Band of the Pacific-Asia brings holiday spirit to Guam

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Josh Voyles
  • Band of the Pacific-Asia
YOKOTA, AIR BASE, Japan --  The students of Machanano Elementary School in Guam are familiar with the thunderous sound of the U.S. Air Force from near-by Andersen Air Force Base. However, on Dec. 13, the students were treated to a different Air Force sound -- the sound of the six-piece pop ensemble "Pacific Trends" from Yokota Air Base.

Pacific Trends is one of the ensembles from the Band of the Pacific-Asia, headquartered at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and comprised of active duty enlisted Airmen. The bandsmen provide professional musical performances for a wide range of community and military events in the Pacific region. In this case, it was Guam.

The band set up in the school auditorium for an audience of 500 students, some of which were already eagerly waiting in their seats. Once set up and introduced, the band played holiday classics such as "Jingle Bells," "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer." As a special treat, Senior Airman William Pressgrove, Pacific Trends vocalist, included his original song "Santa" which he sang to the melody of Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

"[The band was] fantastic," said Robert Malay, Machanano Elementary School principal. "[They were] very entertaining, played to the interest of the students and mixed in humor for the teachers."

Pacific Trends included Machanano Elementary School as part as a seven-day trip including stops at military schools, military hospitals, a Veterans Affairs clinic and other public facilities. During the trip, they met-up with other members from Yokota in the opening ceremony of the annual Operation Christmas Drop, providing musical support for the event.

The band makes a trip like this each year within the western Pacific region. This was the first year they caroled in Guam, wanting to spread holiday cheer to as many people as possible. For some of their audience members, this may be the only Christmas gift they get this year.

Machanano Elementary School, in particular, is a haven for children from disadvantaged families, some of whom can't even afford beds on which to sleep. Of the approximately 500 students, 90 percent receive free or reduced lunches.

In response to the school's needs, U.S. military volunteers support the school in with tutoring, playing sports with the children, giving gifts and providing services. The band's performance brought this year's season of giving to new heights, bringing the gift of holiday cheer to the school students.

"The kids see bands on TV," said Kim Edusma, Machanano Elementary School nurse, "but it's nothing like seeing it live. The kids don't get to experience that much."

The band returned to Yokota and is looking forward to returning after their successful performances.