Pacific band wows crowd, spreads aloha during Singapore airshow

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Ally Day
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
CHANGI, Singapore --  The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific - Hawaii, from Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Honolulu, Hawaii, performed for approximately 300 at the Singapore Air and Trade Show 2012 held here Feb. 14-19.

During the show, where a  cross-section of U.S. military aircraft and equipment were on-hand to respresent the United States, the band played seven performances that included a number of children who were in attendance.  

"The crowd showed their enthusiasm for the band," said Master Sgt. Brian Hornbuckle, band director of operations and trumpet player. "There were lots of school-age children here who got the opportunity to visit and we were just happy to perform for them."

In addition to their performances at the air show, the band has played at several community engagements.

"One of our community engagements included a welfare home for boys in Bedot City," said Hornbuckle. "There are 70 boys who live at the home and they really enjoyed the show."

How much the boys enjoyed the show came as a surprise to Muhamed Rahim, deputy superintendent of the Muhammadiyah Welfare Home.

"I was surprised when one of the boys joined the band on stage to sing a song and knew the words," said Rahim. "It shows how music is universal."

His sentiment is echoed by Master Sgt. Lara Murdzia, a 19-year veteran vocalist with the band.

"When performing in different countries, you hope to connect to your audience with the songs you've chosen to sing," said Murdzia. "Here in Singapore, we've found that the Singaporeans know a lot of American music and join in when we sing."

That commonality is apparent wherever the band goes.

"Singapore is nice. The city is beautiful and the people are friendly," said Tech. Sgt. Tamiko Boone, band vocalist. "We're welcomed everywhere we go. When people want you to return, you know you've done a great job entertaining them."

The Singapore Air and Trade Show 2012 welcomed more than 145,000 visitors from 128 countries that included the largest number of top level delegations with 266 from over 80 countries.

Through participation in air shows and other regional events, the U.S. is able to demonstrate its commitment to the security of the Asia-Pacific region, promote the standardization and interoperability of equipment, and display capabilities critical to the success of current and future military operations.