23/03/2014 09:00
Volleyball orchestra sets the tempo of the Final Four Tournament
2014 CEV DenizBank Volleyball Champions League - Men
Ankara, Turkey, March 23, 2014. A small orchestra is accompanying the actions of the home team of Halkbank as the hosts of this year’s Final Four Tournament are trying to add another chapter to Turkey’s Volleyball history. The Nefesli Show Bando is composed of musicians who have all graduated from Ankara’s music school or have been playing for the Turkish army.
“We originally played for the Turkish national teams and had a contract with the Federation,” recounts the chief and spokesperson of the group, Mehmet Fikri Aykin. “This time we are here to support Halkbank.” The band has toured also abroad making appearances in Poland, Russia, and Germany, to attend international music festivals, and is also a regular feature in Turkey where they join open concerts, performing folk music and other scores.
The composition of the band changes depending on the commitments of its members, who nevertheless stand out for a very unique feature. They all love Volleyball and have a very good knowledge of the sport. “If any company or organisation asks us to perform for their events, we are always happy to do that but Volleyball is somehow in our DNA. We have attended many competitions but this is the first time we are performing at the Final Four Tournament of the CEV DenizBank Volleyball Champions League,” Mr. Aykin says.
On Saturday their trumpets and drums helped set the pace for the home guys of Halkbank on their way to a straight victory over Poland’s JASTRZEBSKI Wegiel in the semis. On Sunday their help will be needed once more as Halkbank tries to claim Turkey’s first victory in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
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