Photo By Cpl. Rebecca Elmy | Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band perform a drum solo during an...... read more read more
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NAHA, OKINAWA, Japan – Seated in the dark auditorium, all eyes are on the stage. The curtains open and the bands begin to play. Their unique mix of melodies and tunes fill the theater with an energetic vibe.
The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band performed a combined concert Sept. 6 with the 15th Brigade Band assigned to the Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, at the Okinawa Civic Hall.
In August, the two bands met and conducted combined rehearsals. The III MEF Band and 15th Brigade Band rehearsed prior to the concert to make sure they were in sync during their evening performance.
Some of the songs featured in the concert were “Soldiers of the Sea,” “Caribbean Breeze,” “Happy” by Pharrell Williams and “Let It Go” from the Disney movie “Frozen.”
The theme of the evening was “Friendship Through Music” to convey the continued commitment of friendship between both countries, according to U.S. Marine Cpl. Amanda V. Davis, a musician with the III MEF Band.
“The motto is meant to create harmony between U.S. and Japan,” said Davis, from Appomattox, Virginia. “We just like getting together with the Japanese and other military bands because it broadens our musical culture.”
The concert built on the already strong relationship between the two bands, while offering a unique opportunity for newer Marines, according to Davis.
“It continues to strengthen the bond,” said Davis. “It gives the new Marines an experience that some people have never had. It just helps them learn and grow, and it’s fun.”
In addition to performing concerts with each other, the two nations’ musicians also enjoy spending time together off stage, according to Davis.
“We exchange gifts, have BBQ’s and are presented the opportunity to new make friends in the process,” said Davis. “I always look forward to it.”
Although there is a language barrier between the two groups, the musicians communicate through music.
“When both bands get together, we speak the same language with each other through the performance of music,” said U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer Joshua A. Stone, the director of the III MEF Band.
All of the musicians’ work paid off when they saw the audience enjoying their performance, according to Davis.
The experience the musicians receive when rehearsing and practicing with the 15th Brigade Band enable the musicians to exhibit their own skills and talents.
“It is a privilege to play with (the 15th Brigade Band),” said Stone from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. “They are a well-oiled machine, phenomenal musicians and it is truly a pleasure to play with them.”
The concert is an annual event and the Marines are slated to perform with the 15th Brigade Band during the 20th anniversary show next fall.
| Date Taken: | 09.06.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.22.2014 03:54 |
| Story ID: | 142847 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Hometown: | VANCOUVER, BC, CA |
| Hometown: | APPOMATTOX, VA, US |
| Hometown: | CENTENNIAL, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 124 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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