U.S. 7th Fleet Band Crosses Language Barrier with Music
Release Date: 6/23/2005 11:10:00 AM
By Chief Journalist Melinda Larson, Commander, Destroyer
Squadron 1 Public Affairs
SATTAHIP, Thailand (NNS) -- Musicians from the U.S. 7th Fleet Band "Orient Express" and Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) came together for a series of performances June 20-22 during the Thailand phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT).
The two bands practiced with the RTMC band before performing separately and then together as a group at the Thai Austrian Technical College and the Singsamut Elementary School in nearby Pattaya.
“Music crosses all language barriers. We’re speaking the same language through our music,” said Musician 1st Class Alex Gowland, Orient Express’ unit leader.
Playing popular jazz, blues, and rock songs together, Orient Express musicians were challenged by the Thai tunes.