SEOUL, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The U.S. 7th Fleet Band joined the Republic of Korea Navy Band for a combined concert in Seoul, April 28.
The band, composed of more than 40 U.S. and ROK musicians played a range of genres ranging from classical to pop and rock.
"This is my fourth time performing alongside the ROK Navy band," said Lt. Brian Chaplow, 7th Fleet band master. "This is like a brotherhood of music and we're here to put on a great show."
Sang Won Jee, ROK concert staff worker, said both bands seemed like they'd been playing together for several years.
"My favorite part of the show was when they played 'Esprit de Corps,'" said Sang. "I think it was very meaningful to both bands and represented the strength of the ROK and U.S. alliance. The audience really enjoyed it and I hope both bands do more concerts."
Senior Chief Musician Guy Gregg, 7th Fleet Band senior enlisted leader, shared Sang's sentiment and felt the concert was a success.
"Thousands of people were able to enjoy the concert live, on TV or online, and see the fun that we are having," said Gregg. "They get to see the joy bands from two countries making music together. We're strengthening our relationship through music."
The U.S. 7th Fleet Band was created in 1943 with the establishment of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet and has performed for thousands of audiences throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
The band is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and embarks aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), flagship for the U.S. 7th Fleet, during patrols and deployments. The 7th Fleet band also conducts theater security cooperation engagements independently from the 7th Fleet staff in Korea and in other locations across the region.