Few things get the heart pumping and the blood flowing like a good music and dance session. This is proven true inside the packed cafeteria at Hay Branch Elementary when the 1st Cavalry Division Brass Band takes the stage at one of their stops during their ongoing “Music in our Schools” tour.
For the past several weeks and for the next few weeks, different elements of the 1st Cav Div. Band have visited and will visit elementary, middle, and high schools throughout local communities as part of their “Music in our Schools” initiative.
“We’ve been going out to the schools and playing for the kids,” said Spc. Nick Simonsen, a trumpet player with the 1st Cav Div. Brass Band. “We primarily play a lot of pop music that they know and it gives them an opportunity to get out of class for a little bit to sing and dance with us.”
The tour includes lively performances for the younger audiences and mentorship opportunities for some of the students in the high school bands, as well as acting as a great recruitment tool, while bridging the gap and between the Army and the local community.
“I am always surprised with how big the military connection is in this community,” said Sgt. David Berggren, a guitarist with the 1st Cav. Div. Jazz Band. “We go up there on stage and tell our stories and some of the kids can relate because of their parents being military or their neighbor or somebody else they may know.”
To further emphasize the importance of this initiative, the music and dancing allow the Soldiers in the band the opportunity to show young people who may not be familiar with the military, that Soldiers are normal, approachable people.
“Someone who’s a lot bigger than them with a uniform on can be intimidating,” said Spc. Nathan Rakow, A euphonium player with the 1st Cav. Div. newly formed Woodwind Quintet. “To give them something they can relate to and provide a positive experience with is a lot of fun. They are surprisingly attentive and always seem to have a really good time,” he added.
Although the performances create an enjoyable and light atmosphere, it is not their only purpose. They also provide students with a chance to learn a little about the instruments played.
“We start off with some good, fun music and then we move into talking about the instruments themselves,” said Berggren. “We play them individually so that the kids know what they sound like.”
The band is commonly the face of the 1st Cav. Div. Interacting with the community is an important part of their job, and is necessary in order to create relationships and foster trust between the Army and the general public.
“One thing we always try to remember is that at the end of the day, people are not just applauding us, they are applauding the Army and what we represent,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Carmody, a tuba player with the 1st Cav. Div. Brass Quintet. “We take that responsibility very seriously.”