Connecting America, Ghana through music

Published Sept. 1, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Amanda Dick
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Throughout the summer, the U.S. Air Force Band featured guest conductors at performances, enhancing international partnerships.

The concert Aug. 24 at the Air Force Memorial here was another example of this as Col. Sampson Ebonyi, guest conductor from Ghana, took the crowd on a musical journey, highlighting songs from his home country.

"We've been trying to develop international relationships with other musicians across the world," said Col. Larry Lang, Air Force Band commander and conductor. "Tonight, we featured some Ghanan music, which is really very interesting and different than what we normally do. We also had a Latin and African theme mixed in and did some fun things from those parts of the world."

As the band flowed from note to note, the audience, a generational mix, sat listening to the different musical flavors. For some, like Karen Erickson and James Jackson, it was a chance to enjoy the music while remembering past moments, such as their first date at the memorial.

"I'm a musician, and he's very active in music also, so we love taking in musical events," said Erickson, who sings as part of The Metropolitan Chorus, a community choir in Arlington, Va. "I think music unites all people because it's a common language that speaks to us on many levels. I think whatever the occasion or emotion, there's always some music speaking to that, and it unites groups. This was a nice example tonight. [The concert] included a nice assortment from different styles and nations, and yet, everyone understood and got it."

As a music lover, Jackson said he enjoys listening to music, and this night was no exception.

"Tonight was very special because we're here at the Air Force Memorial and just the significance of that," he said. "Being here amongst people, seeing them enjoy themselves and having a colonel from Ghana speaks volumes. As far as music being able to transcend cultures, it just kind of resonated with me in so many different ways - the magnitude of how it captured a certain essence and presence of the music itself."

For the Air Force Band, music offers a connection to the American public and the world to tell the Air Force story.

"When you think about music, it's everywhere," Lang said. "There's something about music that connects us already. So, when we show up in the Air Force uniform and we play music, it kind of opens people's ears and hearts to what we'd like to say about the Air Force, our Airmen fighting overseas and those fallen warriors who have been laid to rest over at Arlington. It's a great opportunity to give those messages in a very relaxed and comfortable environment with music."

These venues also give band members a chance to showcase the Air Force's commitment to allies around the world. According to Ebonyi, the night was special for him as it strengthened Ghana's relationship with America through music and gave him the chance to share Ghanan music with an international audience.

At the end of the concert, the band made another connection with the crowd, this time a joint one, as they played the service songs from each branch, uniting every audience member under the cause of freedom.

"From South America to Africa and around the world, United States Air Force members and our allies are working together to protect our way of life," said Tech Sgt. Blake Arrington, master of ceremonies. "Throughout our history, America has been a guiding light and helping hand to all those who cry for freedom. This is truly the sweet land of liberty."