AFCENT Celtic band
The U.S. Air Forces Central Band, "Celtic Aire" performs at a concert hall for local villagers in Tamga Village, Kyrgyzstan Jan. 29, 2010. The band, comprised of four members of "The Singing Sergeants" as well as an accompanying violinist, audio engineer, and officer in charge, is touring Kyrgyzstan for eight days as part of their two-month deployment, and has had the unique opportunity to reach out to local communities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nichelle Anderson/Released)
Celtic Aire Builds Diplomatic Bridges



by Master Sgt. Brian McCurdy
The USAF Band

2/28/2010 - BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- In another whirlwind of activity for The USAF Band's "Celtic Aire," the ensemble performed brilliantly in Kyrgyzstan for U.S. and coalition forces, as well as for local civilian audiences. For seven days in February, Celtic Aire reached out to over 1,500 service members and civilians, winning hearts and minds all along the way.

Major Keith Bland, the Officer-in-Charge of the U.S. Air Force's Central Band, was thrilled with the impact of Celtic Aire on the local audiences, saying, "One of the most rewarding things about our career field's international outreach missions is watching the transformation of the audience's attitudes toward Americans during each concert."

It's almost impossible to quantify the impact of Celtic Aire's deployment. Major Bland was emphatic about the ensemble's positive effect on local audiences. "One of the miracles of music is that it unites people of widely disparate cultures and languages. The performers were sought after by scores of elated autograph and picture seekers anxious to shake the hands of their new 'friends'," the Major said.

Technical Sgt. Joe Haughton, a guitarist and vocalist for Celtic Aire, did his homework and as a result connected with local audiences through his musical arranging skills. Prior to the deployment, he found a traditional Kyrgyz folk song on the internet. He arranged it for the group, and they have performed it several times during this tour. He found a traditional Kyrgyz folk song on the internet prior to the deployment. After he arranged it for the group, they performed it several times during this tour.

Major Bland summed up the audience's reaction to Sgt. Haughton's efforts saying, "Many audience members were moved to tears, hearing an American band honor them by playing their native music so beautifully."

The members of Celtic Aire strive each and every day to improve the morale of U.S. and coalition forces and strengthen international relationships through dynamic, entertaining and interactive musical performances. Their audiences have included everyone from local Kyrgyz elementary school children to the U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan.

The USAF Band is proud of the very difficult and rewarding work that Celtic Aire is doing in Southwest Asia. We hope that they return home safely very soon!