'Live Round,' helps bring gifts; music to school for the deaf (MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan)

Air Force Link ^ | Senior Master Sgt. Greg Wade

[SandRat]

2/15/2008 - MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFPN) -- Airmen from the U.S. Central Command Air Forces Band "Live Round" found themselves in front of an unlikely audience Feb. 13, when they visited Bishkek's Boarding School for the Deaf.

The visit was part of the band's outreach efforts during their eight-day trip to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan.

Band members delivered toys and candy as well as a musical performance for the students.

Although music doesn't seem like it would be logical fit at the school, it is actually an important part of the curriculum for the more than 360 students there.

Ms. Kanykei Jamanbaeva, the school director, explained that while many students cannot hear any sounds, they can feel the music through the vibrations of the floor, through touch, and especially in their hearts.

"The kids were excited, they liked the concert. They were dancing and participating," said Ms. Iseyeva.

In fact, the students had a full music and dancing production that they shared with the Air Force musicians.

"Originally, we went to the school we thought we were going to perform for them, which we did, but the first thing that happened they gave us a surprise and they performed for us," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Laukhuf, a bass guitar player deployed from the Air Force Academy at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

The students, ranging from first-graders to high school students were dressed in bright hand-made costumes. Each group performed to show their American guests their appreciation for taking the time and visiting them.

The band members then returned the favor and performed for the students.

After the band performance, the students were invited to come up and participate in a "jam session." Each of the students was able to make music of their own by beating on the drums; some even tried their luck playing the trombone

Although a little more difficult, band member Tech. Sgt. Steve Frioux taught them how to "buzz" their lips and make sounds by blowing into the musical instrument.

There was no doubt they could feel the vibrations from the brass instrument - their eyes would widen, and they would prove it with laughter after placing their ears near the trombone's bell.

It was a special morning for both sets of musicians and the school director said she was pleased the Air Force band members had included their school on their tour.

Ms. Jamanbaeva said it was unique experience for the kids, and they love Americans very much.

"The kids liked it very much; it made a wonderful impression on them," said Ms. Jamanbaeva. "The atmosphere was very nice and very kind. They have listened to the (band's) CDs over and over, and they want everyone to come back soon."

[SandRat]

"Live Round," helps bring gifts; music to school for the deaf

Master Sgt. Jeremy Laukhuf, a bass guitar player with U.S. Central Command Air Forces Band 'Live Round' lets children at the Bishkek Boarding School for the Deaf beat on the djimbe drum during one of the band's outreach visits to a local school. The children were able to feel the music through the vibrations in the floor and through touch. Live Round performed for Manas Air Base Airmen and local villages and schools during their eight-day trip to Kyrgyzstan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Greg Wade)

[caveat emptor]

Ms. Kanykei Jamanbaeva, the school director, explained that while many students cannot hear any sounds, they can feel the music through the vibrations of the floor, through touch, and especially in their hearts.

I once belonged to a dance group in which there was a young woman who was deaf. She couldn't hear instructions or the the music. We had to cut her some slack at first, but she was motivated, moved gracefully, was a keen observer, and became a better than average dancer.