ROK, U.S. Soldiers play joint concert.

By CPL Lee, Seung Hyub, The IndianheadNovember 29, 2006

ROK, U.S. Soldiers play joint concert
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

For the second year in a row, the 21st Annual Autumn Leaves and Culture Festival kicked off with a joint band concert at Dongducheon Citizens' Hall.

The 2nd U.S. Infantry Division Band, ROKA 28th Infantry Division Band and Dongducheon Information Industry High School Band came together for a joint concert Oct. 20.

First Lt. Park, Young Mi, who suggested the joint concert of three bands, said that he was very pleased because the concert didn't stop as a single event, but became an annual event. "Since it was our second harmony, we were able to play as a team," said Park.

Dongducheon Citizens' Hall was filled with citizens even before the concert began under the direction of Cpl. Yoon, Yoo Ra, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2ID.

Concert goers were deeply immersed in beautiful and majestic melodies such as 'The Magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber,' 'Don't Cry for me Argentina' from the musical 'Evita' and the title song of the musical 'Phantom of the Opera.'

Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Hager, 2ID band director, said they purposely chose to play popular music to involve the audience. "At this concert, we wanted to make people happy with familiar songs."

When the popular Korean songs 'My love at my side,' 'The place that your step stays' and 'Cocktail love' were played, the crowd gave "We want to keep the relationship between us and the two other bands' members whose skills are great," Hager said. "I think we made a good memory and many friends through this concert." Pfc. Seok, Joseph, ROKA 28ID Band, echoed the sentiment.

"At first, it was hard to get closer to each other because of the language problem, however now I feel like we are good friends," said. "From now on I might study English to prepare for next year," Seok said.

"We became one by communicating with the international language called music," Park said. "I am overflowing with joy by the fact that we could promote ROK-U.S. friendship through this concert." the bands a standing ovation.