Shillong, Aug 7: In a historic first, the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific performed at the Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) at its Umsawli Campus in Shillong on Tuesday.

The band is one of the premier U.S. musical units in the Indo-Pacific and they interacted with the students, faculty members, musicians, and general audiences. Before coming to Shillong, the band performed at various institutes in Kolkata and Guwahati.

The performance was a collaboration between MLCU’s Department of Music and the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata. This three-city India tour is part of the U.S. Consulate Kolkata’s initiative to foster stronger people-to-people connections between the United States and India through cultural exchanges.

Known for their motto, “Partnerships through Music,” the band comprises five professional brass players who represent the unique tradition of military music. They create lasting impressions at ceremonial and protocol events within U.S. base communities and beyond. Their extensive repertoire spans traditional military music to holiday and popular music, allowing them to engage audiences of all ages and cultures.

“Music transcends boundaries and brings people together,” Elizabeth Lee, the Director of the American Center Kolkata, said, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange. “By bringing the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific to Shillong, we are hoping to continue to strengthen the cultural and people-to-people ties between the United States and India. This tour is a celebration of our shared values and the enduring friendship between our nations. Shillong, with its rich cultural heritage, is known for its love of music and culture, and we’re excited to share a bit of American culture here through this five piece brass band.”

The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific averages 200 performances a year, reaching over 200,000 people. They have performed in various countries, including India, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Mongolia, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Laos. They also regularly tour Korea and Japan.

The band is staffed by 24 full-time professional musicians who fulfill both community relations and military functions throughout the Western Pacific region. Their ensembles include rock groups Pacific Trends and Final Approach, the jazz ensemble Pacific Showcase, the brass quintet Pacific Brass, and other protocol groups. Beyond their musical roles, members also contribute to administrative sections within the band.

Founded in 1941 at Eglin Field, Florida, with just one sergeant and two corporals, the band has a storied history. During World War II, they were stationed in locations such as Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, Morotai, Dutch Indies, Los Negros, and the Philippines. The band eventually settled at Clark Air Base on Luzon Island, Philippines. In 1988, they relocated to Yokota Air Base in Japan, continuing their mission in the Western Pacific. The band was officially renamed The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia in 1997.

The band has performed at significant events such as a program for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, the Grand Opening of Tokyo Disneyland, the Sapporo International Snow and Ice Festival, the Centennial Celebration of Korean and American relations, the Asian Aerospace Airshow in Singapore, VP 50 and 60 Celebrations in Townsville, Australia, the International Marching Festival at the Tokyo Budokan, and Aloha Days in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2005, they toured Thailand as musical ambassadors, a gesture of gratitude for Thai assistance during the Vietnam War.

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