USAFE Band Trains with Rock Legend Published Sept. 3, 2010 By TSgt Scott Ruedger USAFE Band 05/19/2010 -- 05/19/2010 Sembach Air Base, Germany -- Members of the US Air Forces Europe Band were recently given a special opportunity to train with world-class musicians Steve Smith and his jazz fusion band Vital Information during a two-day workshop and clinic organized by unit training manager Technical Sergeant Dave Hartung. Steve Smith is probably best known as the former drummer with Journey but has also performed with other headliners such as the Buddy Rich Big Band, Bryan Adams and Mariah Carey. Modern Drummer magazine voted Smith as the world's best drummer for five years in a row, and named him one of the top 25 drummers of all time. Steve Smith and Vital Information took time out of their busy European touring schedule to visit with USAFE Band members at Sembach Air Base. The workshop started with Steve and Vital Information performing a concert set of original songs. Vital Information band members keyboardist Tom Coster, bassist Baron Browne, guitarist Vinny Valentino, and Steve Smith then coached several USAFE band ensembles. The following day, band members received one-on-one instruction with Steve and Vital Information members. According to Band Superintendent Senior Master Sergeant Richard Beshears, "Working with top professionals like Steve Smith and his band is important to maintaining the highest level of professionalism within the USAFE Band." The clinic also provided essential training to satisfy upgrade training requirements. The two-day clinic closed with a "jam-session" where Vital Information and the USAFE Band joined together for a memorable collaboration that allowed band members to demonstrate the new techniques they learned. Following the workshop, Steve Smith commented on the high level of musicianship in the USAFE Band and what an honor it was to work with military professionals.