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III Marine Expeditionary Force Band

 

III Marine Expeditionary Force Band

第三海兵遠征軍音楽隊

Okinawa Japan
Ensembles
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Big Band

The III Marine Expeditionary Force Big Band is an ensemble that anachronistically harkens back to the golden years of the 1920's, 30's and 40's. From this era, the Big Band plays a wide variety of classic swing tunes that encompasses the distinct styles of period Big Band compositions in the vein of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Sammy Nestico. The III MEF Big Band also plays modern arrangements of the 1970's, 80's, 90's and 2000's, sounding like a contemporary jazz ensemble that includes fusion, funk and latin.  From the lush sounds of "April in Paris" to the lively rendition of "The Chicken," the Big Band is sure to provide any event a large variety of tasteful music that pays homage to Americas music.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Brass Quintet
Brass Quintet is one of the most archaic ensembles of the III MEF Band. The early roots of Brass Quintet music is found in the likes of 17th century composers such as J.S. Bach, but this unique ensemble's repertoire can be linked to music from the Renaissance and the Middle Ages as well. Modern day Brass Quintets are various in formations but typically consist of two Trumpets, a Trombone, a French Horn, and a Tuba. Since the rise of American music such as Rag Time, Jazz, and Dixie-land, Brass Quintets have evolved to playing a considerably diverse selection of songs from 17th century Haydn or Mozart to a rousing performance of 20th century music as well. The military brass quintet has its own divergent characteristics that enable it to feature marches inherent in a military ceremony such as John Phillip Sousa’s, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” The Brass Quintet provides music at a number of different events throughout the year, to include: military ceremonies, schools, educational master classes, and receptions. This ensemble is a versatile chamber group that is able to cater to any room and is sure to make audiences appreciate a wide variety of music
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Concert Band


Performing for both Okinawan and American crowds alike, this ensemble provides a captivating rendition of classical entertainment through its full concert instrumentation. Although the selection the Concert Band performs is tailored to the event, this ensemble is known for its musical vocabulary, often performing selections ranging from concert marches to overtures. Singers, Taiko drummers, and instrumental soloists are no strangers to the stage when performing with this ensemble. Catering to the Okinawan community, the Concert Band continues the tradition of friendship through music by involving the 1st Combined Brigade Band of Okinawa, a national military band in several of its annual concerts.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Jazz Combo

The Jazz Combo is an ensemble that plays an eclectic variety of styles within the Jazz idiom to include genres that have a contemporary flair as well. The Jazz Combo keeps true to its roots as the keepers of American music, but is not afraid to branch out and play tunes from the Top 40, R&B, Funk, Blues, among others. The Jazz Combo is similar to the Big Band in set-up but much smaller in size; typically featuring about five to six people. The constant in the Jazz Combo is the rhythm section which comprises a drum-set, bass, and piano/guitar. The horns vary and could include any combination of trumpet, saxophone, or trombone. While the Jazz Combo is an impeccable group to feature at dinner or cocktail hour to accompany the meal with the soulful heritage of Jazz, it has also been featured at concerts, public schools, receptions, and master classes.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Party Band
The Party Band is a direct descendant of the stimulating brass bands that crowd the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. This apropos analogy is the heart and soul of the Party Bands identity and purpose: to get a party started! The ensemble features several different configurations of players that can range anywhere from seven to ten people. The core of the Party Band is the sousaphone, followed by the bass and snare drums. Typically, the horn players consist of any combination of trumpet, trombone, and saxophone. This ensemble holds to the traditions of its New Orleans roots, playing traditional Dixie-Land as well as Jazz. However, it also breaks the mold of conventional by simulating modern day Brass Bands, such as “Youngblood” and “Rebirth Brass Band.” The Party Band is typically utilized in public schools, festivals such as the Iwakuni Friendship Days, concerts, receptions, and Okinawan and Marine community events. This ensemble is guaranteed to spruce up any event with a party flair that will bring people to their feet to dance!

 

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Woodwind Quintet
The Woodwind Quintet continues the tradition of musical excellence and versatility carried by the Marine Corps Bands. This ensemble can perform a vast repertoire from the traditional sounds of classical chamber music to Contemporary favorites of today. Performing in many venues including schools, banquets, concerts, and civic events, this group adds flavor to any occasion. Consisting of a flute, clarinet, bassoon, oboe, and F horn, the group introduces the audience to a style of music not commonly heard. This five-member ensemble adds an entertaining as well as educational experience to any occasion.