The music man: sergeant fosters international relationships one note at a time

Airman, Sept, 2004 by Val Gempis

He's played for "Mickey," shook hands with "Minnie," serenaded "Belle," and blown away the "Beast."

But working at Disney World, "The Happiest Place on Earth," can't compare to the thrill of taking center stage for one of the mightiest organizations in the world, said Staff Sgt. Keith Fitzgerald, a trombonist for the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia, based at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

"I love the Air Force. To have the opportunity to travel worldwide and help make friends between countries through my music is just unbelievable," he said.

Music has always been part of Sergeant Fitzgerald's life. His mom sang for the church choir, his dad played the piano. When he was 10 years old, he would go to the Capitol in Washington, D.C., after school to listen to military bands play.

"I was really impressed with their ability to make stunning harmony with soul and effortless persona," he said. Although joining the military was initially the furthest thing from his mind, he decided a career in music was his first choice.

Sergeant Fitzgerald's parents were always supportive of his career moves, however earning a living as a musician is something they weren't keen on. He tried finding a profession with "money-making potential," he said. He became a physics major but differential equations and calculus just didn't excite him. So, he picked up his trombone and began playing again. Sometimes he'd wonder what it was like to be in the armed forces.

But Sergeant Fitzgerald didn't have to go far to get a glimpse of the military music world.

"They [military musicians] were all around me," he said.

While in college some of his music teachers were members of military bands. He said they were all excellent musicians and wonderful people and that they had a huge influence on him personally and professionally. While they didn't push him to sign up, joining the service was an option that was in the back of his mind. After his contract with the Disney Grammy Collegiate Orchestra expired, he began looking for anyone to pay him to play music. At the urging of some friends, he auditioned at Langley Air Force Base, Va., to be an Air Force trombonist. He impressed the judges and landed the job.

The initial shock of basic training almost drove him out of boot camp. He didn't realize he had to go through mud, sweat and tears just to play music. Now looking back, almost six years later, Sergeant Fitzgerald said joining the Air Force is one of the best decisions he ever made. He said the military pays him a good salary, provides good benefits and has presented him and his wife, Betsy, a harpist and pianist, a "great life" in Japan. His wife runs a music and arts program for children and, best of all, he enjoys the band's mission overseas--to support the Air Force mission in war and peace by fostering national heritage and providing professional musical products and services for military, recruiting and community relations events.

Performing in Japan is different from what Sergeant Fitzgerald was accustomed to in the United States. His former unit frequently played in school gymnasiums and town halls to attract young people for the military, thank veterans for their service and build support for service members. Here, their focus is to help bridge gaps between nations through music.

"We play an important part in helping our neighbors better understand that the military is not just all about war fighting," he said. "We bring two nations together with music. Hopefully through us some of them will remember us as friends."

Filling the halls with enthusiastic audiences isn't something the trombonist worries about.

"It's a humbling experience to look out on stage and see thousands of people pack the auditorium wanting to hear you play. You do your best for them all the time," Sergeant Fitzgerald said. Another benefit of the assignment, he stated, is the first-class treatment they receive. "You should see the halls we've played in. They're gorgeous," he said describing some facilities as "Carnegie Hall-like" places where "big time" performers normally play. Aside from setting up their equipment, their host provides everything they need, including professional lighting and sound crews to ensure a successful concert. "They are so gracious. It's so much fun to be here," he added.

Sergeant Fitzgerald's group, the Pacific Showcase ensemble, a 20-person jazz orchestra, has traveled extensively throughout Asia, including visits to Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and Guam.

However, being a musician isn't always about playing the trombone.

"We don't have any outside logistical support for our mission" explained Sergeant Fitzgerald. AS with many other career fields, the bandsmen pull double-duty with musical and support responsibilities. He has worked as a vehicle control officer, operations representative, orders clerk, public affairs representative and is currently the unit's work group manager and equipment custodian.