PACAF band plays music to help lift spirits during public concert

  • Published
  • By Airman John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Pacific Trends, a contemporary group from the U.S. Air Force band of the Pacific-Asia, played for an audience at the Japan Ground Self Defense Force Public Information Center in Nerima City, May 8.

The concert was held in support of those affected by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that occurred March 11.

"We're here to connect with the people of the community," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Goetz, PACAF band leader. "We want to keep a good relationship with the Japanese people."

The JGSDF Public Information Center educates visitors about the Japanese military by presenting a variety of different aspects of the military. Some presentations include the chronology and heritage of the JGDSF, various military vehicles used and a flight simulator.

The JGSDF's Eastern Army Headquarters requested the band perform during Golden Week. It's during this time that the Japanese people celebrate several holidays.

Masato Yagi, community relations specialist for the band, along with Maj. Mitsumasa Hiramoto, officer in charge of Public Affairs for the Eastern Army Headquarters, worked together to coordinate the event.

"It took about a month to plan the event," said Mr. Yagi. "Once they told us what it was for, we were excited to begin performing."

The songs played at the event ranged from various U.S. songs to popular Japanese hits. The band hoped the performance would have a positive impact on the local populace.

"There was a language barrier," said Sergeant Goetz. "Even still, the band was able to relate by singing songs in the audience's own language."

It was really encouraging to see the people so involved in the songs and clap for an encore at the end," he added.

After the performance, band members met with audience members, posed for pictures and handed out PACAF band CDs.

"We felt honored to perform," said Mr. Yagi. "We're happy we can do our part of the recovery through music."