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HONOLULU - Members from the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band Brass Quintet wrapped up their trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, June 6, 2015.
The brass quintet performed a total of five events over a span of four days in the country.
The band first performed for local citizens at the Pacific Place Mall, which many band members felt was a success.
“Having a Marine presence that is not directly combat related shows another side of the Marine Corps that really helps with the civilian population,” said Maj. Koichi Takagi, U.S. Embassy Jakarta Marine Attaché. “It shows that the Marine Corps has many different ways to influence the community. This was a very positive impact.”
People were drawn to the live music and many were shocked to find U.S. Marines at the source. This was the band’s first appearance in Indonesia.
MARFORPAC Band members kicked off their second performance the following day by spending a day with the Indonesian Korps Marinir (Marine Corps) and their military band.
“It’s been a great experience,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Mark Gleason, bandmaster of the MARFORPAC Band. “We got to interact with the Indonesian Marines and share something that we share in common, music.”
After working, having lunch, and playing a few games of ping pong and soccer together, the bands closed the day by playing a couple of tunes.
“Although there were language barriers, we were able to use music as a common bond and it was great to get to sit side by side with these Marines and share our knowledge,” Gleason said. “We also found it interesting to see the similarities and differences in our missions. They were quite impressed that not only did we represent the U.S. Marine Corps as musicians but are also fully trained and prepared to serve as Marine riflemen when called upon.”
On June 4th, the Marines traveled to two places, first the Media Nusantara Citra Tower for an interview with a local Jakarta radio station. Then, they went to the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence for the main event of the trip, the celebration for American Independence Day. The celebration was held a month ahead of its actual date July 4, due to the upcoming month of Ramadan.
“Although the exact day of the event may not be accurate, the event showcased the pride and enthusiasm that the U.S. has for our country and our independence,” Gleason said. “I thought it was a great show of goodwill for the U.S. embassy in Jakarta to celebrate our Independence Day a month early.”
Lastly, the band made one more stop before returning back home to Hawaii, the Indonesian Defense University. The Marines mingled with students and enjoyed singing and playing their instruments. Students and staff at the university even played songs in trios and requested the dean of the school to come out and perform a solo.
“It was a huge success,” Gleason said. “With the pivot to the Pacific, it is important that we build strong relationships with all of the countries in the area of responsibility. The MARFORPAC Band is an outstanding tool in the command’s toolbox to break down barriers and build strong international relationships.”
As for what was most memorable about this trip, Gleason said, “I think the best part of the trip was the interaction we had with the Indonesian military members as well as the civilian population and the warm response we received from everyone we encountered.”
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2015 20:33 |
| Story ID: | 165924 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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