WIESBADEN, Germany -- Military music enthusiasts across three Baltic States will be treated to a series of concerts by the United States Army Europe Band and Chorus spring tour titled "United We Stand, Strong Europe Tour of the Baltics" from April 22-28.
Based in Sembach, Germany, the band will travel to and conduct a spring tour through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Soldiers from the band and chorus will also participate in several local events during their tour.
"No matter the location, the mission of the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus is to be the musical ambassadors for the U.S. Army in Europe and our nation, sharing the very best aspects with our allies and partners while learning about them in return," Maj. Dwayne Milburn, commander of the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus, said. "Our tour of the Baltic States recognizes the growing friendships with our Allies, and the resulting cultural exchanges will strengthen those relationships."
In honor of the regions' heritage the band will perform several pieces written by composers from their respective countries.
Components of the band include 65-piece concert and marching bands, a 35-piece ceremonial group, "USAREUR Standard" jazz combo, "Rhine River Ramblers" a Dixieland band, "The Musik Brigade" modern brass rock band, and classical chamber ensembles.
Members earn their positions by special audition and most have performed or taught professionally prior to their military service. Many musicians hold degrees in music from highly regarded universities and conservatories.
The U.S. Army Europe Band was activated in 1940. With its partner group, the U.S. Army Europe Soldiers' Chorus, it is currently the Army's third largest musical organization. The band and chorus performs more than 200 times each year and has appeared in 20 European, Middle Eastern and North African venues in the last decade.
The Chorus, under the direction of 1st Lt. D. Taylor Criswell, was organized in 1963 to enhance troop morale through musical performances, quickly proved successful in advancing relations between the American community in Europe and its host nations.
"Music often has the power to speak where words and actions cannot," said Milburn. We hope our music encourages conversations that will carry on for many years."
Specific dates and locations of the spring tour of the Baltics are:
- April 22, Dixie Band in Tartu, Estonia
- April 23, Band in Narva, Estonia
- April 23, Chorus Tallinn, Estonia
- April 23, Dixie Band in Sillimae, Estonia
- April 24, WWQ in Narva, Estonia
- April 25, Band and Chorus in Daugavpils, Latvia
- April 26, Band and Chorus in Riga, Latvia
- April 27, Band in Visaginas, Lithuania
- April 27, WWQ in Visaginas, Lithuania
- April 28, WWQ in Alytus, Lithuania
- April 28, Band and Chorus Alytus, Lithuania
Follow the band on Facebook and Twitter for live coverage of their 2017 tour.
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About us: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.
Related Links:
U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus Official Website
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