Photo By Maj. Malisa Hamper | Piano player Staff Sgt. Bridgette Dyer and guitarist Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Wilson,...... read more read more
CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, JAPAN – They say music is an international language.
When musicians come from different countries and speak different languages it is as if that barrier is torn down when it comes to reading sheets of music.
The first joint rehearsal between the 56th U.S. Army Band, I Corps, and the 7th Division Band of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Northern Army occurred Dec. 9, 2013, during Yama Sakura 65, a bilateral command-post exercise held between the two countries.
“Music is the universal language so it’s really incredible to see how well we can communicate through music,” said vocalist Staff Sgt. Bridgette Dyer. “I feel like we are making a good connection.”
Each band presented seven songs to collaborate on and practiced together in an effort to choose songs they will play jointly at the End of Exercise Social for Yama Sakura 65, Dec. 11.
“This has been an amazing experience,” said guitarist Staff Sgt. Jeff Sheldon. “It’s been a lot of fun working with the Japanese band. We can’t necessarily communicate through words but we can communicate through music.”
Although it was difficult to directly discuss music and timing, both bands collaborated to play the songs “Dancing Queen” by Abba, ”Fly Me to the Moon” by Bart Howard, and a jazz/ hip-hop improvisation of “I’m your Pusher” by rapper Ice-T.
The rehearsal session lasted for an hour and a half and gave both bands the opportunity to work through their differences and overcome language barriers.
“This fellowship is what this whole mission is about. It’s great that we can come together and play,” said bass player Sgt. Christopher Williams. “Even though everyone else is playing the war game right now, we still have this and it feels awesome to be here for it.”
The 56th U.S. Army Band, known as the “Heartbeat of America’s Corps” certainly tuned in with their Japanese counterparts, and won the hearts of both exercise participants and band members.
“My experience has been great. All the musicians are very good musicians and very friendly people,” said trumpeter Staff Sgt. Jason Beemis. “Overall, the Japanese culture has been very friendly. I’d love to come back and play with them again anytime.”
| Date Taken: | 12.09.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2013 01:32 |
| Story ID: | 117963 |
| Location: | CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, HOKKAIDO, JP |
| Web Views: | 225 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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