BRISBANE, Australia - The U.S. Army has many traditions; some even date back to before the Revolutionary War. One tradition many still remember is the drummer leading Soldiers into battle.
Today, the I Corps Army band does not lead Soldiers into battle. Instead, they travel with Soldiers to provide musical support and build morale.
Recently, the 56th Army Band, I Corps, partnering with the 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery Band, during Talisman Sabre 15.
Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise, consisting of U.S. and Australian forces with a contingent of 30,000 participants. I Corps is using this exercise to validate as a Combined Forces Land Component Command.
"Our mission is to provide whatever support we could to the Soldiers participating in Talisman Sabre 15," said Staff Sgt. Michael Placker, a tuba player with the 56th Army Band. "Partnering with the [1st Reg. Band] gave us an opportunity to interact with another unit similar to ours and learn how they do things."
Both bands started rehearsing together shortly after arriving at Gallipoli Barracks. The I Corps Band received a request to join the Queensland Police Band, July 10, to perform for a youth summer camp and educate the children on their instruments. Some of the children knew some of the instruments, but never heard them play together.
"The children interacted and were curious about our instruments," said Placker. "Also, I was nervous because I wasn't sure of what to expect playing with a police bagpipe band. Playing a song with them was really interesting."
With their first performance complete, Placker and other members of the I Corps brass quintet continued to rehearse with the 1st Reg. Band for the 70th Annual Commemoration Service for Operation Rimau.
Placker and his fellow band members had to adjust to how their counterparts operated.
"It interesting to see the same things done a different way," Placker said. "But music is one of those things that crosses every border and, no matter the language, you can speak the same."
After a couple rehearsals, the time came for both bands to perform their first joint event.
"It is great to take a combined band out into the public and perform," said Warrant Officer 1st Class John Franklin, band sergeant major, 1st Reg. Band. "Having the Americans join us today was a good opportunity as a combined band commemorating the memory of our fallen soldiers and the history between us as well."
Placker became a little nervous as they approached the Queensland Maritime Museum, even after the rehearsals. He was expecting to play for a memorial ceremony, but did not expect the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency, Paul de Jersey AC, to preside over the ceremony.
"Did not expect something like this when we first got here," Placker said. "Being able to participate in an event like that was an honor, let alone stand side by side and perform with our counterparts. The Governor came up and thanked us personally for coming and performing."
The ceremony provided both bands an opportunity to showcase an alternate side to each military.
"It was good for us to go out and present our military to the public so we can give the indication that there is another side to the military, not just combat," Franklin said. "It's about assisting our citizens in country and creating a connection and being able to portray the military in the best possible way."
The bands have a second opportunity to showcase their capabilities when they will perform a full concert in front of Brisbane City Hall, July 19.
"I am looking forward to playing a full concert with the Australians," said Placker. "This has a unifying experience. We have blended great together and are still learning a lot from each other. I look forward to playing with the [1st Regiment Band] again after the end of Talisman Sabre 15."
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