7th Fleet band collaborates with Yokosuka Symphony Orchestra

News: 7th Fleet band collaborates with Yokosuka Symphony Orchestra

U.S. Naval Forces, 7th Fleet Public Affairs

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U.S. 7th Fleet bandmaster Lt.j.g. Geordie Kelly conducts the U.S. 7th Fleet Band and the Yokosuka Symphony Orchestra during a friendship concert titled "American Sound in Yokosuka" at the Yokosuka Arts Theatre in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Karsten)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kelby Sanders
C7F Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan – U.S. 7th Fleet band and the Yokosuka Symphony Orchestra held their 3rd annual American Sound in Yokosuka Friendship Concert Sept. 9, 2012 at the Yokosuka Arts Theatre in Yokosuka, Japan.

The orchestra and the band strengthened U.S.-Japanese ties by sharing the stage with one another and playing several American classics.

“This event gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude to the locals for having us here in their homeland, and also strengthens the musical community shared by the two nations,” said 7th Fleet bandmaster Lt. j.g. Geordie Kelly.

The band ignited the crowd with energetic jazz numbers and showmanship. It was a great opportunity for two cultures to come together.

“Special occasions like this are important because people can see us making beautiful music and art together, and that strengthens the bond between us all, not only those of us within the musical community,” said Kelly.

For two countries with cultural differences and language barriers, the ability to play wonderful music with each other presents opportunities for each group of people to better understand the other.

“Music is a universal language,” said Kazuyoshi Akiyama, the laureate conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor of the Yokosuka Symphony Orchestra. “It can help people from all around the world communicate heart-to-heart better than any other language can.”

Musician 2nd Class Trent Perrin, who plays the clarinet and the saxophone, said he made some new friends and it was a great musical experience.

At several points during the show, the sold out crowd of 1,806 started clapping in unison to the band’s rhythm. The concert was concluded with a stirring rendition of Holst's "Jupiter," from "The Planets" and the ever popular "Stars and Stripes Forever."

“All in all, this is a terrific venue and the musicians involved are outstanding,” said Kelly.