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Building friendships, PACAF Band plays for Korean Community

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Nadine Barclay
  • Seventh Air Force Public Affairs

For anyone who has ever been to Osan the scenery just outside the main gate provides a little taste of home with a Korean twist.

On Aug. 26, that view was changed as the Seventh Air Force hosted a Pacific Air Forces Band Friendship Concert for the Songtan residents and Airmen alike. During the concert, the Pacific Brass from Yokota Air Base,Tokyo, Japan, wooed the crowd with a mix of traditional and popular music and left a lasting impression with the local community.

“Having the PACAF Band come and play for us was so special,” said Mr. Yun Kwang Woo, Songtan Chamber of Commerce President. “This was the first time the band has played for the local Songtan community and people really enjoyed experiencing this part of the American culture.”

Composed of five professional brass players, the group represented the unique tradition of military music and created an environment of friendship.

“This concert was an excellent opportunity for us to get out and have some fun with the local community that provides us so much support,” said Lt. Gen. Thomas W. Bergeson, previous 7 AF commander. “The band provides us the chance to bridge the language barrier, as music is the universal language.”

More than 150 people attended the hour-long concert.

“I hope that this is the first of many concerts that the Air Force hosts in Korea,” said Woo. “The community and I are so thankful we got to share in great music with our American friends.”

The Band of the Pacific-Asia consists of full-time active-duty musicians performing throughout the Western Pacific region in support of military and community relations objectives. The band is made up of the popular music group Pacific Trends, The Pacific Showcase jazz ensemble, The Pacific Brass ensemble and other protocol groups.

The Pacific Brass also performed at the 7th Air Force Change of Command Ceremony on Aug. 27, where Lt. Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach assumed command from Bergeson.