Navy Band a hit at RIMPAC 2010
7 Jul 2010
The RAN Band Sea Deployment Group (SDG) has held a series of public performances during the Exercise Rim-of-the- Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010, starting with a performance at one of Hawaii’s most important and historic sites.
The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, marks the site where America’s war in the Pacific began. It is home now to two World War 2 memorials – the USS Arizona which was sunk by the Japanese, USS Oklahoma and USS Missouri, where the Japanese surrendered at the end of the war.
The Band Sea Deployment group played on site for an impressive two and a half hours. The Brass quintet setting a suitably sombre theme with renditions of "Danny Boy" and "Starlight", to the delight of the American crowds.
The Memorial’s Superintendent Paul DePrey said RIMPAC was a great opportunity to feature musicians from another country.
“The performance was great. The selection of music was really appropriate and set the tone for visitors to the site,” Mr DePrey said.
“I like the fact that they were from Australia – another country that had such a strong relationship the US during the Pacific War.”
Band Master for the Sea Deployment Group Chief Petty Officer Musician (CPOMUSN) Doug Antonoff said the performance had come about through a contact in the Pacific Fleet (PACFLT).
“This was a good opportunity for the brass quintet,” CPO Antonoff said.
“This site is steeped in history. It is a good opportunity to be here to perform for a lot of international tourists.”
CPO Antanoff said tuba player Able Seaman Musician (ABMUSN) Adam Arnold had been responsible for the selection of music and this event had given him an opportunity to develop his leadership skills.
“It’s always a challenge selecting music. We have a diverse repertoire with a broad range of music and styles,” AB Arnold said.
“It has been a privilege to perform here.”
Not all of the band’s performances were so serious. The band also played at the Australian-run Wet ‘n Wild Water Park, an afternoon concert at Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki and they joined the Pacific Fleet Marching band in a special parade.
12 members of the RAN Band SDG have deployed on HMAS Kanimbla for RIMPAC and include the brass quintet, a jazz group and a rock group.
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