PACAF Band Spreads Joy of Music

Yokota Air Base, Japan -- The U.S. Air Force Band of Pacific-Asia travelled to Kyotango City, Japan, to give local communities a chance to share and interact with U.S. service members, Mar. 8-9.

The two-day event hosted by Japan's Ministry of Defense promoted mutual understanding and bilateral relationships through the universally-understood language of music.

The band performed for the local Shizuma Elementary School students and faculty and also participated in the 3rd anunual U.S.-Japan joint concert alongside 14th Missile Defense Battery members, the Mineyama Jr. High School band, the Tango Wind Ensemble and the Petit Etoile Modern Ballet.

“Getting the reaction from the students and attendants was very positive and inspiring,” said Senior Airman Ian O’Beirne, PACAF band saxophonist. “Performing for them and getting to share with them after was very nice.”

As they continue their performances throughout the Pacific, the band hopes to strengthen bonds by communicating through their music.

“It’s very important for us to come visit the local communities and show them we mean well and want to share our culture and music with them,” said O’Beirne.

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

After the performance, band members met with audience members and posed for pictures.