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Bringing the joy of music to the hearts of Balad, Anaconda

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ruth Curfman
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq --  The U.S. Air Forces Central band ensemble, "Hot Brass" entertained servicemembers here, April 8. In addition to performing at Town Hall, the band also performed at the Air Force Theater Hospital and Housing Area 6 recreation center.

During their performances the band offered a wide variety of music for all music lovers.
"The band was very versatile in the choices of music they played," said Army Staff Sgt. Michelle Lane, Multinational Corps - Iraq court reporter. "There's nothing like being able to experience a small piece of home and boosting morale through music. I believe they achieved their goals to play to everyone and touch everyone."

The nine-member ensemble, deployed from the USAF Band of Mid-America at Scott Air Force Base, Ill, performed every type of music including movie themes and various music from the '60s through present day.

"Hot Brass came in here with a very well-rounded performance ranging from rock to jazz and all genres in between, which offered music for any age or music preference," said Army 1st Lt. Jamie Bell, 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Morale, Welfare and Recreation officer. "Not only did they offer a great variety of music for everyone, but I think it is great to see Airmen performing for all military members across the board."

Reaching out to the military is important, but the band also has another mission.

"One of our main missions is playing for the servicemembers, but we also do a lot of community relations work, which is the other half of our mission," said Master Sgt. Rick Thorp, Hot Brass noncommissioned officer in charge and trombone player. "We travel around all of the time because we are able to touch people with music which allows us to share a common love and appreciation of music with a world wide audience."

Part of the community relations aspect of music appreciation was achieved by visiting the Air Force Theater Hospital.

"The band's performance provided a nice interlude and let me think of happier times for a few minutes," said Maj. Melinda Screws, 332nd Expeditionary Aeromedical Squadron flight surgeon, deployed from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. "Due to the operations tempo here, it was wonderful for the staff and patients to be afforded the chance to relax and be entertained by Hot Brass. It was a very thoughtful and much appreciated gesture for the band to take time to share their talents with us."

Although the band members are centrally deployed to one location, they travel throughout Southwest Asia and the Horn of Africa to entertain the troops no matter where they are.

"We play for the best folks in the world," said Staff Sgt. James Gilley, Hot Brass vocalist. "Whether they are Army, Air Force, Marines or Navy, we will find a way to get to them. I don't care if we have to fly in a helicopter, a Sherpa or catch a ride on a dogsled to entertain them, the troops deserve it."

The sergeant also explained why band performances are so important.

"Music is the one language everyone understands because it surpasses all barriers," Sergeant Gilley said. "We all have our own ways of making that personal connection with people and music helps us to connect with people all over the world on a completely different level by sharing our common appreciation for music."