NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga - The U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band returned July 11, 2015 from a 16-day trip to Tonga where they collaborated with Tonga’s Royal Corps of Musicians, the Australian Army Band and the New Zealand Army Band. Together they performed in the coronation events for King Tupuo VI, the king of Tonga.

 The MARFORPAC Band did a lot of preparation before the trip and throughout their stay to ensure the band’s participation in the coronation events were successful.

“We had to ship out all our instruments and gear several weeks ago in order for them to get here on time,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan P. Sherlock, band officer, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band. “The Tongans do speak English but it’s not their first language so there is always that obstacle. (The Tongan, New Zealand and Australian bands) operate similarly, under the British (ceremonial traditions). The U.S. system is completely different. We had to learn new signals, new commands and adapt to how they conduct things.”

Despite a few obstacles the U.S. Marines had to overcome, working side-by-side with the other countries was a good learning experience for all the Marines on the trip.

“The other countries do things very differently than us, both musically and culturally, and it was interesting to learn from them and also teach them our customs and traditions,” said Cpl. Sabrena Norris, a clarinet player with the MARFORPAC Band. “After rehearsals and during breaks we had time to get to know the other service members, where many of us became close. We made friendships personally while also (cultivating strong partnerships with Tonga, New Zealand and Australia).”

The MARFORPAC Band performs in more then 400 events each year held in Hawaii or in various countries throughout the Pacific.

“I’m astounded by the performances the Marines and other countries put on,” said Brig. Gen. Christopher Mahoney, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Force, Pacific. “This isn’t something they could just put together over night. It was obviously their handwork (that made the event successful). They came together as a team and they looked fantastic.”