American band conductor: Never saw anything like this before
The US military band's leader tells Euroradio how the band ended up in Belarus and what they will perform at the parade in Minsk.
The appearance of the US military orchestra in Minsk has aroused the interest and excitement of ordinary citizens. People clap hands, they are clearly pleased with vigorous Americans during a rehearsal of the Victory Parade. At the parade, the Americans walked along with the Belarusians and Russians.
The band conductor, commander of the US Air Force in Europe, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Mench, told Euroradio that they had come to Belarus at the invitation of our state administration.
"We were invited to perform at the Victory Day parade on May 9 by the government. This process was facilitated by the United States Embassy in Minsk. The visit was organized thanks to the efforts of the Belarusian government and the embassy," noted Lieteunant-Colonel Mench.
The commander explained that his "band" is based in Germany and consists of 47 musicians. In Belarus have arrived 35 people. All the participants are military.
"The musical ceremony is a very important part of military tradition, said the commander. At the same time, we have an opportunity to tour around Europe and Africa. Our main purpose is to build bridges between nations. In our case - between the Americans and the Belarusians."
During the parade on May 9, the American band performed tunes by John Philip Sousa, as well as other songs related to the US Air Force. These are a traditional marches.
It is the first time that the US Air Force band came to post-Soviet countries. In general, from all the Slavic countries, three years ago Americans came to Poland during the Independence Day. Last year, in August, they visited Slovakia during Day of National Rebellion.
What Colonel encountered during rehearsals became a new experience for him.
"The scale of this parade with all the troops and weapons is different from what I saw before, said Michael Mench. We are participating in the parade to pay tribute to the veterans and those who died in the war, which ended 70 years ago. Our countries were allies then. Our main goal is to pay tribute."
