After three days of performing in the Normandy region, the band had its final performance in France in Paris’ Parc du Champ de Mars, in front of the Eiffel Tower.  It wasn’t a big, fancy concert setup but the band quickly drew a small crowd of onlookers as it took up its position in the park.  The crowd rapidly swelled as the first strains of ‘Buckeye Fanfare’ and ‘Buckeye Battlecry’ drifted across Paris.  The crowd may not have recognized the fight song but they still clapped loudly.  The band’s program featured a diverse selection of music that included big band tunes, marches, and other OSU school songs; while they may not have known about Script Ohio, the Parisians still clapped along and enjoyed ‘Le Reg’.  After the concert, the band posed for an official group photo in front of the Eiffel Tower; the band’s photographers were barely able to get the official photo taken before enthusiastic members of the crowd jumped in for a chance to get their picture taken with the band.  The band spent about 15 minutes talking to and thanking members of the crowd before packing away their instruments for the last time and setting out to enjoy the sights of Paris.

Today’s agenda included a wonderful performance at the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach then a bus ride to Paris.  Tomorrow we will be performing at Parc du Champ de Mars – Jardin et Bois de la ville de Paris.  Highlights of our sightseeing tomorrow will include Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre museum.

Today was another busy day for the group!  We started the day visiting one of the landing beaches in Normandy.  The view was absolutely beautiful!!

The next thing on our agenda was heading to Saint Mere Elise where we played a concert, marched in a parade, and a small group played in the church.  The group got to perform for many people including a World War II veteran from Columbus who was very excited we were there.  Before the concert, the group went to a reception at the major’s house.  After the church performance, dinner was a banquet put on by the Friends of the American Veterans.

Tomorrow we will perform at the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach before heading to Paris.

Another day is wrapping up here in France.  Today we had the honor of performing at the Brittany American Cemetery for the memorial service for the soldiers laid to rest in the cemetery.

After the ceremony, we had time to look around the cemetery.  It was a very moving experience for all involved.

Following our time at Brittany Cemetery, the group headed to Mont St Michel to have time to look around and tour the Abbey.

Following the tour of the Abbey, we headed back to town to enjoy a lovely dinner.  Tomorrow we are headed

Photos By: Jan Z Duga, Tess Green

The group arrived in Paris around 8:00AM local time today.  Once we arrived, everyone gathered luggage and headed towards the buses.  We rode the buses from Paris to Normandy and have enjoyed a lovely dinner at the hotel.  The group has had a rehearsal to prepare for the performances while here.  Our day starts early tomorrow as we head to Brittany American Cemetery (St. James Cemetery) to perform.  After the performance, we will have free time at the cemetery before heading the Mont St Michel to visit the medieval town.  The group is looking forward to a good nights sleep to prepare for our busy day tomorrow!

The Ohio State University Alumni Band will be leaving on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2015 to head to France for the D-Day Memorial Parade.  The group traveling will consist of 97 band members and guests.  To see where all the group will be performing or traveling, please view our Tour Schedule.

As many of the group who could make it to Columbus have been having regular rehearsals to prepare the music.  During one of the the band’s recent rehearsals, we had the honor of being visited by Don Jakeway, 82nd Airborne, 508 Parachute Infantry Regiment, Company H.  Having Mr. Jakeway speak to the group was a wonderful experience.  For a full bio on Don Jakeway please click here: Jakeway Bio.

On May 26th, quite a few of the instruments left the stadium band center and were on their way to France. The instruments will meet the group at the hotel in Normandy.  The group is really looking forward to leaving and having the opportunity to represent America at this historic event.