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“Hypersonic” jams at Japan School of Doha

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jared Trimarchi
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --  Nine members of the Air Forces Central Command's band, "Hypersonic," performed Japanese and American pop songs for more than 60 children, faculty and parents at the Japan School of Doha, Qatar, April 23, 2014.

The band's mission, which is to promote troop morale, diplomacy and outreach to host nation communities, touched home when playing for the Japanese, as the band is deployed from Yokota Air Base, Japan.

"This event was a great opportunity to continue the partnership we are already doing in Japan between the Air Force and the Japanese people," said Senior Airman Greg Pflugh, "Hypersonic" saxophone player who hails from Pittsburg, Penn. "One of our missions back at garrison is to perform in the local community, so we learn a number of Japanese songs. Playing here is a small reminder of our homes in Japan."

Playing for the Japanese public is the greatest aspect of being in the band, according to Pflugh.

"Some of my favorite performances are playing for the Japanese public and especially the Japanese children," he said. "It's a great feeling. They really enjoy all the music we play for them."

Music is a great part of the Japanese culture, there are many traditional songs and instruments which date back hundreds of years, Pflugh said.
"Musically the Japanese notes are the same, but the hardest challenge comes from perfecting the Japanese lyrics," he said.

The band performed a total of three Japanese songs, and according to Pflugh, the audience was immediately captivated and in awe.

"The event was a success and much of the audience sang along during our songs," Pflugh said. "The children even got up front to dance and sing. The children, faculty, parents and even the band had a great time."