Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Hansen | From left to right, Sgt. Maj. Jaffar Sadick Jaffar, an Iraqi army tour guide; Cpt....... read more read more
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BAGHDAD — The 1st Armored Division Band took a trip to the International Zone April 12 to meet with their Iraqi army counterparts. There, the bands joined together for a practice session and discussed the possibility of a future joint concert.
This was the second meeting of its kind but, with hope, it will not be the last, said Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Bettencourt, commander of the 1st Armored Division Band.
"We're really looking forward to doing more with these guys," said Bettencourt, referring to the Iraqi prime minister's ceremonial band. "It's been great so far."
Learning music has been an ongoing partnership activity; complicated, but so far, successful. Mahmud al-Qa'id, the Iraqi band's maestro, said he appreciates the Americans' assistance and is eager to try some new songs.
"Our music was limited at first," Mahmud said, "but it's getting better now."
As an example of this musical partnership, members of the 1st Armd. Div. band donated replacement parts for Iraqi instruments — such as mouthpieces and reeds — which can be difficult for the local musicians to obtain through their own supply system.
The most important part of the meeting, according to Bettencourt, was a discussion about the possibility of a joint concert, sometime in the future. Whether held at Victory Base Complex or somewhere in the city, a concert involving both bands would be the epitome of their accomplishments, he said.
"It would definitely be great to see. A good concert with both of us would really show their leadership how far they've come."
| Date Taken: | 04.12.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.14.2010 13:29 |
| Story ID: | 48143 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 141 |
| Downloads: | 111 |
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