music Room

CLICK HERE
OUR NEW ASCC LIBRARY

Choir 2003Photo

VIIVIIGA O LE KOLISI
Words by Tauiliili Leiataua Pemerika (vs 1-3 & Tali)
& Pulefaasisina "Brownie" Tuiasosopo (vs 4)
Music by Paul V. Pouesi

1. O talaaga o si ou laumua, o Utulei na toto ai le fua
I le tasi iva fitu tasi, Kovana Haydon le papalagi
Sii mai loa i Malaeimi, tausaga tasi iva fitu fa
Nofoaga o le aoga, o Mapusaga tulaga lua
Puailoa lau faafetai, le laueleele ua e lisi mai
Lima valu eka le tele o le fanua, faavae ai se aoga tautua
Moomooga o ta tuaa, ua saga mai nei i tiasa
Le aganuu Samoa u'u mau, aua lava nei tafea i le au

2. Peresitene ma le au taupulega, faapea ma le fono taitai
Faafetai i lau silasila, toto'a i so ta lumanai
Laumua faaonapo nei, o mea ua saunia lelei
Ua lalago ai nei o le fua, tupulaga ia faamuamua
Faiaoga ou te mitamita ai, tofa lelei o lagona ma tomai
Tikeri taua mai o, oka oka o le poto lea ua loloto
Fuafuaga ua folasia mai, le komiti o mataupu fai
O vasega fatulaga ai, auiliili silapasi ua iai

3. Amerika Samoa lou fatu, lau aganuu sei fai se manatu
Tupulaga sei tulai mai, le gagana ua tau mou atu
Matua nei se'e ile tai, mea fou ua aliali mai
Le mafutaga ia mafanafana, alofa ia fafaga i upu ma tala
Mataupu ua aoaoina, numera ma le faaigilisi
Faapea le faasaienisi, komipiuta ma le pisinisi
Faatoaga ma le faiga faiva, nei galo lou siosiomaga
Le atamai ua vateatea, le potu aoga ua i luga o le ea

4. E iai galuega faatino, inisinia ua le masino
Faapea ma tagata matutua, ma vasega ua leva na tuua
Afio mai sei e asiasi, i le kolisi tuufaatasi
Saili ai sou lumanai, i avanoa ua sautualasi
O le a foi i fanua lo'u Sa, tupulaga Samoa tofa
Saili pea le atamai, faamaai pelu o le faiai
Sau laia Amerika Samoa, sau sei ta talitali 'oa
Upu fai ia Fuaautoa, ia manifi o le lau ae pulu le 'au

TALI
Amerika Samoa tulai mai, o mai sei tatou talisapai
O le laumua tasi lenei, o le kolisi tuufaatasi
Aua lou pale ia mau, o lou 'ai lea mo a taeao

ASCC Official Website

Practice - Pese & Siva

More ASCC Concert Choir

ASCC Christmas Tour 2003

ASCC Teacher Awards

Community Service
Taupou Manaia Wins!

"The Wiz"
Click here for more photos

Praise Still Rolling In For "The Wiz"
(From ASCC Connections Newsletter - Week of May 16, 2005)

Namulauulu Dr. Paul Pouesi, head of the Fine Arts Department reports that he is still receiving calls from the public to inquire about further performances of the musical stage play "The Wiz". While no further performances of "The Wiz" are scheduled at present, there's no telling what might happen in the future. For those unable to attend the performances, "The Wiz" played to packed houses on Friday and Saturday, May 6th and 7th, as the Fine Arts Department turned the whole ASCC auditorium into a stage for the show. Dr. Sybil Johnson's acting students truly surpassed themselves this time by adding singing and dancing to their repertoire of skills.
Dr. Pouesi himself organized a fine group of student musicians to provide live accompaniment for the many difficult "Wiz" songs. Art instructor Reggie Meredith and her students provided effective and often amusing stage settings. Last but not least, new Fine Arts faculty member Carmela Gallace contributed original choreography, and performed herself in one of the scenes. Congratulations to the Fine Arts folks on a superlative job, and we hope this is just the first of many productions that help bring quality live theater back to our community.

Target Department Store

"ONCE ON THIS ISLAND"
SPRING 2006

MY FAVORITE LINKS

My Church Choir
My Studio

Special Dedication to
Hon. Governor Tauese Sunia

Recordings & Publications

Fundraising Activities 2003

ASCC Concert Choir
Christmas Tour - Hawaii & California, Fall 2003

American Samoa Territorial Anthem "Amerika Samoa"
Words by Tuiasosopo Mariota I * Music by Napoleone Tuiteleapaga

Amerika Samoa
Lo'u Atunu'u pele oe
Ou te tiu i lou igoa
O oe o lo'u faamoemoe
O oe o le Penina o le Pasefika
E moomia ou motu e lima
E! Ua ta'uta'ua agaifanua
Ma ou tala mai anamua
Tutuila ma Manu'a, ala maia tu i luga
Tautua ma punou i lou Malo
Ia manuia, ia uluola
Amerika Samoa, o le Malo o le Sa'olotoga

ASCC Alma Mater(Page 1)

ASCC Alma Mater(Page 2)

PRINT OUT MUSIC

Dr. Talitiga Vena Sele
Taualuga after Opening Ceremony of ASCC New Library
Best Wishes to Vena now residing in Florida

ASCC ORCHESTRA

Alex Skelton - Music Major
ASCC Scholarship Recipient - Fall 2006
Will be attending BYU - Spring 2007

The Nutcracker Photos

TAFESILAFA'I PHOTOS - 2007

Alofaaga mo le
"TOA O SAMOA"

Music Fundamentals - FALL 2008

FALL 2008 - CALENDAR

Concert Choir - FALL 2008

FALL 2008 - SCHEDULE

VATIA SERVICE LEARNING

NUUULI SERVICE LEARNING

AUA & FAGAITUA SERVICE LEARNING



FALL 2008 CALENDAR August: 14-19 ADD & DROP PERIOD Aug. 18 BEGIN INSTRUCTI0N Aug 20 � Sept. 5 ADMINISTRATIVE DROP / DROP ONLY PERIOD Sept. 8 � Oct. 17 WITHDRAWAL PERIOD = �W� Oct. 6 � Oct. 10 MIDTERM Oct. 13 HOLIDAY / COLUMBUS DAY Nov. 11 HOLIDAY / VETERAN�S DAY Nov. 24 � Nov. 29 KING & I / CONCERT CHOIR / UKULELE ENSEMBLE Nov. 27 THANKSGIVING Nov. 28 END INSTRUCTION LAST DAY TO OFFICIALLY WITHDRAW FROM ASCC Dec. 8 GRADES DUE / GRADUATES Dec. 12 FALL GRADUATION Dec. 17 ALL GRADES DUE
		FALL 2008 CLASS SCHEDULE MUSIC (Room 30) Instructor: Dr. Paul Pouesi MWF MUS 153 Music Fundamentals (3) Section II 8:00-8:50AM MUS 187 Beginning Orchestra (1) Section I 10:00-10:50AM MUS 170 Concert Choir (1) Section I 12:00-12:50PM MUS 185 Stage Band (1) Section I 2:00-2:50PM TR MUS 150 Theory I (3) Section I 8:00-9:20AM MUS 193 Class Piano (1) Section I 10:00-11:20AM


		AMERICAN SAMOA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT COURSE SYLLABUS FALL SEMESTER - 2008 COURSE: MUSIC 170 SECTION: 01 (1 CREDIT) TITLE: CONCERT CHOIR INSTRUCTOR: NAMULAUULU DR. PAUL POUESI MEETING DAYS/TIMES: MWF - 12:00PM TO 1:50PM CLASSROOM: RM. 30 OFFICE LOCATION (LOCATED NEAR THE CAFETERIA) AND HOURS: MWF - 10:00AM T0 12:00PM TR - 11:30AM TO 2:30PM CONTACT NUMBERS: OFFICE: 699-9155 EXT. 329 EMAIL: p.pouesi@amsamoa.edu Prerequisite(s): ENG 80 or permission of instructor Required Textbooks: Foundations in Singing, 4th ed. by Van A. Christy; Pese Fou i le Alii by Paul V. Pouesi. Supplementary Materials: Samoan Traditional music will be supplied by the music department. Repertoire is of high quality and is chosen to represent a wide range of historical periods and styles. Course Description: A large singing group open to all students. The choir will work on voice development, note reading and perform music from various musical periods. Concert participation is required. May be repeated for a maximum of six (6) credits. Course Rationale: It is important for the music major student to take this course as a preparatory level towards a Bachelors or Masters Degree in vocal or piano performances. Non-major students who want to improve their singing skills and utilize them in churches or other activities will also benefit from this course. All topics of music will be discussed, including tone production, technique, repertoire, pedagogy, music theory, music history, ear training, and audition preparation. �Music is life enhancing. Music brings order to muscular movement and the mind. Listening/participating in music can restore a person to himself, recapturing subjectivity, recovering personal feelings, making life more colorful, interesting and exciting.� � Anthony Storr. Learning Objectives: 1. The student will acquire the basics of analyzing and reading choral music � Four-part harmony and accompaniment 2. The student will understand terminology; musical scales; key signatures; time signatures; intervals; 3. The student will develop fundamental singing techniques through sight-reading of intervals, melody and rhythm. 4. The student will apply knowledge and skills through service learning programs. Learning Outcomes: (SLOs) Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: a. Maintain eye contact; produce a resonant tone and clear diction during performance b. Demonstrate self-confidence in presenting a musical piece. c. Demonstrate an understanding of vocal coordination, resonance, and endurance through proper breathing exercises and drill d. Demonstrate an understanding of how to achieve a rich choral sound through blend, articulation and phonation 2. JOB SKILLS: a. Apply acquired skills and knowledge in the community b. Develop singing techniques and apply to churches and school choirs c. Demonstrate an understanding of important musical concepts including interpretation, rhythm, phrasing, and blend. d. Create awareness about different styles of music, with emphasis on the various historical and cultural styles within Western traditions. e. Engage artistic culture at the highest levels of complexity and competence. 3. LIFE SKILLS: a. Demonstrate responsibility and leadership within church and youth activities b. Develop discipline, attitude and good personality in various organizations c. Contribute in teaching music in Sunday schools and church choirs. Instructor�s Expectation: 1. Concert Choir performs several major campus concerts during each academic year. The choir also performs in special events, an annual Christmas celebration, at local churches throughout the year, and tours in the Fall. 2. CONCERT DRESS MEN: Black tuxedo (no short jackets or tails), white shirt, black bow tie, black cummerbund, black socks, black dress shoes - NO VESTS; NO "DECORATIVE" VESTS, CUMMERBUNDS, TIES, ETC. WOMEN: Black, very dressy-formal, mid-calf, short sleeves, modest neckline. Black shoes with low heel - NO PANTS or any form thereof... and NOT merely a nice "Sunday" dress...Dress must be pre-approved. 3. Professional performances are essential. Focus is expected at all times. To accomplish this, a few simple principles must be followed: � Attendance is required � Punctuality is required � All cell phones, pagers, beepers, watches, etc. must be inactivated � Every member must have his/her OWN music in hand at all performances � You cannot �share� or �look over shoulders� in performance � On entrance/exit, carry music away from audience � Line-up and perform in assigned formations. No exceptions except by director � No noise or talking �back-stage� or �on-stage� � Listen carefully for any last moment instructions � Every member must be equipped with a pencil and make judicious markings. � A direction or instruction (such as breath, phrasing, diction, etc.) need only to be given once � Always mark music accurately and completely. � Conversations between choir members are unnecessary. � Please refrain from personal and social activities during rehearsal. � Sit or stand in assigned formations. They are designed for specific purposes. 4. Behaviors �on-stage� are to be professional � no conversations, gum-chewing, scratching or other distracting behaviors are acceptable. 5. Be disciplined but SMILE and COMMUNICATE! Be an artist! 6. Concert Dress required for all performances unless specified by director. Course Requirements: 1. Attendance: CLINICAL/FIELD EXPERIENCES/COMMUNITY SERVICES: Singing for various churches prior to our concert 2. Assignments: Learn and memorize music and be able to perform songs with correct notes, rhythms and tempo 3. Notebook binder for assignments and music sheets. Methods of Instruction: 1. Application of ear-training and vocal exercises 2. Application of dynamics and expressions in singing 3. Introduction of theory in sight-reading 4. Integrate body motion with music 5. Lecture (video, sight-reading, discussion, analysis of music) 6. Fieldwork / Service Learning (Performance) Grading & Evaluation: Grades are assigned on the basis of attendance, cooperation, and participation. Students are required to attend each rehearsal and performance. Absences should be excused with the instructor in advance. A= 1 unexcused absence B= 2 unexcused absences C= 3-4 unexcused absences D= 5 unexcused absences F=6 unexcused absences Group Performance Policy: The concerts performed by the ASCC Choir take the place of the major exams for the class. Our aim is to make each performance the most polished and professional production possible. Each person contributes to the preparedness and presentation of the whole group, thus for this portion of your grade, the entire group's ability for early and accurate preparation is assessed. Grading for Group Performance will be figured on the following basis: Attendance Policy: Roll call will be taken at every session. 5 minutes late = 1 tardy (5%); 1 absent = 10%; 6 absences = NAF (Non Attendance Failure) Attendance is mandatory at performances and dress rehearsals. An unexcused or non-prearranged absence from a performance can result in failing the class. Office Hours: The hour from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday to Friday, plus the time immediately after each class, is available for you to ask questions about anything you don't understand, inquire about how you're doing in the course, or talk about the music! In addition, daytime office hours are available by appointment, so just ask! Course Schedule AUGUST � SEPTEMBER: � Vocal Exercises & Music Theory � �Hail ASCC� Alma Mater � Samoan Folk songs (CD Recording) OCTOBER � NOVEMBER: � English Anthems � Samoan Religious & Traditional Music � Spring Commencement (May 16) Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him/her from fully demonstrating his/her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate the educational opportunity. EVERYONE IS EXPECTED TO HAVE A WORKING E-MAIL ADDRESS, AND TO GIVE IT TO ME IMMEDIATELY, AND TO CHECK IT DAILY. ATTACHED: INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION RUBRIC / Evaluating Student Presentation SLO Domain: Communication

	AMERICAN SAMOA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT COURSE SYLLABUS FALL SEMESTER - 2008 COURSE: MUSIC 153 SECTION: 02 (3 CREDITS) TITLE: MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS INSTRUCTOR: NAMULAUULU DR. PAUL POUESI MEETING DAYS/TIMES: MWF - 8:00AM TO 8:50AM CLASSROOM: RM. 30 OFFICE LOCATION (LOCATED NEAR THE CAFETERIA) AND HOURS: MWF - 10:00AM T0 12:00PM TR - 11:30AM TO 2:30PM CONTACT NUMBERS: OFFICE: 699-9155 EXT. 329 EMAIL: p.pouesi@amsamoa.edu Prerequisite(s): ENG 80, Concert Choir or Stage Band strongly recommended. Required Textbooks: The Music Kit; Tom Manoff; 4th Edition ISBN 0-393-97402-2; W.W. Norton & Company, New York Piano Method Book �Lesona�; Paul Pouesi; ISBN 0-9644426-5-5; KIN Publication; Carson, CA Course Description: Music Fundamentals is designed to introduce basic concepts in the organization of music as an expressive medium. The primary focus of the course is to introduce students with little or no music background to the notation of musical ideas both in reading and writing music. The elements of music including rhythm, melody, meter, pitch, form and expression will be explored through singing, playing classroom instruments, listening, and composition. Course Rationale: Students take this course as one of Humanities core requirements and a prerequisite for Music Theory I. Students want to learn more about music and its contribution in learning and communication skills �Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students� understanding and appreciation of the world around them. It is also well known and widely recognized that the arts contribute significantly to children�s intellectual development.� � United States Department of Education. Learning Objectives: 1. The student will acquire the three basic elements of composing a song � rhythm, melody and harmony. 2. The student will understand terminology; musical scales; key signatures; time signatures; intervals; basic triads. 3. The student will develop fundamental listening and aural skills through sight-reading of intervals, melody and rhythm. 4. The student will gain basic piano lessons, vocal production and conducting. 5. The student will apply knowledge and skills through service learning programs. Student Learning Outcomes: (SLOs) Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: a. Maintain eye contact, project a loud voice and clear pronunciation of text during performance b. Acquire aural and compositional skills to evaluate and analyze c. Demonstrate self-confidence in presenting a song and full knowledge by answering class questions 2. JOB SKILLS: a. Apply acquired skills and knowledge in church and school b. Develop theoretical knowledge and apply to community services as a music director or musician. 3. LIFE SKILLS: a. Demonstrate responsibility and leadership within church and youth activities b. Develop discipline, attitude and good personality in family, church and school c. Contribute in teaching music in Sunday schools and church choirs. Instructor�s Expectation: 1. Must be prompt to class 2. Bring textbook every session 3. Must attend fieldwork as partial requirement of the course 4. No make up tests or exams 5. No late assignments 6. Dress code emphasized (Dress properly � prefer ladies to wear puletasi; men to wear shirt & ie faitaga) 7. No trash in classroom 8. Turn off cell phone, CD player or other electronic devices. Course Requirements: 1. Attendance: classes and fieldworks 2. Practice of music skills on piano, guitar or other instrument and be able to perform songs with correct notes, chords, rhythms and tempo 3. Notebook binder for all notes, handouts, song collection and resources Methods of Instruction: 1. Group participation: Clapping, dancing, singing, or tapping rhythms in classroom 2. Discussion and Feedback on Audio and visual excerpts 3. Analysis and evaluation of individual works and performances Grading and Evaluation: Fieldwork/Service Learning 50% Midterm 25% Final 25% 100% = A, 95% = A-, 90% = B+, 85% = B, 80% = B-, 75% = C+, 70% = C, 65% = C-, 60% = D, Below 50% = F Attendance Policy: Roll call will be taken at every session. 5 minutes late = 5% (1 tardy); 1 absent = 10%; 6 absences = NAF (Non Attendance Failure) Office Hours: The hour from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday to Friday, plus the time immediately after each class, is available for you to ask questions about anything you don't understand, inquire about how you're doing in the course, or talk about the music! In addition, daytime office hours are available by appointment, so just ask! Course Schedule Week 1 First day of instruction: Syllabus � Policies � Overview Introduction to Music as a means of Expression Rhythms, Lines & Spaces (Ranges of the keyboard) Week 2 The Role of the Listener, the Composer, the Performer Introduction to the Notation of Music and the need for notation Review assignments in folders Week 3 Introduction to the keyboard, Ledger lines and Time Signatures Steps & Skips, Hearing rhythms Review assignments in folders Week 4 Relating notation to the voice, Writing melodies, Dots & Ties Sight reading, basic choral techniques Tone production - Warm-up exercises, vocal pedagogy Review assignments in folders Week 5 Rhythms Lines & Spaces Music Notation Review assignments in folders Week 6 Melodic Writing Two-four-part writing (Enharmonic) Review assignments in folders Week 7 Relating notation to instruments Apply notation to producing sounds externally Week 8 Half & whole steps Melodies with half & whole steps / Intervals Review assignments in folders Week 9 Melodies with half steps / whole steps Review assignments in folders Week 10 Two-part writing with half steps Two-part writing with whole steps Review assignments in folders Week 11 Three-part writing with half and whole steps Four-part writing with half & whole steps Review assignments in folders Week 12 Major scales (sharp & flat keys) Key Signatures / The Art of Listening Review assignments in folders Week 13 Identifying problems in performance Understanding and identifying different instruments Listening for diction and language Melody with accompaniment Review assignments in folders Week 14 Basic techniques in creating melodies Inversions (chords, melodies) Review assignments in folders Transposition (Diatonic & Altered notes) Week 15 Review assignments in folders Analysis of group compositions Group Music Performances Final Exam Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him/her from fully demonstrating his/her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate the educational opportunity. EVERYONE IS EXPECTED TO HAVE A WORKING E-MAIL ADDRESS, AND TO GIVE IT TO ME IMMEDIATELY, AND TO CHECK IT DAILY.

				Art uplifts the spirit of American Samoa Letter to the Samoa News editor What a wonderful opportunity we had last week! As regular visitors to American Samoa, we had the good fortune to be invited to two events at the ASCC. The Art Show held last Tuesday evening only reconfirmed the talent that lives here in the territory and showed us the creative spirit among the students, faculty and administration of the college. When the CD failed to work properly, the students leapt in and sang their way through several traditional dance numbers they should be on the CD, they were great. Later in the week our earlier good fortune was eclipsed by the ASCC performance of the musical "Once Upon This Island"! What a wonderful cast, what an incredible show of talent again by the artists who prepared the sets, the cast of singers and dancers, the musicians, the chorus, and the support crew. What dedication and incredible result! Our hearty congratulations to the students, their families, and the President and Board of ASCC in having the foresight to support the arts! It is especially fitting that these events are taking place during the time of the AS 2006 Youth and Community Conference. It is this type of experience that contributes to self esteem, stimulates the desire to learn, and is remembered by these students all their lives no doubt influencing their children as well. As for us, the programs totally fulfilled the role of art in lifting our spirits and focus from our day to day tasks and inspiring us to laugh and cry and dream. Mahalo nui loa, Carol Murry and Bill Wood University of Hawaii ASCC Press Release May 16, 2006 Given the overwhelmingly positive response to the musical production �Once On This Island� staged last month at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC), the Fine Arts Department and their student cast and crew will present an encore performance of the play this Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. in the college Auditorium. Set on an island in the French Antilles, �Once On This Island� tells the story of a �star-crossed� romance between a young man and young woman from different social classes. The plot weaves in an element of the supernatural when the �gods� in which the islanders believe intervene on behalf of the young woman, with unexpected results. Music and dance move the story along, and the during the April production of �Once On This Island,� the audience frequently burst into spontaneous applause at the fine singing and dancing skills displayed by the cast. A true collaboration between the divisions of the ASCC Fine Arts Department, the play features choreography by the college�s new Dance and Drama instructor Carmela Gallace, sets designed by Visual Arts instructor Regina Meredith and her students, orchestration by department chairman Namulauulu Dr. Paul Pouesi, and vocal direction from ASCC Choral instructor Kuki Tuiasosopo. Gallace, Meredith and Tuiasosopo all perform onstage roles in the production, while Namulauulu leads the ASCC Orchestra. �Once On This Island� attracted a full house during both nights of its first run on April 27th and 28th, and members of the public initially suggested that additional performances should take place. However, the student cast and crew of the play, who had already spent months preparing for the show, needed several weeks off to prepare for their final exams. With the college�s exam period now over, the students will take this opportunity during the week before graduation to stage �Once On This Island� one more time for the benefit of those who missed it the first time around. Tickets for the play, available at the door, will cost $10.00 for VIP seating, $5.00 for general admission, and $3.00 for ASCC students with ID.

			Taupou Manaia: Winner of the Teuila Festival Dancing Competition by Andrew Fa'asau Samoa News Correspondent The popular Taupou Manaia Dancing Group from American Samoa created history yesterday when they won the prestigious Teuila Festival dancing competition to the delight of its management and members and the many parents and supporters who accompanied the group. The group's president/instructor Taiaopo Korina Chamberlin was ecstatic with their accomplishment and stated that she is very proud of her group's performance. "This is certainly a milestone for us and I am very proud of our girls' performances," Chamberlin stated. "To be honest, I did not expect that we would win because it was a tough competition and there were some very nice performances by other groups that competed. "However, our girls gave it their best and we came up on top. I am very humbled with the fact that we have been placed first in front of all the other top groups in the independent state because traditional Samoan dancing is hard and it has to come from within. "I want to thank Governor Togiola T.A. Tulafono and his administration for the support we have received, also to all our families and friends for the tapuaiga. I hope we have made you all proud." A total of 25 girls ranging from six to 18 years of age captivated the close to three thousand spectators both local and overseas who witnessed the competition, with their poise and elegance as they performed the siva. One of the criterias of the competition was that the song used for the dance must be an original composition and that it must be sung instead of playing a CD recording. "I would like to acknowledge with thanks the hard work put in by Mrs. Tia Sunia-Seloti who wrote the lyrics of the song and Namulauulu Dr. Paul Pouesi who composed the music," Chamberlin acknowledged. "I would also like to thank Melvin Solomona and Richard Epa from Samoa who played the guitars and sang along with the rest of our group as the girls danced." The Taupou Manaia group also had several performances each evening during the Teuila Festival Variety Show sponsored by McDonald's Samoa and it was not only their dancing that turned heads. Every time they appeared on stage, they wore a different set of colorful uniforms. Taiaopo Korina Chamberlin told Samoa News that they had prepared eight new sets of uniforms especially for the Teuila Festival not counting their old uniforms which they used to travel in and for their practices. The group also paid tribute to the sons and daughters of the two Samoas in active duty in Iraq and other parts of the world in one of their performances in which one of their supporters from California sang "America the Beautiful." There was a marked change in the festive atmosphere that night when Taupou Manaia executive Julia Fo'ifua who was the MC that night explained that many of the girls in the group had fathers, brothers, cousins and relatives serving in war-torn Iraq and other areas of the world and there was complete silence as Ryan Seiuli Nejad sang "America the Beautiful" accompanied on the piano by his brother Nathan Seiuli Nejad, both from Concorde, California. After that, the girls sang and danced to the song "Toa o Samoa," a tribute to the Samoan troops composed by Fofo I. Sunia. According to Chamberlin, this is the third year they have competed in the Teuila Festival traditional dancing competition and after coming second last year, she noticed that there was marked respect and recognition in the way they were received not only by the festival's organizing committee, but also by the public who witnessed their performance last year. "I would like to thank the Teuila Festival organizing committee for their positive reception and help they offered us during our many performances," Chamberlin acknowledged. "Like I said before, I am honored and humbled that we have been awarded this prestigious prize and it only strengthens our resolve to teach our young people the right way to perform our precious Samoan siva." She added that they have been soliciting the help of many senior citizens who used to perform the siva in their younger days so that they can teach what they know to the younger generation of dancers. "It is imperative that we learn all we can from our senior citizens while we have the chance," the Taupou Manaia president/instructor emphasized. "The Samoan siva is an important part of our culture and we must preserve it for our future generations." The Taupou Manaia Dance Group was established in June, 2001 with the mission to teach the Samoan siva to the young people of American Samoa. From only handful that registered, it has now grown to 65 dancers. The Taupou Manaia Dance Group will be bringing the Teuila Festival Traditional Dancing Trophy to the Territory tomorrow.