by Krystal Paco

Guam - From Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House and even representing the island in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Band, the Guam Territorial Band has played them all.

It's that time of year again.

"We have a lot of exciting adventures this year. This is the 10th year of the Tumon Bay Music Festival," according to Guam Territorial Band director Max Ronquillo. The Festival's humble beginnings have since evolved into the most anticipated music event of the year.

Set for the month of March at various locations along Tumon Bay, Ronquillo states there's something for everyone, from choral to contemporary, pop, jazz, and beyond, musicians here at home and from throughout the region are putting in hours of practice to put their best chops forward.

"It first started in 2005, was just a three-day band festival. And all we had were bands. Middle school and high school bands. The year after it became a five-day band festival. And then the year after that it included choirs and then we just added a rock and jazz day," he said. "This year we're trying to see if we can do a contemporary Christian rock day then we've expanded to include solo performances. That's the most popular."

And for those still shy about their musical skills, or simply new to an instrument, Ronquillo says GTB has started a community beginning band.

"We've started a community beginning band for students that don't have band programs and for adults that have always wanted to learn how to play a band instrument. That's lead by Ms. Eilenn Sablan who's a teacher at FB Leon Guerrero," he said.

If you're in high school, the high school honor band season is also starting up in coming weeks.

"We're getting the word out through the teachers but of course, we have lesser band programs this year in school so if you have a child at home that plays a band instrument or you want to get them playing a band instrument, please get a hold of us," he said.

And keep your eyes and ears open. There's more in store for the official band of Guam.

"On the completion of the new Guam Museum, we'll be part of the Guam Museum located in the theater," he said.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit guamband.weebly.com.