Universal Language of Music: 36th ID hit the high notes and break the barrier in Iraq

UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF MUSIC. 36th ID band Soldiers, public school teachers, break through the Arabic and English language barrier with music

Written by Spc. Brittany H. Gardner, 362nd MPAD, USD-S Public Affairs Sunday, July 31, 2011

BASRAH, Iraq – Soldiers deployed to Iraq often find it difficult to communicate with local nationals without the use of an interpreter. But there are many communication tools that are easily understood world-wide, such as body language, hand gestures and even music.

One group of Texas National Guardsmen with the 36th Infantry Division deployed to Contingency Operating Base Basra since December, learned how to break down the language barrier by speaking in the universal language of music.

BASRAH, Iraq – A Basrah University student plays along while Staff Sgt. Maurice E. Kelly, 36th Infantry Division band member, teaches different styles of Western music during a class held on Contingency Operating Base Basra July 28. The 36th Inf. Div. band has been teaching these students since they arrived in Iraq over seven months ago. (Photo by Spc. Brittany H. Gardner)

“We’re having classes for faculty and students from the University of Basrah from the fine arts department there,” said Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Lightsey, 36th Inf. Div. band commander. “We’ve had classes our entire deployment here. It’s basically music classes, music enrichment classes, on Western music. They performed for us on their native instruments and native music. But they are seeking information, background and education on Western music and Western history.”

Lightsey, and the two Soldiers who have been teaching these classes since they arrived, serve their country in more ways than one. Back home, these men teach music to students in the public high schools. Lightsey said it’s been almost impossible to compare the Basrah University students to his students in Texas.

“It’s a very different background,” said Lightsey, “and of course they’re used to some different sounds. And they use some different instruments as well. They’re string oriented. They don’t have any brass instruments and very little percussion except for their native percussion. Their skill level is actually very low just because they haven’t had the training.”

Although the language barrier is apparent during each class, Lightsey said they’ve accomplished a lot.

“The music is the same. We say that music is an international language, and I think that this has been a real education and a confirmation of that,” he said.

Staff Sgt. Maurice E. Kelly, 36th Inf. Div. band member, also knows the frustrations of communication when it comes to teaching the Iraqi students. During one session, Kelley taught a lesson on string instruments with no interpreter and no instruments for the students. Regardless of the lack of oral communication or equipment, Kelley said this instance still stands out as one of the best classes he’s taught while deployed here.

“We had some words that we all knew,” Kelley said, “so we were able to talk about some of the things that were specific to playing those instruments. But everybody was laughing and having a good time.”

Communication hasn’t been the only thing standing between these students and learning. The budget for Basrah University’s music program has also made it difficult. Having seen this first hand during a visit to the university, Kelley, a public school teacher in Kansas City, Kan., said it has changed his mindset about his job as a teacher when he returns to the States.

“I mean, they’ve got standing water in the hallway and their annual budget for their department,” said Kelley, “which includes office supplies and anything like that, from what they’re telling me is less than what I make as a teacher in a month. Being able to work with what I have will certainly be much easier for me to do and not even think about.”

Sgt. Charles R. Fricker, 36th Inf. Div. band percussion section leader from Angleton, Texas, said he also has learned a new appreciation for his teaching job back home.

“You know, being here in Iraq, seeing a different culture that is very much struggling after many years of war, you realize that we take so many things for granted, especially in the public education sector in the United States. I’m just thankful for every resource that I have,” said Fricker.

These Citizen-Soldiers began teaching classes to help Iraqis learn the basics of Western music, but Fricker said he feels like each student will leave with a better understanding.

“For the Iraqis, the big take away is music is a universal language,” Fricker said. “So that’s a really cool take away. No matter where you go in the world, music is like a constant.”

 

(c) USF-I