Tonight (Friday April 4), the Samoa Musicians Association — SMA — in collaboration with KVZK TV will be presenting a “first’ for the organization. The musicians will have a new monthly show on local television tonight, and they’re excited about this new undertaking, which will air at 8:30p.m. local time and be re-aired at 9p.m. Saturday evening.

It is — first and foremost — their desire to promote musicianship in the territory, and maybe just as importantly, to promote live music in a spirit unique to the long-time musicians of American Samoa. The Acting Governor was recently heard to say, in another venue, that “we need to be on the same sheet of music” and the SMA liked that reference. They’re running with it.

“We need to be on the same sheet of music when it comes to promoting the things that are important to current and aspiring musicians” said Doug Smith, one of the founding members and current vice president of the SMA, who recently sat down with Samoa News to highlight the drive behind the new show.

“Local musicians have always appreciated and supported each other,” he continued.

“We’re hoping to move away from any negativity, like how people always talk about what’s wrong with the island. We want to have an encouraging influence and share the joy that we get from playing live music together. It’s all about relationships. It’s important that the working musicians collaborate and interact with the community so there can be a lasting positive effect.”

TELEVISION PROGRAM

The idea for the KVZK show, called the “Sa Mo A” Show (a nice play on the Samoan alphabetical pronunciation for the letters SMA) came about because the musicians needed “a way to inform the public of our short term and long-term goals”. They wanted a program that was entertaining, informative and island-wide.

But it’s not just a “talk show” and not just a venue for the SMA musicians to jam. The plan is to feature different aspects of local music and musicians every month so each show will have a different theme and content. It’s also meant to be a venue for all musicians, young and old, to showcase their talents.

SCHOLARSHIPS

One of the main goals of the SMA, through the course of the year, will be to work with DOE staff — particularly music teachers — to identify and interact with graduating seniors who show an affinity for playing musical instruments. Those who have a passion and desire to pursue music as a career will be eligible for an SMA scholarship.

The amount they have in mind depends on the money raised over the course of a year as well as the number of students determined to be deserving assistance. Criteria will include recommendations from teachers as well as verification of college acceptance.

While talent is one of the most important considerations for a SMA scholarship, it is not the sole criteria.

FUTURE EVENTS

One way SMA plans to raise funds to achieve its goals is to hold bi-monthly Music Jams where members and supporters can come together and play, sing, dance and listen to live music. These events are meant to be all inclusive and designed to encourage all musicians and music lovers to participate.

The next SMA production will be a pre-Flag Day Music Jam on April 11 at Ta’alolo Lodge, which is the locale where many of SMA’s future projects and membership meetings will occur.

As a way to facilitate the celebration, the SMA band will get the music started and then open the stage for a night of music for anyone who wants to jam with other musicians.

There are plans to have this event filmed for future KVZK programs.

“It should be noted that Chande Lutu Drabble, secretary of SMA, has graciously made the Lodge available for SMA events and functions,”said Smith. The other officers of SMA are Mal Lavata’i, president and Francis Leleua, treasurer. Ulale Ulale is chairman of the board, with Siuleo “Chico” Pouesi in charge of public relations.

In addition to the Music Jams, SMA is also planning a traditional Luau/Fiafia, “the likes of which have not been seen here for a while,” according to organizers. “Our relationship to Hawai’i, and to Hawaiian music are important because the presentation and preservation of all Polynesian cultural music and dancing is a main tenet of SMA.”

The SMA is also putting together a group for the Jazz Festival in Apia which will occur in November. The last Apia Jazz Festival welcomed the Territory’s musicians with open arms; there is no reason to think that will not happen again.

SUMMER CAMP

Passing musical knowledge — and the joy of playing music — to the next generation is important to these musicians.

SMA plans to conduct out-reach programs in the local schools and community. There are also plans this year for a summer camp for kids who have the inclination and desire to play instruments, especially in band/ group situations. Once again, this will be worked out with DOE and the music teachers in the schools, who will be able to identify and recommend those students with an aptitude for music.

“We’re very thankful to KVZK-TV Director Fagafaga Langkilde and his staff for the collaborative spirit and for giving us the opportunity to broadcast our plans,” SMA said as we wrapped up our interview.

“As with all big plans, there is always a need to remain flexible and adaptable. Musicians are inherently prepared to improvise. We just want to make sure that whatever we do is in perfect group harmony.”