Strolling Strings awaken young minds

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Betty J. Squatrito-Martin
  • 154 Wing Public Affairs
HONOLULU --  Members of the U.S. Air Force Strolling Strings gave a mini-concert to the string orchestra class at Kalani High School here Sept. 14, as part of the Air Force's 60th anniversary celebration during Air Force Week Honolulu.

The Strolling Strings is a key element to the Air Force Band and has been performing at official functions including performances at the White House and Capitol Hill since 1954.

While maybe not quite so official, but just as important, the Strolling Strings entertained more than 30 students at the school.

"I think It's the most important thing we can do," said Master Sgt. Alexander Dean, violinist for the Strolling Strings. "I especially like to play for the young string players who are playing in orchestra programs because it's nice to hear, 'hey I didn't know a violin could do that;' it's neat to expand their horizons and tickle their imagination," said Sergeant Dean.

While the Strolling Strings were experiencing the joy of giving, the  students at Kalani High were experiencing the joy of receiving.

"This was a great experience for my students and me," said Dennis Kaneshiro, band director and string orchestra teacher at Kalani High School. "This is my first year teaching orchestra so to watch them and get a concept of a string orchestra playing together was really awesome to see," he added.

The Strolling Strings played different genres of music as they demonstrated their smooth sound. In addition, the members of the Strolling Strings answered questions regarding their Air Force careers, instruments and musical arrangements.

"I am kind of envious of their jobs; it's the best job to have right now, just playing music and traveling the world- sounds awesome." said Kaneshiro.

While Mr. Kaneshiro is envious of the Strolling Strings, Sergeant Dean noted that a friend of his father's once said, 'There is only one true profession and that's teaching because our next generation is going to take over and hopefully make a great new world.

On this day, the Strolling Strings awakened the next generation to a multitude of possibilities. "Playing at high schools is symbolic of what we need to do more of, that is, to help the kids percolate their ideas and their imaginations," said Sergeant Dean.

While the students were listening to the music and perhaps imagining where their music could take them, this experience gave them the  opportunity to see a different side of the military.