VICENZA, Italy - Soldiers with the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus, Brass Quintet, bring sounds of holiday music to residents of Vicenza Military Community, Dec. 16-18, here. The USAREUR quintet traveled from Sembach, Germany, their home station, to play music during U.S. Army Africa's holiday party, held Dec. 18. They used the event as an opportunity to boost community morale within VMC.
In addition to playing for the USARAF party, the band played at Vicenza Elementary/Middle Schools, Italian Mensa, and other venues during their short tour.
While setting up for the first performance, Sgt. 1st Class Chris Robinson, tuba player and noncommissioned officer in charge of the quintet, said he has been playing the tuba for more than 25 years.
"I enjoy these events," Robinson said, a native of Tombstone, Ariz. "I am reaching out to people through my music."
While performing at VES and VMS, students and teachers alike had their own comments about the quintet.
"They are awesome!" said one child. "I love it, they are playing my favorite song." It happened to be the song "Jingle Bells", which had many of the students singing along.
Susanne Brewer, a special education teacher's aid for VES, said it gets busy and loud during lunch and having the quintet here, playing for the children, helps.
"It gives the children something to listen to," she said. "I wish they were here every day."
Some of the children approached the quintet and asked if they would play the song, "Let it snow."
The quintet humbly obliged the students' request.
"The kids get so much enjoyment from this," said Robinson, as he and his band continued their performance.
The USAREUR Band was originally activated in 1940 and is currently the Army's third largest musical organization. Its members, most of which have performed or were professionally trained prior to their military service, earn their positions through an auditioning process.
Among the members of the quintet was Sgt. Matthew Hansen, trumpet player from Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. with nearly 20 years of experience, Sgt. Andrew Tryon, a French horn player from Wellington, Kansas, with 20 years of experience, Sgt. Jonathan Bosarge, a trumpet player from Durham, Maine, with more than 25 years of experience, and Sgt. Joshua Bennett, a trombone player from Portland, Oregon, with 16 years of experience.
Many of the members said they began playing their instrument of choice when they were in school, which seems only appropriate since they often play for schools.
"It is through my craft," said Robinson that he gives back to the community.
The quintet received accolades at each performance and at their final event Maj. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, USARAF commanding general, presented the quintet with certificates of appreciation.
The USAREUR Band and Chorus performs more than 200 missions each year, and has appeared in over 20 European, Middle Eastern, and North African countries in the last decade.
The band delivered on their mission to give back to the community through the spreading of holiday cheer within the VMC.
Social Sharing