Musical Airmen’s harmony reaches Ramstein youth

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Spreading morale to Airmen and communities around the globe is one of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band's primary mission.  In preparation of spreading holiday cheer with their upcoming winter performances, the Five Star Brass Quintet performed for Kaiserslautern High School music students, Nov. 5, on Vogelweh Military Complex.

KHS students got the chance to listen to the USAFE band musicians perform as well as receive feedback during a rehearsal for their upcoming American patriotic concert. More than 100 band and choir students will participate in the performance.  This is one of three major performances that KHS conducts throughout the year.

According to Joel Helston, KHS music teacher, the experience was invaluable for the students in more ways than one.

"This is a fantastic experience for our students," said Helston.  "We have always participated in the Music in Our Schools Month (in March), but this is a nice change because it is a smaller (class). I'm excited because this is our advanced band group, and we're making some great progress. I think this will be motivation for our concert in a couple of weeks."

Performances like this not only motivate music students but also show them the important components that go into performing with a group.

"One thing we talk about all the time is just reading the (music) notes, but that is only part of it," Helston said. "When performing, you need to work on dynamics, the feeling and emotion. When we have a group of professionals come in and show what they can do, I hope my students will hear that and understand the potential that they have."

According to Master Sgt. Steven Przyzycki, USAFE Band quintet NCO in charge, global and community outreach is a priority for this group of musical, so leading by example for these young musicians is the perfect opportunity.

"We have a program coming up that we will be playing in, which presents a great opportunity to play for the students," said Przyzycki. "With one of our missions being educational outreach, we often seek opportunities to reach students. It is not only a worthwhile experience for the students but for us as well.  It's always great to come in and see the kid's reaction to any artistic endeavor like music."

Being able to reach students is an important way to spread this artistic language that creates bonds with partnered nations.

"One student raised her hand and asked 'Why is music important?'" Przyzycki recalled. "I thought this was a great question.  This shows that there is yearning to understand the value of arts in society, and especially in our Air Force, in communicating messages to other cultures and building partnerships. Music opens doors because with art there is always a sense of honesty and openness that people can relate to and trust. It appeals to the senses, and they can identify with it, he added."

After the performance for the students, the quintet joined them in their rehearsal for their concert. 

Students asked about how much practice was required to be in a professional band as well as the routine of the band members. 

"I think that they walked away with the lesson that this dedication is not only a lesson for just music but also to be successful at any (goal) in their lives."

This is just one way that the USAFE band strengthens partnerships with the local community as well as laying a foundation for future young musicians.