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The USAFE Band delights the audiences of Bremen

  • Published
  • By SSGT Michael Mannella
  • USAFE BAND
2/1/2013 --  The United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) Band regularly performs concerts for the military and public, providing musical support and entertainment throughout Europe and Africa. From January 23-28 the USAFE Band was in Bremen, Germany, performing at The Musikschau der Nationen (The Music show of Nations), celebrating military history and honoring the military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protection of our rights and freedoms.  For many years, cemeteries offering a final resting place to German soldiers have been neglected, due to lack of financial resources. Proceeds from this event benefit the German war graves commission, helping to restore the cemeteries, giving the fallen warriors the respect they deserve.

The Musikschau der Nationen (The Music show of Nations), founded in 1965, is an annual exhibition of military music in Bremen (Northern Germany), featuring military bands from all around the world. The "Musikschau" is the largest indoor wind band festival in all of Europe and is sponsored by the Bremen Regional Association of the German War Graves Commission. This is an incredibly important even with a proud heritage. Since 1965, 230 events were held, featuring over 24,800 participants, 295 bands and orchestras from over 70 nations, and over 1.2 million audience members. 

Following a 25 year hiatus, the USAFE Band is incredibly proud to have participated this year along side fellow bandsmen from Denmark, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Austria, Russia, and Sweden. Marching bands from each nation had the opportunity to showcase themselves through a 15 minute individual performance. Memorable moments of the show included a performance by the Copenhagen Police Band, in which the band is constantly in pursuit of two criminals. The show opened with a self made black and white silent film and was incredibly clever. A musical group from Mexico featured dancers, violins, marching brass and guitarists ranging in age from 8-65. A complete cultural celebration, they had everyone dancing in their seats and were a favorite among the participants as well. The show culminated in a "mass band" performance, reminding us all that we are better when working together.

The Musikschau proves that sharing music transcends cultural, political and language differences. The common musical bonds that were shared on and off the stage became a metaphor for each nation working together towards a more peaceful and prosperous world. The impact that the USAFE Band has throughout Europe and Africa in some ways is immeasurable. In this case, it is clear to see that the international participants and audience was left with a positive attitude towards the Air Force and the citizens of The United States.