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The theater is quiet; then the audience rises. Two songs of liberty and patriotism are played by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Concert Band, the Romanian national anthem followed by The Star-Spangled Banner.
“We do this to honor their country,” said Chief Master Sgt. Bill Castleman, USAFE band manager. “They normally do not stand during their anthem, but out of respect for both countries, the audience rises for both anthems.”
The USAFE Concert Band, consisting of 40 Air Force musicians, toured Romania from Oct. 30 to Nov. 6 to strengthen relations.
“The way we are interacting here is just connecting at a different level,” said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Baloun, USAFE Concert Band NCOIC. “We are playing for people who are just like us. You can be rich, you can be poor, and enjoy it just the same. We are coming here free of charge to eliminate any social and economic barriers.”
Putting together a tour and performing concerts is more than just playing a few songs though; a lot of preparation and work goes into it.
“The first thing was to think of a reasonable itinerary,” said Ruxandra Todiras, cultural affairs expert at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest. “We decided to cover areas around Moldova because they have not been exposed to the military as much as other parts of Romania.”
Airmen from Air Force bands in the states come on tour with the USAFE band to complete the ensemble.
“The first couple of concerts I didn’t know if the music that we chose would speak to the people or if they would enjoy it,” said Senior Airman Justin Hummer, Band of Mid-America regional band craftsman from Scott Air Force Base, Ill. “I was wondering how they would feel and after playing in a few concerts, I am pretty
confident that they will look back and have a positive association with the U.S. Air Force.”
As the sound of America echoes throughout the halls of Romanian theaters, the locals soak in the music.
“My husband and I always come to concerts, but this is quite different because there are so many instruments,” said Monica Lupu, an English teacher at a college in Brasov, Romania. “We like them a lot; they are very good and are welcome any time.”
Ms. Lupu’s feedback is like most other audience members. They always want more music, especially after the Glenn Miller Medley. People shouted “Encore, Encore!”
Glenn Miller material is popular here because of what he did during World War II and what his music continued to do after the war, said Sergeant Baloun – it represented liberation in a country that was being repressed.
“I have been looking forward to this concert for a month because it is not something you see every day,” said Laurian Mlga, an attorney in Brasov. “Sometimes something fresh, something new, something from another culture is needed. Personally, I have never traveled to an English-speaking country, so I am glad you have come here; I enjoy the music very much.”
The USAFE Concert Band performed in various locations including Brasov, Galati, Braila, Bacau and Bucharest.
“I see the benefits of our presence in Romania when I am interacting with the crowd and talking to people before and after a concert,” Chief Castleman said. “I can see the love they have of America and how thankful they are for the gift we bring them through the universal language of music.”
On Election Day, the Romanian Television One station hosted USAFE’s jazz ensemble, Check Six, and the Wings of Dixie jazz group. They performed on live television for a special program called “The American Night.”
“We came to Romania to talk about cooperative efforts we have between our two countries,” said Maj. Jeffery Warner, USAFE band commander. “It is important to build relationships and share music with our friends and partners across Europe.”
After the tour, it was evident by the audience’s reaction that the miles
traveled and concerts performed made a lasting impression.
“I think it was a very good turn-out, and the genuine appreciation of the public was there,” Ms. Todiras said. “So many (people) can just be polite and clap their hands even if they were not impressed, but those applauses were really genuine.”
“Some people say the band gives a face to the Air Force,” Sergeant Baloun said. “I think we are changing perceptions one person at a time.”
