Maritime
A visiting brass band from the United States Naval Forces, Europe — ‘Topclass’ — on Thursday said it was dedicated to strengthening ties with partner nations throughout Europe and Africa with the propagation of peace and unity through music.
Lt. Mathew Anderson, Assistant Director, of the Naval Force, spoke with newsmen at a Masterclass on wood and percussion instruments which held at Lekki Coliseum, Lagos.
According to him, the band has travelled to over 25 countries to ensure that the message of peaceful coexistence is spread across the world through entertainment.
“This is something we travel across countries to do. We bring goodwill message through music because music is an easy way to do this.
“I noticed that when we started playing, the crowd started interacting, there was smile on their faces and we are able to communicate that way.
“Even when we come from different background, it is easy to bridge that gap through music for us representing the United States Navy Band as its military’’, he said.
Anderson said that communicating and sharing culture through music was a special thing to the band and they always appreciated the opportunity to share culture with other people.
“We mostly just travel around, interact with people and share our culture through music.
“The history Nigerian music is built on is a wonderful history that we share and try to emulate on a day to day basis as musicians.
“Generally, I will rate Nigerian music as good and wonderful music,” he said.
Olaoluwa Afolaranmi, a member of Eko Brass Band, Lagos Island, which also performed at the event, said that events like the masterclass ought to happen regularly, to broaden the perspective of upcoming performers.
“My team members and I learnt a lot today, especially in dynamism which ensures that when we are playing, we need to understand that some instruments have to be down tuned for others to shine.
“Team work is very important in brass performance as well as being friendly on stage, because music is meant to be fun and not war’’, he said.
Afolaranmi said that brass music in Nigeria was still coming up and needed more attention.
“Other genres of music have a higher leverage than brass music.
“We hope that with more promotions and public awareness, we will grow better,” he said.
However, trumpeter, Uche Atomi from Nigeria Trumpet Guild (NTG) said that most Nigerian musicians had wrong foundation which had affected their general output.
He expressed optimism that Nigerian brass music would reach higher levels when proper trainings were done.
“We are certain that once we get the techniques, we will do well.
“All that matters is the foundation and how consistent you are with your process,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that university students and musicians among others were present at the event.
Topside is visiting Nigeria to support the ongoing 2019 Obangame Express, an annual multi-national maritime exercise on the Gulf of Guinea.
-NAN
BE
– Mar. 21, 2019 @ 16:10 GMT |
Tags: U.S Naval Force band dedicated to promoting peace unity through music – Official
