USAF Band of the Pacific Hawaii wows crowd, spreads aloha

DMA Pacific - Hawaii Media Bureau
Courtesy Story

Date: 02.17.2012
Posted: 02.19.2012 09:26
News ID: 84070
US Air Force Band of the Pacific, Hawaii rocks 2012 Singapore Airshow

CHANGI, Singapore - The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific - Hawaii from Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Honolulu, Hawaii performed for approximately 300 at the Singapore Air and Trade Show 2012 at 1 p.m.

It was their seventh performance since their arrival in Singapore.

"The crowd showed their enthusiasm for the band," said Master Sgt. Brian Hornbuckle, band director of operations and trumpet player. "There were lots of school-age children here who got the opportunity to visit today before the event opens to the public tomorrow."

In addition to their performances at the air show, the band has played at several community engagements.

"One of our community engagements included a welfare home for boys in Bedot City," said Hornbuckle. "There are 70 boys who live at the home and they really enjoyed the show."

How much the boys enjoyed the show came as a surprise to Muhamed Rahim, deputy superintendent of the Muhammadiyah Welfare Home.

"I was surprised when one of the boys joined the band on stage to sing a song and knew the words," said Rahim. "It shows how music is universal."

His sentiment is echoed by Master Sgt. Lara Murdzia, a 19-year veteran vocalist with the band.

“When performing in different countries, you hope to connect to your audience with the songs you’ve chosen to sing,” said Murdzia. “Here in Singapore, we’ve found that the Singaporeans know a lot of American music and join in when we sing.”

That commonality is apparent wherever the band goes.

"Singapore is nice. The city is beautiful and the people are friendly," said Tech. Sgt. Tamiko Boone, band vocalist. "We're welcomed everywhere we go. When people want you to return, you know you've done a great job entertaining them."

The band will continue to entertain attendees during the public days when thousands are expected at the air show. They will cap off their performances at the Singapore Botanic Gardens where they are scheduled to perform Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m.

The Singapore Air and Trade show, which occurs every other year began Feb. 14 and lasts six days. The last two days of the air show are open to the public and thousands are expected to attend.