III MEF, JGSDF bands communicate, prepare through music

Photo By Matthew Manning | Musicians with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 15th Band practice together at the theater on Camp Foster Sept. 8. The practice was conducted to prepare for the 16th Annual Friendship Through Music Concert scheduled for Sept. 17 at the Okinawa Civic Center.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.15.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Matthew Manning 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Commotion filled the auditorium as Marines and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force attempted to communicate with one another despite the obvious language challenges.

Then, a band officer signaled for everyone to take their places on the stage, and the commotion died as the Marines and JGSDF began to communicate through the international language of music Sept. 8.

III Marine Expeditionary Force Band and the JGSDF’s 15th Band, stationed at Camp Naha, met at the Camp Foster theater to practice for the 16th Annual Friendship Through Music Concert scheduled for Sept. 17.

This combined practice is the first of two the bands will conduct before they perform at the concert to be held at the Okinawa Civic Center.

“The concert is meant to convey to the people of Okinawa, as well as the Americans, that we are a team, and this is an effort of both sides, and we are glad to be partners,” said Chief Warrant Officer Steve B. Giove, band officer, III MEF Band. “It is a popular event. The turnout to the concert in past years has been overwhelming.”

According to Giove, members of both bands have always enjoyed the opportunity to play music with each other.

“It is great to see the Marines perform and work with the Japanese,” said Lance Cpl. Sarah Mayer, a trumpet player with the III MEF Band. “After all the training, it is neat to see them in action and to be able to put together a concert.”

This combined practice occured on Mayer’s first day with the III MEF Band.

“I never thought I would get the opportunity to come to Japan and work with [the Japanese] like this,” said Mayer. “It is a great opportunity to get to play with them, learn their culture and other little things they might do differently.”

Members of the 15th Band said they are excited to perform once again with the III MEF Band.

“When I heard that we were performing this concert, I was very excited for the chance to play with the III MEF Band again,” said Leading Pvt. Yukari Morimitsu, a clarinet player with the 15th Band. “I have been in the band for two years, and this will be my second time playing in this concert.”

While working together, musicians from both bands shared their knowledge of music and techniques with each other.

“Something I have learned from playing with them is how little things like blend and balance, as well as duration of notes, can really make or break a band,” said Mayer. “One thing I think helps the 15th Band play really well is the fact that they have been playing with each other for so long. They know exactly what their music is going to sound like and who is going to play what parts.”
Members from both bands said they are looking forward to performing with each other at the upcoming concert.

“Since the two bands are from different countries and cultures, each band is different but in a good way,” said Morimitsu. “The III MEF Band is very young and energetic, while [the members of the 15th Band] have been together for a much longer time. This shows when the bands perform, but when both bands combine we are able to take the different strong points from each band, play good music, and deliver that to the people who come to the concert.”

• Date Taken: 09.15.2011
• Date Posted: 09.15.2011 03:22
• Story ID: 77064
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP