Mérignac: The Music of the Air Forces in Service of Youth

During two days, primary and secondary school students went to Mérignac BA 106 to attend educational concerts organized by the MFA. Through an interactive format, they were invited to discover instruments, works, and the role of military musicians. For the 2026 edition, the objective was to offer participants privileged access to a living musical heritage, while providing them with an educational and fun experience. These encounters also help strengthen the bond between youth and the armed forces, conveying values of rigor, commitment, and cohesion.

It is within this framework that the musicians of the MFA managed to bring together generations through a diverse program of orchestral works and popular classical pieces inspired by the Disney universe. Throughout the performances, instruments, voices, and emotions intertwined, offering students a true musical interlude. Laughter, applause, and awe punctuated these two days, demonstrating the impact of this immersive experience. Thanks to their interpretation, the orchestra members managed to create an atmosphere that was both friendly and captivating.

Comprising fourteen non-commissioned officers and 51 musicians from national or regional conservatories, the MFA has been based in Mérignac since 1977. Inheriting a unit created in 1934, reconstituted after the Second World War, it became the Air Force Music in 2012. For over fifteen years, it has been organizing orchestral immersions, especially for young people, on the Mérignac BA 106, affirming its commitment to cultural and educational transmission.

Beyond artistic discovery, these concerts help raise awareness of the military universe and the careers within the AAE among young people. This new edition ends on a positive note, leaving students with lasting memories and strengthening the bond between the military and youth.