USAFE band unites nations with music

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Bressler
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Recently, hundreds of fans filled a Ukrainian concert hall for the classical music of the U.S. Air Force's in Europe jazz ensemble, Check Six, which performed during an eight-day tour. 

Some may wonder how the music of an Air Force band could attract hundreds of Ukrainians and transcend through language and cultural barriers, but as the USAFE band proves on many concert occasions, music doesn't have a language. It is meant to be enjoyed by all. 

The USAFE band is one of the oldest musical units in the Air Force today; it was established by Maj. Glenn Miller. Major Miller had already reached fame writing music such as the "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" before joining the Army Air Forces in 1942.
Major Miller had a vision that through music the band would be able to touch millions of people, contributing to the military not through arms but through public support. 

Today the USAFE band reaches out to all its resources making that vision a reality; resources such as Staff Sgt. Igor Pokland. Sergeant Pokland originally born in Odessa, Ukraine, is a member of the Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. He traveled to the Ukraine at the request of the band to perform and translate the names of the performances. 

"I was ecstatic when I was asked to (play with) Check Six," said the Ukrainian native. "It has been twenty years since I have been back to my hometown, Odessa."
During the climax of the concert the Check Six performed 'In the Mood' an immensely popular song from the big band era brought back memories of the great traveling Glenn Miller Orchestra. 

"Europeans, particularly those who remember World War II, have an association of the American Forces and Allied troops especially when this song is played," said Tech. Sgt. Vincent Dublino, Check Six, non-commissioned officer in charge. "I knew the Ukrainian audiences would love this song. When they hear jazz, they hear the sound of America."
After the concert it was evident by the crowd's reaction that the miles traveled and practices performed had made a lasting impression. 

"We were asked repeatedly to come back because they would love to see us perform again," said Sergeant Pokland. 
"This was an amazing treat for us, I love the American spirit played in the music," said Lisa Nerubayskaya, Ukrainian choral conductor student. 

Performing concerts in different locations around the world over 60 years Air Force bands have built relationships through music.
"Music has an amazing power," said Mrs. Nerubayskaya. "It can unite different cultures and bring the world together."