USAFE band visits DODDS-E schools

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kali L. Gradishar
  • Touch 'n Go Public Affairs
HOHENFELS, Germany --  Approximately 300 students overflowed from the gymnasium bleachers at the Hohenfels Middle and High School, waving their hands in the air and tapping their feet as they watched the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band Touch 'n Go perform March 8.

Touch 'n Go is travelling throughout Bavaria performing at Department of Defense Dependent Schools - Europe middle and high schools for a Music in Our Schools, or MIOS, tour. This is Touch 'n Go's first MIOS temporary duty tour since returning from a two-month deployment to the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility.

"I thought the band was very well received. The music was a good selection for our audience, and what we play is varied enough to where we can relate to the students, as well as the teachers," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Frandsen, Touch 'n Go NCO in charge and bassist.

Many students, seventh through 12th grade, danced to the upbeat songs, swayed to the slower songs and sang along to those with which they were familiar.

"This can be a tough crowd here with the ages these students are and in getting them to branch out from the types of music they're used to, " said Howard Prielipp, Hohenfels Middle and High School band and choir teacher, "but I think it went really well today.

"With students from military and non-military families, they're such a varied group. It's was great to see the band play such a range of music for all the kids to relate," he said. "I was unsure of how the kids would respond to this music, but Touch 'n Go did a great job of engaging the crowd."

Every March Touch 'n Go, a six-person rock band, dedicates their time to bringing music to schools. Year round, they also perform community relations events for embassies, deployed service members and various military and non-military events.