Band students travel to France to perform in All-American D-Day Band
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A pair of musicians from Sequatchie County took part in a band concert to commemorate the 82nd Anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Liberation of Europe by American and Allied forces in World War II. Flying across the Atlantic to France and back were 2026 Sequatchie County High School graduate Briana Torres and rising SCHS senior Allison Wheeler. The students were selected along with others from across America as members of the All-American D-Day Band, performing in Normandy.
“It felt like such an honor being able to play for those who sacrificed themselves for us,” said Torres, a musician proficient on multiple instruments.
From Washington D.C., Torres and Wheeler flew to Paris and from there, were part of a group riding four hours to Normandy.
“We stayed three nights in Normandy, then went back to Paris and had one more performance, spending three nights there,” Torres explained.
During the visit, the All-American D-Day Band band performed in a commemorative ceremony at Utah Beach, one of the iconic landing sites of the D-Day invasion, paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Allied liberators. The ensemble also presented a concert and led the D-Day Memorial Parade through the historic Normandy village of Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town liberated by American paratroopers during the D-Day campaign.
Band members are chosen each year based on demonstrated musical excellence, leadership, and exemplary citizenship, representing the very best of the Spirit of American Youth, program organizers state. Participants serve as musical ambassadors of remembrance, honoring the sacrifices of the brave servicemen who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
The band performed under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Beth Steele, an accomplished musician and conductor with a distinguished military career and service as a U.S. Army musician,
While not rehearsing, the pair enjoyed visiting the Louvre Museum, viewing the Mona Lisa and other famous artwork.
“We also went to the very top of the Eiffel Tower,” Torres said.
She highly recommended anyone with the opportunity to travel to Normandy through the program to do take advantage and go.
“It’s a yes, a huge yes, because it’s a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll never forget,” she exclaimed. “I made so many new friends and connections during this trip and it made it 10 times more fun. You also improve on your instrument and performing is so much fun! Was it worth the money, absolutely, because when you’re actually there, it feels so surreal. I don’t know what other trip could ever top this one.”
Torres has been playing the piano for nearly 10 years after receiving a keyboard for Christmas. She joined band in fifth grade, playing multiple instruments which has grown into proficiency in over 20. Her dream, she added, is becoming a music artist.
“I want to write songs and travel the world,” Torres said. “I want to make a change in people’s lives with my music. I am actually on Spotify and many other music platforms, ‘BRI!’ is my artist name. Music is truly my big passion, I don’t think I have any other activities that don’t have to do with music. I sing, write songs, and listen to music. It’s who I am.”
