13th Army Independence visit a success
By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ALL of my expectations have been fulfilled and have even been surpassed in our visit to the country [St. Kitts-Nevis].
These words were expressed with great pride and satisfaction by the Chief Warrant Officer of the US Reserve Component, Douglas Phifer, after the Prime Minister’s Independence Toast on Friday, September 19.
The 13th Army Band came to the island earlier this week to join the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Band (SKNDFB) in the 25th Independence Ceremonial Parade. The visit was expected to strengthen ties between the SKNDFB and the Florida Reserve Component as well as to serve as a means to allow cultural exchange.
The 22-member Florida-based contingent made an appearance in Independence Square on September 17 and was warmly received by the many passers-by and onlookers. Hundreds of locals rallied behind the band while they played along with the local band and even did a very good job at playing the National Anthem. ~~Adz:Right~~
Enlisted Band Leader and Warrant Officer Candidate A. Rivero describes his visit as “a great and beautiful yet educational way of mixing and broadening the band’s awareness of the islands”. Rivero added that he felt a sense of accomplishment having given a good performance and fulfilling the band’s main priority.
Many of the band members said they were very surprised by the openness and friendliness of the people whom they claim is not so evident in other countries. They mentioned that they felt very relaxed and comfortable on the island and enjoyed the fine weather, food and hospitality.
“It was a very good time spent here. We had a full tour of the island even up into the mountain range. We also enjoyed the ceremony this morning, it had a British style and, so, many of the procedures were very new to us. We had to adjust a lot in order to fit in; nonetheless, we did enjoy ourselves!”
According to Rivero, the band is expected to return to the island in the near future to assist in the restructuring of the local band, training the members and being a model to provide musical guidance in order to lead the SKNDFB to greater success.
Captain Nigel Williams, Officer-in-Command of the SKNDFB, told SKNVibes that the experience was very good and was a great opportunity for learning.
“Just the fact of playing with other musicians is good. The visiting band came with various instruments that we don’t use here and, so, we had an opportunity to play with new instruments.
“They [the 13th Army Band and its Directors] are quite skilful and have a lot to offer. We have gathered lots of experience just by playing with them. In fact, both groups have learnt a lot about each other despite the many differences in culture and music.”
Williams noted that he is looking forward to working closely with the band in the future and has plans of allowing members of the local band to attend workshops and training sessions with the US band.
