Band brings harmony to U.S., Russian relations

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. M. Davis
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
YEKATERINBURG, Russia (AFPN) --  U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band’s Check Six ensemble was music to Russian ears March 31 as they entertained and fostered relations between the United States and Russia.

The command’s premier band served as musical ambassadors helping the U.S. Consulate General celebrate its 10-year anniversary here.

For many Russians, it was the first time seeing U.S. servicemembers, said Maj. Scott Guidry, USAFE Band commander.

“Part of our band’s mission is to win the hearts and minds of people; we’re in the business of influence,” Major Guidry said. “People here don’t know what to expect of American military members, so for them to see musicians helps open doors.”

Since their military is structured differently from the United States, many Russians have never seen noncommissioned officers who perform complex tasks and take on significant responsibilities, he said.

“They are not used to seeing professional NCOs and are amazed at what our people can do,” Major Guidry said. “We are a microcosm of the rest of the Air Force. The confidence, professionalism and excellence we bring to people is a reflection of the entire force. We have a talented group of NCOs and Airmen, and I’m very proud of them.”

The diplomatic importance of the trip was incredible, Major Guidry said.

“We are here representing a lot of things -- USAFE, military members in Europe and the United States,” he said. “Although traveling to foreign countries is routine for us, this trip is different, because it’s a place we didn’t tour too often in the past.”

Keeping the band on the same sheet of music was Tech. Sgt. Bill King’s job. Sergeant King is an alto saxophonist and the NCO in charge of the band.

“It took a lot of coordination and planning to ensure things went smoothly,” Sergeant King said. “But overall, everything went well, and the event was successful.”

As his first trip to Russia, Sergeant King said he was not sure what to expect of the country’s people and culture.

“I was surprised about how friendly the people were and how receptive they were of us,” he said. “We really enjoyed playing for them and watching their positive reaction to our music.”

Nine years ago, Tech. Sgt. Cully Joyce, the band’s tenor saxophonist, helped the city celebrate the U.S. consulate’s first anniversary here.

“Everything is more open and has more western influence now. The city has grown into a large metropolitan area,” Sergeant Joyce said.

Although things have changed, one thing remains the same, he said.

“The people here are still very warm and friendly. They have a lot of pride in their country and are very hospitable,” he said.

Sergeant Joyce’s wife, Staff Sgt. Krista Joyce, who is the band’s vocalist, said the choice of music was important.

“On trips like these, we are diplomats -- and that is a great reason for being in the band,” the singer said. “Much of the music we play is from the (World War) II era, which is a lot of feel-good music. Many people here could relate to that kind of music. It was also a good way to put people in a military uniform in front of a crowd in a nonthreatening sort of way to make a friendly presence known.”

As part of Check Six, the singer said she loves traveling with her husband during the band’s trips.

“Seeing and experiencing things together is part of the fun,” she said. “We would hate to be separated.”

During the concert, the U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation, Alexander Vershbow, was more than a spectator -- he was a guest drummer.

“It was great playing with the band. They played excellent music and had fantastic arrangements,” said Ambassador Vershbow, who once played with comedian Bob Hope during a morale tour for military troops. “I was very pleased they could come (here) to join in the celebration. It was fitting that they play at the 10th anniversary.”

The event was Irina Karimova’s first time to a concert featuring American performers, and she said she was pleased with what she heard.

“Many of the melodies were familiar to me, and I really enjoyed them all. The band was really great,” Ms. Karimova said. She is an advertising director at a local agency here. “This was a really nice intercultural exchange. We really enjoy American music, and it was a great way to enjoy the country’s culture through its music.”

Check Six is a 13-piece musical ensemble made of a rhythm section, seven horns, a vocalist and an audio technician. The ensemble’s mission includes preserving and promoting a musical-art form that is strictly unique to the United States -- jazz.

They perform for thousands of people during live concerts throughout Europe, Scandinavia and Southwest Asia, not just for foreigners, but for U.S. servicemembers too, Major Guidry said.

During this trip, Check Six also played concerts at Chelyabinsk and Magnitogorsk, Russia.