Joining Forces with the Royal New Zealand A.F. Band Published June 6, 2013 By Master Sgt. Brooke Emery Washington D.C. -- Recently, members of The United States Air Force Band were afforded the opportunity to work in a joint capacity with members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band in a concert opening the US-NZ Pacific Partnership Forum, held at the U. S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC. The musicians collaborated on several marches, as well as on the big band classic, "In the Mood" and the crowd pleasing "Those Magnificent Airmen and their Flying Machines," along with a musical work native to New Zealand. During the show, the audience was entertained by the Kapa Haka Maori Dance Group from New Zealand, who performed various traditional dances in grass skirts. The musicians were led by Maj. Scott Guidry of The U.S. Air Force Band and Flight Sgt. Denis Spurdle of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band. The two conductors rehearsed the combined group prior to the performance and then allowed the musicians some time to share and learn about one another's jobs as military bandsmen. Allowing for even more time together was the unexpected break down of the New Zealander's bus transportation, as the musicians piled on one bus and enjoyed more time together as they rode on one bus to perform their duties at the patriotic opener. The joint event was a hit with musicians and event attendees alike, strengthening ties between key allies through the shared language of music. "In my estimation," said Guidry after the concert, "nothing symbolizes friendship, commonality and shared purpose quite like musicians performing together."