Senior Airman David Rodriguez dances with Kyrgyz Republic children during a U.S. Air Forces Central Band "Vector" performance at the Maevka House of Culture in Maevka Village, Kyrgyzstan, July 27, 2012. The nine-member group, comprised of Air National Guardsmen from Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., also recently spent the afternoon of July 22, performing for approximately 50 children attending the Democracy Camp at the Ak Bermit resort in Kara Oi Village, Kyrgyzstan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brett Clashman)
Tech. Sgt. Daniel Plaster jams on his guitar during a U.S. Air Forces Central Band "Vector" performance at the Maevka House of Culture in Maevka Village, Kyrgyzstan, July 27, 2012. Vector played for various audiences on a four-day tour throughout the Issyk-Kul province helping the U.S. and Kyrgyz Republic to continue to develop friendships and cooperation after 20 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brett Clashman)
Airman 1st Class Allen Valladares performs during a U.S. Air Forces Central Band "Vector" performance at the Mayak Camp in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, July 23, 2012. Vector played for various audiences, including spendingt the afternoon of July 22, performing for approximately 50 children attending the Democracy Camp at the Ak Bermit resort in Kara Oi Village, Kyrgyzstan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brett Clashman)
The U.S. Air Forces Central Band "Vector" plays during a performance at the Rohat resort in Issyk-Kul province, Kyrgyzstan, July 24, 2012. Vector performed for at multiple locations, including the Democracy Camp at Ak Bermit resort, during their four-day tour of the Issyk-kul region of the Kyrgyz Republic. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brett Clashman)
The U.S. Air Forces Central Band is the first permanently assigned Air Force Band to the Central Command Area of Responsibility. Based in Southwest Asia, the band is comprised of deployed Airmen from active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard bands.
by Staff Sgt. Matt Benedetti
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
7/29/2012 - 7/22/2012 - Kara Oi Village, Kyrgyzstan -- "Music is the universal language."
This mantra, lived by Tech. Sgt. Erick Quintanilla, a bassist with the U.S. Air Forces Central band, Vector, proved true during a four-day tour of the Issyk-Kul region of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The nine-member group, comprised of Air National Guardsmen from Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., spent the afternoon of July 22, performing for approximately 50 children attending the Democracy Camp at the Ak Bermit resort in Kara Oi Village, Kyrgyzstan.
Starting a set that included songs by Stevie Wonder, the Black Eyed Peas and the Beatles, the group found their rhythm immediately and connected with the enthusiastic audience.
Clad in red, white and blue t-shirts, the kids jumped, clapped and sang along to, 'A Hard Days Night', 'Sweet Home Alabama' and several Salsa songs as well as other popular numbers. The Salsa music struck a chord with the young audience, who recognized it instantly, and moved freely to the Latin beats.
Most members of the Oxnard, Calif., based band have played together for years as civilians and their rapport was apparent during the concert. A nod from Quintanilla would signal a shift in tone or tempo from the rest of the band.
"It was absolutely incredible to bring this facet of American culture to these folks who really embraced it. They appreciated not only the traditional rock music but the Latin music and it was special to see," said Quintanilla, a Los Angeles native.
Vector enjoyed playing for the children felt an immediate connection with their young audience. Master Sgt. Eric Evans, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the group, was glad to have the opportunity to play for Democracy Camp audience.
"It was cool to see the kids ignite when we started playing. They were great and it was fun to see them having fun and grooving to the music," said Evans, a native of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Becky Schaffer, a Peace Corps volunteer, was amazed at the response of the audience and the energy of the band. "The kids loved all the songs and music. They asked me a myriad of questions about the U.S. and loved that Vector sang about Alabama, a state they have learned about," said the native of Brighton, Mich., who teaches English at the camp.
Tailored to high school students, Democracy Camp is designed to develop students' problem solving skills, promote leadership values and encourage civic participation in order to strengthen democratic participation. Sponsored by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems with cooperation from the U.S. Department of State and the Peace Corps, the objective of the program is to encourage independent thinking among young people and discover their talent and potential. "I Decide Myself," is the motto of the camp.
"I loved the music, especially the Beatles," said Katya Popov, a Democracy Camp participant
