The music department is directed by Mrs. Marie Dela Paz. She teaches piano lessons, choir, and also offers handbells for the secondary students.
Mrs. Dela Paz holds 2 bachelor’s degrees in music – Bachelor of Music major in Piano Performance and Bachelor of Music major in Music Education. She has experience teaching, conducting and performing music in Asia and Micronesia. She also teaches piano lessons in school. She further encourages her students to become involved in the musical activities of their church and will even train them in the different aspects of church music. Mrs. Dela Paz has conducted for choirs and instrumental ensemble that had up to fifty plus members. Her goals for the music department at GAA include teaching music in such a manner that inspires the students to gain a true and life-long appreciation for the art, developing programs the promote spiritually uplifting and therapeutic music, and instilling in the children a desire for creativity which would encourage them to compose and perform their own music to share with the community.
The handbell choir has been in existence at GAA for the past two decades. Throughout the years, the choir has brought a unique sound to Guam, especially during the Christmas season, touring all over the island of Guam and the Pacific. In 2008, the handbell choir came in first place in the annual Tumon Bay Music Festival competing against other bell choirs on island. Currently the handbell choir consists of sixteen middle school and high school ringers who perform regularly throughout the school year.
For a performance schedule for the elementary choir and the handbell choir, please see the school calendar.
MUSIC FOR PRE-K TO TWELFTH GRADES offers classes in Piano, Tone Chimes, Handbells and Choir.
- HIGH SCHOOL HANDBELL CHOIR performs extensively throughout the island. The Christmas season is busy because of the reputation of quality music.
- HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR performs as scheduled for organizations including seasonal performances at local malls and churches.
