Subscribe
U.S. Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 15th Brigade Band performed at the 24th Annual Combined Concert Sept. 14 at the Okinawa City Civic Center, Okinawa, Japan.
The Friendship Through Music concert was packed full of audience members dressed to the nines, and not a seat was left unfilled. The audience was treated with two hours worth of a variety of musical pieces and performances from each band.
Music is known as a universal language that resonates and unites people from different backgrounds.
“We get to make people happy through music,” said Cpl. Karina Bloom, a flutist with III MEF Band. “This is an opportunity for everyone to forget what they have going on for two hours and come and listen to music.”
The two bands had the opportunity to play individually and together during the concert. Months prior to the concert, the bands spent hours practicing to master the performance. The combined bands played: John Barnes Chance's Blue Lake Overture, selections from Carmina Burana, A Tribute to Earth, Wind, and Fire, and Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1.
“Me and the other members of the JGSDF had a great time working with them,” said Capt. Ken Yamashita, the conductor of the JGSDF Band. “We get to build our relationship between this band and the III MEF Band. The band team and I are so excited to play with them. The friendship and abilities will continue to grow as we work together.”
The bands' harmonious product was a symphonic display of their friendship, unity and mastery in the art of music. As the concert ended, the audience gave the musicians a standing ovation in gratitude for their performance.
As a last attempt of appreciation, the audience rushed toward the bands to congratulate and thank them for such a wonderful and inspirational performance.
“It was awesome playing with them, it made my heart very happy,” said Bloom. “It was beautiful.”
As the closing remarks were said, to signify that the sold out show was coming to an end, the audience was thanked for attending the friendship filled concert.
| Date Taken: | 09.14.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 09.21.2019 07:45 |
| Story ID: | 340921 |
| Location: | OKINAWA CITY, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, III MEF Band and JGSDF Band alliance extends beyond operations, by Sgt Karis Mattingly, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
