Touch 'n Go band fosters friendship through music

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Bridging community relations through music, the popular music ensemble, the Touch and Go band, performed at various Italian communities around Aviano Air Base from June 22 to 27.

The band visited and played at Sacile, Porcia, Lignano Pineta, Concordia Sagittaria, Pordenone and Caorle.

"We are here to foster friendship and build partnership with the folks who do a lot for the air base and our joint effort for world peace, making sure there is freedom and democracy in the world," said Master Sgt. Neil Herndon, Touch 'n Go band noncommissioned officer in charge. "Basically, we're telling them, 'thank you,' and we're using the universal language of music to do that."

The band is comprised of seven enlisted professional musicians, whose main mission is to perform music.

According to Sergeant Herndon, music has a special place in everyone's heart. It doesn't matter if people don't speak the same language.

"We can use music to build these bridges and to overcome barriers that we may have," he said.

Some of the music genres they play include rock, country, pop, and R & B covering the complete spectrum of American popular music.

"Everybody loves music, it's an international language," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Frendsen, operations representative for Touch 'n Go. "We are just trying to connect with the audience through music."

Formed in 1976, Touch 'n Go has performed throughout Europe, Scandinavia and Southwest Asia, providing troop support and theater engagement in public concerts, festivals, and at embassy and military functions.

"I really enjoy it a lot," Sergeant Frendsen said. "We get to play some great music for great people. I get the opportunity to see various parts of the world I've never seen before and to interact with locals wherever we play."

Sergeant Frendsen said playing great music requires a good working relationship between band members.

"This is great team," Sergeant Frendsen said. "Everyone has great attitude. They're all interested in learning new music."