USAFE Concert Band spreads holiday cheer throughout UK

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Alexis McGee
  • 501st Combat Support Wing
RAF ALCONBURY, ENGLAND --  More than 100 people joined in a holiday celebration at Burgess Hall in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire, England, Dec. 18, 2014, where they watched the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Concert Band play a medley of holiday music.

The nearly 40-member band played songs ranging from "O Holy Night" to "Jingle Bells" as a way to thank community members for supporting USAFE installations in their neighborhoods.

"The songs the band played bring us back to what bands are all about," said Councilor Alan MacKinder-Lawrence, Chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council. "Big bands are all about bringing joy to all who listen. Their music and commitment is inspiring."

This concert was The USAFE band's 17th concert of their 20-concert holiday tour, which will conclude in Bury St. Edmunds after a concert near RAF Croughton Dec. 19, 2014.

"These performances are important to thank community members for allowing us to be here and be their neighbors," said Staff Sgt. Lencys Esteban, USAFE Concert Band saxophonist.

The USAFE band concerts are intended not only to entertain, but to also help bridge relationships and show community members a side of the U.S. Air Force they may not have seen before.

"Events such as these play a huge part in bringing the two communities together in a relaxed and social setting," said Jacqui Ireland, 423rd Air Base Group Community Relations Advisor. "This goes a long way to build and strengthen the great partnership we share with our community friends and neighbors.  The band was outstanding and I received a good deal of positive feedback from the guests who thoroughly enjoyed the occasion."

The USAFE band hosts more than 350 concerts throughout the year.