The Pacific Brass Band of the United States Air Force thrilled audiences in Hanoi when it performed the folk song Trong com (Drumbeat) at the Sword Lake Pedestrian Zone on June 30.

The program was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and the US Embassy in Hanoi to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of comprehensive relations between the two countries.

After the Hanoi performance, the troupe will travel to the northern port city of Haiphong and its neighboring province of Hai Duong through July 2.

The United States Air Force band Pacific Brass performs in downtown Hanoi. Photo: NDO

Their repertoire included traditional military music and a variety of classical, jazz and pop styles. The group also introduced unique American musical genres such as Dixieland and New Orleans marching music.

Rebecca Johnson, Acting Cultural Attaché, US Embassy, said: “The best way for the two countries to come closer is to connect citizens through art exchange events. It’s 28 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations and 10 years of establishing the Comprehensive Partnership between Vietnam and the US, we are committed to supporting an increasingly strong, prosperous, independent and resilient Vietnam."

Pacific Brass consists of five members: Sergeant Matthew Kirkpatrick (trumpet), Sergeant Jeriad Wood (trombone), Sergeant Daniel Thrower (trumpet), Corporal Colby Parker (tuba), and Corporal Jordan Miller (music director, French trumpet).

The band performs for over 125,000 spectators at approximately 200 shows each year. Pacific Brass has toured many countries around the world, including Korea, Japan, India, Mongolia, Laos...