Youtube Songs & Snippets: 1975-1983

Music included on digitized audio tapes recorded between 1975 and 1983 is shared in this section as we listen to the mostly unlabeled tapes to determine they are hopefully OK to share.  This is a special section because many of my fondest memories include people singing. 
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Saipan School Children
​Singing, 1970s (#120)
  • Script #120​
  • Audio Used: Kit 111 [3] 1970s-80s
  • Photos Used: YT Thumbnail C-26 - 0366 

PART 2, SEVEN SONGS SUNG WITH GUITAR
​ IN CHAMORRO [ONE IN ENGLISH] (#119)

  • Script #119
  • Date(s): ~1976-1979
  • Description: 7 songs in Chamorro except for num 3 in  English.  Tape turned off for each song. local singers at party. Dog barking 
  • Audio Used: 3P2 [3] 1970s-80s: Length 26:17​
  • Photos Used: L03 - 0378 one dancer outside 
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TWELVE SONGS IN CHAMORRO
​WITH GUITAR [LAST IN ENGLISH] (#118)

  • Script #118
  • Description: 12 songs sung  in Chamorro with ending song in English.  Dog barking on songs 3 &10.  Tape was turned on for each song.
  • Audio Used: 3P1 [3] 1970s-80s: Length 21:40
  • Photos Used: YT Thumbnail L03 - 0379 four dancers outside 

PART 2: WOMAN SINGING IN KÅNTAN CHAMORRITA STYLE, FROM ROTA, Around 1976-79 (#117)

  • Script #117
  • Date(s): ~1976-1979
  • Description: I do not know who is singing, exactly when or where.  Please share if you know.  Hope after all these years that it is OK to make this public without having this information.  It is too beautiful to discard.
     The writing on the audio cassette tape says  "Chamorrita Songs, From Rota,"  The name Tita Hocog is on the tape.  She may be the bilingual  teacher, recorder or singer.  This was probably recorded between  1976 - 79.

    Leo Pangelinan shares, the music is in the Kåntan Chamorrita tradition and structure.  This is a fading traditional musical art form that only a few people practice today. It's rare to hear it in public, and I've never heard Kåntan Chamorrita at home, during family gatherings, or on the radio while growing up.
  • Audio Used: #4O2
  • Photos Used: B19 0255 view over water to shore
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WOMAN SINGING IN KÅNTAN CHAMORRITA STYLE  THREE SONGS FROM ROTA, PART 1, Around 1976-79 (#116)

  • Script #116
  • Date(s): ~1976-1979
  • Description: I do not know who is singing, exactly when or where.  Please share if you know.  Hope after all these years that it is OK to make this public without having this information.  It is too beautiful to discard. 
    The writing on the audio cassette tape says  "Chamorrita Songs, From Rota,"  The name Tita Hocog is on the tape.  She could be the bilingual  teacher, recorder or singer.  This was probably recorded between  1976 - 79.

    Leo Pangelinan shares, the music is in the Kåntan Chamorrita tradition and structure.  This is a fading traditional musical art form that only a few people practice today. It's rare to hear it in public, and I've never heard Kåntan Chamorrita at home, during family gatherings, or on the radio while growing up. I do believe there are at least three distinct songs in this recording. 

    The first line of the first song may say:
    To'tu' mågi sinturå-mu gof måppa yu - hu nå'na'
    (rough translation) Lying here at your side, I feel so detached - I'm hiding it 

    The singer has a beautiful voice and the melody is mesmerizing. 
  • Audio Used: #4O1
  • Photos Used: B19 0263 sunset from boat with man’s silhouette 

Chamorro Song: Illness Separates a Man from Family
NMI, Micronesia,1976-78 (#115)

  • Script #115
  • Date(s): 1976-1978
  • Description: Singer not identified on the original audio tape. Initials R.C. are on the tape cover

    Comments by Manny Borja, Chamorro Author 7/18/25
    "This is a song about a person who was found to have TB and was put in the hospital, most likely after the war (WWII), and talks about his concerns being away from his family, etc....(Listening to it) is very helpful in our understanding about kantan Chamorrita."

    Comments by Leo Pangelinian, Director, NMHC. 7/18/25
    "I listened to both audio recordings of the elder man singing.  I shared the private link with an elder on Saipan who has taught the Chamorro language for over 30 years.  He nor I recognize the singer or the name of the song.  It may be an original and we both agree both songs have many elements that are from the ancient "Kåntan Chamorrita" tradition of singing/chanting except this tradition requires two or more people interacting with each other and usually in an impromptu fashion where words and phrases are made up on the spot."
  • Audio Used: #IF2
  • Photos Used: d31 0446 sunset with Managaha from hill
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Elder Man Singing Chamorro Songs,
​CNMI, Micronesia, 1976-78 (#103)

  • ​Script #103
  • Date(s): 1976-1978
  • Description: Recorded on a black plastic cassette tape recorded in a home on Saipan with a dog and children in the background.. I remember the day and recognize my voice at the very end; think the gentleman singing worked in one of the Saipan schools as part of the Bilingual Program and Senior Citizen Program.
    This tape was recorded as part of competitive US grants awarded to the CNMI Department of Education, 1975 to 1980  These included the multi-year Title VII CNMI Bilingual Bicultural Program Grants (Chamorro & Carolinian) and the CNMI Senior Citizen Title XIV Program Grants.  Most of the recordings were recorded by project administrators, teachers and teacher aides. Many include senior citizens working with the bilingual bicultural programs.  The audio tapes were given to the DOE Library System, but later Kit Porter rescued them from the outside trash after a typhoon.  She then made them available through the Territorial Teacher Training Grant and the NMCC/NMC office.  In 1983, they were shipped to Massachusetts by mistake and remained in storage for decades. 
  • Audio Used: #IS2
  • Photos Used: Saipan Scenes 3m6p0326 downhill-garapan-ocean

Farewell To The Marianas,
​Written & Sung By Kit Porter, 1983 (#114)

  • Script #114
  • Date(s): 2025 & 1983
  • Audio Used: AU4 - 025A 2:39 TO 5:50
  • Photos Used: Photos taken April 2025, and used from KPV image inventory 1975-83, 1967-1969
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Carolinian Dictionary Testimony,
​CNMI, 1978 (Snippet, #113)

  • Script #113
  • Date(s):  July 1976 & October, 1978
  • Description: From BOOK 5, WORKING IN THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS: CHAPTER 14 July 1976 (audio tape kit-132) & 
    CHAPTER 34, OCT 1978 (audio tape P7-13)
     with additional recording March 2025
    Documents & photographs from KPV Collection
    By Kit Porter Van Meter
  • Audio Used: Kit 132, P7-13
  • Photos Used: Photos in KPV image inventory 1975-83: J78, G54; Documents in KPV 'Education & Culture' Box Content #23

Friends on Saipan sing in Kosraean, Marshallese, Samoan, English and Christmas songs | 1975 (#112)

  • Script #112
  • Date(s):  November 22, 1975
  • Description: Typhoon June passed through the Mariana Islands November 22, 1975. Schools were closed and neighbors, Lisa Porter & sisters Leilani and Marta Elstrom, decided to make an audio tape to Lisa's grandparents in Massachusetts.  Lisa & her parents lived at number 8 Pink Apartments on Saipan from September 1975 till August 1976 when they moved to Navy Hill and remained there until August 1983.  The Elstroms lived in number 1 Pink Apartments until June 1976, when Leilani, Marta and parents moved to their grandmother's in Ebeye. The girl’s moms, Seni Elstrom & Kit Porter were also friends.
    ​
    The girls loved to sing and here is a selection of songs in Kosraean, Marshallese, Samoan & English, Christmas songs, and some folk songs from that typhoon day in November, 1975.
  • Audio Used: P7-14
  • Photos Used: Photos in KPV image inventory 1979-83: B9 Pink Apts & Saipan Nov 1975: B9-0130 cliff & ocean, B-9-023 at Pink Apts, B-9-0141 Lelani, Marta & Lisa, B-9-0128 at bird island, B-9-0126 in back of truck, B-9-0129 on cliff,  B-9-0142 the girls’ moms: Seni Elstrom & Kit Porter
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party sing-along of Chamorro, Carolinian and english songs,
Part 2 (#111)

  • Script #111
  • Date(s):  Between 1976 and 1983
  • Description: This YouTube 111 is the continuation of singing shared in YouTube 110 Party sing-along of Marianas, Micronesian and English songs - part 1 Tape #6E1 posted 3/10/2023.  Here are more songs that are followed by instrumental music that I do not recognize.  It is possible it was on the tape and the party music was recorded over or someone added the instrumental music later.

    If you recognize who is singing or the location of the gathering, please add a comment or contact me at [email protected], so I can add this information.
  • Audio Used: [3] #6E2 
  • Photos Used: CNMI DOE party scan cafe D32 0457​​

party sing-along of marianas,
​micronesian and english songs, Part 1
(#110)

  • Script #110
  • Date(s):  Between 1976 and 1983
  • Description: If you recognize who is singing or the location of the gathering, please add a comment or contact us using the contact form.​
  • Audio Used: [3] #6E1 
  • Photos Used: CNMI DOE party scan cafe D32 0455​​
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CNMI Saipan School Children Sing Christmas Songs 1970s Bilingual Program; Four Songs
(#109)

  • Script #109
  • Date(s):  1975-78
  • Description: Do you recognize/remember at which CNMI school these songs were recorded and when? Kit Porter, Bilingual project Director, is the person speaking. If you have any information to be added, please send us a message using the contact form.
    ​
  • Audio Used: [3] #4h 
  • Photos Used: 75-83 Collection​

Northern Mariana singers at Micronesian party,
​Don Topping’s Home in Hawaii (#108)

  • Script #108
  • Date(s):  1970s
  • Description: On this section of the tape, a group of mostly Northern Mariana musicians and singers perform the ending seven (7) songs recorded at a party attended by Micronesians and others involved with the Bilingual Project for Micronesians, Micronesian Language Materials Project and other related projects at the University of Hawaii.  Educators from Micronesia took part in these and other projects to research and develop materials for Micronesian Languages.  Dr Donald Topping, Director Social Science Research Institute, Director Pacific/Asia Linguistic Institute had also authored (with others) The Chamorro-English Dictionary and Chamorro Reference Grammar.  In my role as Director of the CNMI Title VII Chamorro Project, Carolinian Project and later State Director, I worked with UOH on proposals and grants to secure funding for our work together and plans for implementing multilingual/multicultural education in the Northern Mariana Islands.

    The best part of the job was when the participants and colleagues would get together to share a meal and songs.  Donald Topping, a musician of the flute, would frequently arrange these gatherings at his home.  Everyone would cook and bring food.  At this party, I recorded the singing and chatter 
​
  • Audio Used: [3] #6G (42:44 to 1:02:50)
  • Photos Used: Saipan 69-5-38​
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Singing at Micronesian party,
Don Topping’s Home in Hawaii (#107)

  •  Script #107
  • Date(s):  1970s
  • Description: Here are the first 16 songs recorded at a party attended by Micronesians and others involved with the Bilingual Project for Micronesians, Micronesian Language Materials Project and other related projects at the University of Hawaii.  Educators from Micronesia took part in these and other projects to research and develop materials for Micronesian Languages.  Dr Donald Topping, Director Social Science Research Institute, Director Pacific/Asia Linguistic Institute had also authored (with others) The Chamorro-English Dictionary and Chamorro Reference Grammar.  In my role as Director of the CNMI Title VII Chamorro Project, Carolinian Project and later State Director, I worked with UOH on proposals and grants to secure funding for our work together and plans for implementing multilingual/multicultural education in the Northern Mariana Islands.

    The best part of the job was when the participants and colleagues would get together to share a meal and songs.  Donald Topping, a musician of the flute, would frequently arrange these gatherings at his home.  Everyone would cook and bring food.  At this party, I recorded the singing and chatter 
​
  • Audio Used: [3] #6G (00:00 to 42:44)
  • Photos Used: Scan cafe 0570​

Magdalena Cruz singing Chamorro songs,
​Tape 2, SAIPAN (#106)

  • Script #106
  • Date(s):  1970s
  • Description: Recorded by M.J. Castro is written on the original cassette tape.

    This tape was recorded as part of competitive US grants awarded to the CNMI Department of Education, 1975 to 1980  These included the multi-year Title VII CNMI Bilingual Bicultural Program Grants (Chamorro & Carolinian) and the CNMI Senior Citizen Title XIV Program Grants.  Most of the recordings were recorded by project teachers and teacher aides. Many include senior citizens working with the bilingual bicultural programs.  The audio tapes were given to the DOE Library System, but later Kit Porter rescued them from the outside trash after a typhoon.  She then made them available through the Territorial Teacher Training Grant and the NMCC/NMC office.  In 1983, they were shipped to Massachusetts by mistake and remained in storage for decades. ​
​
  • Audio Used: Kit #4F1 (tape 2)
  • Photos Used: #44 69-5-10q beach to Taipingot Luta
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MAGDALENA CRUZ SINGING CHAMORRO SONGS,
​TAPE 1, SAIPAN (#105)

  • Script #105
  • Date(s):  1970s
  • Description: Recorded by M.J. Castro is written on the original cassette tape.

    This tape was recorded as part of competitive US grants awarded to the CNMI Department of Education, 1975 to 1980  These included the multi-year Title VII CNMI Bilingual Bicultural Program Grants (Chamorro & Carolinian) and the CNMI Senior Citizen Title XIV Program Grants.  Most of the recordings were recorded by project teachers and teacher aides. Many include senior citizens working with the bilingual bicultural programs.  The audio tapes were given to the DOE Library System, but later Kit Porter rescued them from the outside trash after a typhoon.  She then made them available through the Territorial Teacher Training Grant and the NMCC/NMC office.  In 1983, they were shipped to Massachusetts by mistake and remained in storage for decades. 
​
  • Audio Used: Kit #4F1 (tape 1)
  • Photos Used: Saipan at beach & parties 00107 to 60452j looking out at ocean

Chamorro & English Songs with Rosa Castro & Brigida Santos & guitar, CNMI, Micronesia​ (#104)

  • Script #104
  • Date(s):  1970s
  • Description: The names of the two singers, Rosa Castro & Brigida Santos, are written on the original cassette audio tape. 

    This tape was recorded as part of competitive US grants awarded to the CNMI Department of Education, 1975 to 1980  These included the multi-year Title VII CNMI Bilingual Bicultural Program Grants (Chamorro & Carolinian) and the CNMI Senior Citizen Title XIV Program Grants.  Most of the recordings were recorded by project teachers and teacher aides. Many include senior citizens working with the bilingual bicultural programs.  The audio tapes were given to the DOE Library System, but later Kit Porter rescued them from the outside trash after a typhoon.  She then made them available through the Territorial Teacher Training Grant and the NMCC/NMC office.  In 1983, they were shipped to Massachusetts by mistake and remained in storage for decades. 

    Kit will be reviewing grant proposals, reports and correspondence as available and will add any information she finds about this audio tape.  If you have any information to be added, please use the 'Contact' page.
  • Audio Used: Kit #3N1
  • Photos Used: Pagan P69-4-2 boat in ocean & volcano
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Singing local songs at Bilingual Program party,1970s, Saipan, CNMI,
​Micronesia ​ Chamorro, Carolinian, Trukese, English (#101)

  • Script #101
  • Date(s):  1970s
  • Description: Kit Porter explains that this audio tape was probably recorded at a Title VII Multilingual/multicultural party in the 1970s or early 1980s.  However, she no longer remembers who was there. She says,  “it sounds like I am doing the recording and I  hear myself saying one of the songs is my favorite.  Also, think I remember playing the spoons.  I think I hear  the voices  of Carmen Taimano, Lydia Taisican and Juan Ichara.  I used to know these songs, but it is now more than 40 years later.  It is still a joy to hear these friends and colleagues again. Please add a comment to identify the singers, speakers, location and/or songs. Also, please any memories you have. Or contact me at kpvcollection at gmail.com. 
​
  • Audio Used: Kit #110
  • Photos Used: Saipan scenes: 403 sunset; Saipan on water: 0352 sunset; Saipan at beach & parties:  00250 three people with guitar​