PACAF band invited to help with 'recovery through music'

  • Published
  • By Airman John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia performed a concert in Nerima City, Japan, May 8 in support of people affected by the March 11 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

At the request of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Eastern Army Headquarters, Pacific Trends performed during Golden Week, during which the Japanese people celebrate several holidays.

"We're here to connect with the people of the community," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Goetz, a Pacific Air Forces band leader. "We want to keep a good relationship with the Japanese people."

Masato Yagi, a community relations specialist for the band, along with JGDSF Maj. Mitsumasa Hiramoto, the officer in charge of Public Affairs for the Eastern Army Headquarters, worked together to coordinate the event.

"It took about a month to plan the event," said Mr. Yagi. "Once they told us what it was for, we were excited to begin performing."

The band performed at the JGSDF Public Information Center, which educates visitors about the Japanese military by presenting a variety of different aspects of the military. Presentations include the chronology and heritage of the JGDSF, various military vehicles used and a flight simulator.

During the show, Pacific Trends played various contemporary U.S. and Japanese hit songs. Band members said they hoped the performance would have a positive impact on the local populace.

"There was a language barrier," Sergeant Goetz said. "Even still, the band was able to relate by singing songs in the audience's own language.

"It was really encouraging to see the people so involved in the songs and clap for an encore at the end," he added.

After the performance, the musicians met with audience members, posed for pictures and handed out PACAF band CDs.

"We felt honored to perform," Mr. Yagi said. "We're happy we can do our part of the recovery through music."