Pacific Ambassadors visit orphanage in Singapore

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Joshua Karsten | The U.S. 7th Fleet Band's Pacific Ambassadors receive handshakes from children after a performance at the Jamiyah Children's Home. The band, embarked on the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), visited the home during a port visit. Blue Ridge and embarked 7th Fleet staff are currently on patrol operating forward while building maritime partnerships and conducting security and stability operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Karsten)  

SINGAPORE

06.11.2013

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet   

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Karsten

SINGAPORE – The U.S. 7th Fleet Band’s Pacific Ambassadors performed for orphans and disadvantaged children at the Jamiyah Children’s Home in Singapore, June 11, 2013.

“The children of Jamiyah are so blessed for many activities and this is one activity that I think the children especially look forward to,” said Sophian Kayat, superintendant of the home. “Music is always something that we us as therapy in the home. It heals, it speaks the universal language and having the Navy band here to perform here at our home is just awesome!”

The band mixed up the show providing performances from different instruments including a clarinet trio, a brass quintet and a vocal quartet. In between performances, individual musicians would teach the kids about their specific instrument and the history behind them.

“The kind of music that was played I think the children enjoyed,” added Kayat. “I could see from their eyes that they were glimmering and so joyful, so we are so thankful for this gift of music from this morning.”

The children also had the chance to showcase their talents with a musical and a traditional dance performance that was well received by the band members.

Since 1993, the home which means House of Bliss has been developing orphans and neglected children of single parents, drug detainees, abused and families in difficulties.

Kayat claimed that the shy children would be dancing if the band had stayed a little bit longer and expressed his gratefulness on behalf of all the children.

The band, embarked on the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), visited the home during a port visit. Blue Ridge and embarked 7th Fleet staff are currently on patrol operating forward while building maritime partnerships and conducting security and stability operations.

• Date Taken: 06.11.2013
• Date Posted: 06.11.2013 04:03
• Story ID: 108431
• Location: SG