USAFE band builds partnerships through music at Polish bands festival

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker
  • 39th Air Base WIng Public Affairs
WROCLOW, Poland --  The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band recently visited Poland to participate in the International Air Force Bands Festival June 22-24.

During the festival, USAFE band members, along with augmentees from U.S. Army in Europe Band and Chorus from Heidleburg, Germany, performed several selections alongside five Polish military bands at Centennial Hall in Wroclow, Poland, and held a concert at the Brzeg castle. The events, held to celebrate the musicianship of military bands also gave the musicians a chance to communicate through the language that can transcend almost any boundary: music.

"The new Polish Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Lech Majewski decided to do outreach through music," said Air Force Col. Mary Peterson, U.S. Air Attaché to Poland. "This is their second Air Force bands festival and this time they really wanted to highlight the relationship they have with the U.S. Air Force. The air chief personally sent an invitation to Gen. Mark Welsh, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander, for the USAFE band to attend."

During the visit, members of the PAF provided guides and translators for USAFE band members, as they attended rehearsals and performed under the direction of Maj. Powel Joks, Polish Air Force Representational Orchestra commander. For Joks, the opportunity to conduct members of the USAFE band was one he will not soon forget.

"Hopefully, you will return soon and we can repeat the magic," Joks said.

Before the USAFE band played for at the gala concert, they gave a taste of America to onlookers during a parade through Market Square in Wroclaw. The band was warmly received as they marched through the area and concluded with a performance at the Union of European Football Association's fanzone, where citizens can watch the ongoing European Soccer championships. While many were there just to enjoy the music, some offered their appreciation to the band for serving in the military and visiting their country.

Later, more than 3,500 people attended the gala concert, where each band performed separately and then together in a mass formation during the finale. Maj. Matthew Henry, USAFE band commander, said he was grateful for the opportunity to conduct the mass band and hopes for more opportunities to build lasting friendships with military bands in Poland.

"There are fantastic bands in Poland and the opportunity to conduct them is truly rewarding," Henry said. "Their musicianship is impeccable."

The audience gave standing ovations as the mass band performed classic American tunes such as "New York, New York" in front of a light and water show. One USAFE band member who is familiar with language barriers believes that because they were able to show their appreciation and respect for the Polish nation through music, other joint efforts may progress easier.

"Not being able to understand each other without a translator can be difficult, but once we hit the stage, we all speak the same language," said Senior Airman Lencys Esteban-Nunez, a saxophone player with the USAFE band. "Just knowing that we can relate on that level shows a mutual respect and can begin friendships."

Several more bonds were made during a separate concert at the Brzeg castle hosted by the U.S. Consulate in Krakow. The Wings of Dixie and Check Six ensembles performed American jazz tunes for more than 1,000 people. The band drew several praises from the local media and community as the held a short parade with a local twirling team before the show, and then gave a two-hour performance of toe-tapping tunes.

According to an interview from the Polish television station TVN24, "the USAFE Band from Ramstein left the greatest impression on the audience. They were definitely relaxed, swaying and dancing to the beat of the music they were playing."

"The local government of Brzeg and more than a thousand people were very pleased with this event, " said Jeffrey Vick, deputy consul general at the U.S. Consulate in Krakow, Poland. "I have to say that a year's worth of public diplomacy to Opole province was accomplished in four solid hours by these fine Airmen/musicians."

As the NATO nation is a treasured contributor to the International Security Assistance Force, the American and Polish governments hope to strengthen the commitment between the countries with increased joint endeavors. Recently, 24 PAF F-16 fighter pilots made their first transatlantic crossing to attend the U.S. Air Force Red Flag exercise in Alaska. This milestone showcased the progression and capability of the nation's air force, and their commitment to the U.S. as an ally.

"Poland brings fresh ideas and energy. Our men and women have joined most of the U.S.'s recent military missions without quibbling. We contribute to your security as you contribute to ours. We will never be a free rider," said Polish Foreign Minister Radowslaw Sikorski.

While band festivals and concerts are not exactly covert military operations, the feelings and memories they bring to all involved are helping bring the nations to one accord, one note at a time.