European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - July 10, 1985, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Master Bob reviews floor plan of dining area with band members before a performance at Rhei main below accordian player Bill Popp at Sembach a air Force strolling strings a very special group of musicians Story and photos by Emmett Lewis staff writer Page 14 the stars and stripes the dress at the Sembach dinner was the atmosphere it be a less than exciting but two hours later the crowd was Happy and clapping to the Lively rhythm of Hun Garian dance the catalyst in this remarkable change was a very special group of air Force this group of 30 touring the strolling based at boiling fab in has travelled the world As americas musical ambassadors since 1954 wending their Way among they have Woven their musical magic for Heads of members of the and civilians of the United states and of nations said senior master Bill producer and theres an amazing thing when we go out there and play theres a moment of touching where in doing something for this person who is an utter we have a Little their eyes talk Back to it s a very intimate experience the most intimate form of music that in aware the strolling strings recently completed a tour through playing 20 shows in 21 Days in seven the group alternates Tours of the Paciuc and Europe each a spokesman the strolling strings belong to one of seven units that come under the air Force band the concert sing july 1985 ing air Force strings including the strolling string orchestra and symphony or airmen of ceremonial Mach 1 Rock band and combos the ambassadors and the dip a chamber music group uses people from All of the other As the strings play a variety of Folk and popular music whistle tune music according to one performer the and accordion play ers stroll through the pausing to play at each most of the musicians who come into the strings Are trained with emphasis on classical music and Are accustomed to the stage Barrier Between them and the Audi said senior master Bill a bassist who has been with the group since about50 percent of the performance time is spent Hawthorne the Lack of a physical and psychological Barrier Between the performer and the audience comes As a Shock to firs time once they get out there and learn the Job and Start its amazing the things that Start Hawthorne on this Job youre out there a part of the when the violinist is at a that violinist is communicating More than just the music to the Hes giving a part of Brett at practices violin before Rhei main a shadows play on the As strings Bottom senior master Larry Laffoon and Karl Heikkinen play for Sok Black and Patricia Michel at Sembach the stars and stripes Page 15