PACAF band tours India

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  • By Marine Cpl. Ashleigh Bryant
  • Air Force Print News
NEW DELHI, India --  If any group of musicians knows about dedication, going above and beyond, and stepping it up that extra notch, it's the Pacific Air Forces rock band "Pacific Trends."

The Pacific Air Forces rock band performed at the Indian Institute of Technology March 16th, as part of their tour through the country for the Indian Air Force's 75th birthday celebration.

The band works from a core group of music, varying their set list slightly at each performance. One would think it's difficult for these musicians to keep their enthusiasm night after night, whether in sickness or in health.

"With music on stage, we have to be there to support each other because we're more concerned about the product than our problems," said Staff Sergeant Felita Rowe, Pacific Trends' vocalist. "It doesn't matter if I've got a sore throat, or am stressed, or fatigued. The number one priority is for the audience to enjoy their time. Just like in the civilian sector, we have to put on out best face and give our best performance, as if it is our last performance."

Staff Rowe said while it is difficult in her position as a singer to overcome illness and exhaustion and perform, she does it with the help of her fellow band members. But colleagues can only take you so far--at a certain point it becomes about the relationship between performer and audience.

"The thing that keeps us going night after night--bringing the same amount of enthusiasm and more--is the energy we get from the audience. When they react to what we're doing, it sort of propels the whole thing forward," said Tech. Sgt. Neil Herndon, the band's keyboard player.

Pacific Trends wrapped up their trip with performances at the Indian Air Force Platinum Jubilee Tattoo beneath the India Gate military monument, the National Cadet Corps camp, and at the American Embassy School in downtown New Delhi.