USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Performs With Republic of the Congo Counterparts

U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Band brass quintet “Five Star Brass” and Congolese Army Band Brazzaville jointly performed the Congolese Anthem. The performance was recorded and will be published on August 15 for Congolese Independence Day. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band serves as a bridge to increase cultural ties and enrich the partnerships between the U.S. and Republic of the Congo through music. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dominik Halnais)

USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Plays With Republic of the Congo Counterparts

U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Band brass quintet “Five Star Brass” performed at Radio Mucodec, one of the largest radio stations in Brazzaville. USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Planner Dominik Halnais conducted was interviewed about the purpose of the visit to Congo and the upcoming performances, which gave us the opportunity to highlight our security cooperation with our Congolese partners. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band serves as a bridge to increase cultural ties and enrich the partnerships between the U.S. and Republic of the Congo through music. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2Lt Jay Sconyers)

USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Plays With Republic of the Congo Counterparts

U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Band brass quintet “Five Star Brass” perform alongside students of the School of Art for at the Total market in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. 2Lt Jay Sconyers conducted the joint performance of the Congolese piece “Hymne de la Paix”. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band serves as a bridge to increase cultural ties and enrich the partnerships between the U.S. and Republic of the Congo through music. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dominik Halnais)

USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Plays With Republic of the Congo Counterparts

After a joint performance at the Memorial Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, Lt. Col. Rafael Toro-Quiñones, commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Band, shake hands with U.S. Ambassador to Congo Eugene Young and the director of the memorial, Belinda Ayesse. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band serves as a bridge to increase cultural ties and enrich the partnerships between the U.S. and Republic of the Congo through music. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2Lt Jay Sconyers)

USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Plays With Republic of the Congo Counterparts

Lt. Col. Rafael Toro Quiñones, commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Band, and Dominik Halnais, band planner, are interviewed live on the evening news on Télé-Congo, Republic of the Congo’s largest TV station and most watched news program. The band leaders highlighted the importance of U.S. partnership with the Republic of the Congo. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2Lt Jay Sconyers)

USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Plays With Republic of the Congo Counterparts

U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Band brass quintet “Five Star Brass” rehearses with Congolese Army Band Brazzaville and the Congolese regional band from Pointe Noire for the joint performance at Cultural Center Tati Loutard. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band serves as a bridge to increase cultural ties and enrich the partnerships between the U.S. and Republic of the Congo through music. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dominik Halnais)

USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Plays With Republic of the Congo Counterparts

U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Band brass quintet “Five Star Brass” rehearses with Congolese Army Band Brazzaville for a joint concert at the Memorial Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band serves as a bridge to increase our cultural ties and enrich the partnerships between the U.S. and Republic of the Congo through music. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2Lt Jay Sconyers)

USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Plays With Republic of the Congo Counterparts

U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Band brass quintet “Five Star Brass” performs with Congolese artist and influencer Wayé at the U.S. Embassy Brazzaville Independence Day reception. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band serves as a bridge to increase cultural ties and enrich the partnerships between the U.S. and Republic of the Congo through music. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dominik Halnais)

USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Plays With Republic of the Congo Counterparts

U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Band brass quintet “Five Star Brass” rehearses with Congolese Army Band Brazzaville and students of the School of Art for a joint concert at the Memorial Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza. 2Lt Jay Sconyers is conducting the joint orchestra performing the Congolese piece “Hymne de la Paix”. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band serves as a bridge to increase cultural ties and enrich the partnerships between the U.S. and Republic of the Congo through music. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dominik Halnais)

Strengthening Ties Through Music: USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Tours the Republic of the Congo

Published July 19, 2024
By U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa
U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo --

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo – The United States Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Band conducted a tour across the Republic of the Congo, presenting a diverse musical program that included classical standards, popular Americana and Congolese hits. The tour marked the 64th anniversary of Congolese Independence and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of the Congo, underscoring both nations' commitment to peace, cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

"The 'Stronger Together' tour underscores U.S. Air Forces Africa’s dedication to our African partners," said Lt. Col. Rafael Toro-Quiñones, commander of the USAFE-AFAFRICA Band. "Through music, we aim to strengthen regional relationships and promote a secure, stable, and prosperous Africa."

The tour, which included performances in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, aimed to enhance international bonds and deepen partnerships with the local population.

"Music’s ability to transcend barriers highlights its power to foster unity," said Dominik Halnais, USAFE-AFAFRICA Band Planner. "Our joint performances exemplify how music bridges divides and contributes to global peace and prosperity."

The tour highlights included:

- Ecole des beaux Arts in Brazzaville: The band visited and performed alongside local student musicians in an outdoor event.

- Masterclasses at Villa Washington and the French Institute in Pointe-Noire: These sessions engaged young artists and local musicians, fostering educational exchanges.

- Concert at the Memorial Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza in Brazzaville: A performance held on July 4 celebrated U.S. Independence Day and the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

- Concert at the Cultural Center Tati Loutard in Pointe-Noire: A major performance on July 6 continued the theme of cultural exchange and cooperation.

"The tour reflects the commitment of the U.S. Dept. of State and U.S. Mission to the Republic of the Congo to strengthen bilateral relations through cultural exchanges," said U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo Eugene Young. "We are dedicated partners, building a future of mutual support and trust."

The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band’s visit to the Republic of the Congo celebrated the rich musical traditions of both nations and reinforced the strong partnership between the United States and the Republic of the Congo. The "Stronger Together" tour served as a testament to the power of music in fostering international goodwill and collaboration, Toro-Quiñones said.