ISU student to travel with band in honoring D-Day landings

ISU student to travel with band in honoring D-Day landings

Trip across the sea honors fallen U.S. soldiers, veterans at Normandy

Katelyn Mehman picked up the clarinet in fourth-grade, barely imagining it would follow her to college at Iowa State University where she studies marketing and management. Now, the instrument is leading her to a new adventure: In June, Mehman and the Cyclone Marching Band will travel to Normandy, France, performing at four ceremonies honoring the 72nd anniversary of the D-Day landing.

“It’s a huge honor,” Mehman, an ISU junior from Charles City, said. “I never thought [the clarinet] would take me to France to play for my country. I couldn’t really turn down that offer.”

The band was chosen out of a national application process to be the only American musical ensemble present for the ceremonies, band administrative assistant Rachel Hansen said in a news release. Students will perform at Omaha Beach Cemetery, St. Mere Eglise town square and the American cemetery at Brittany, as well as march in the D-Day Memorial Parade.

Students in the wider marching band auditioned to be part of the travel group, which only includes about 120 band members, Mehman said.

“It’s less marching, they wanted to make sure you have very good playing skills,” she said. “Musicality is a lot more important.”

The music is chosen by the U.S. government for the band, including Amazing Grace, Ruffles and Flourishes/Hail to the Chief and the Longest Day March. The band will also perform the U.S., French, Canadian, and United Kingdom national anthems. Group rehearsals for Mehman will start the spring semester, and the band will be in France from June 3 -10.

Mehman, who has travelled previously to Italy and Germany, is understandably excited to go back to Europe. Along with World War II landing sites, the group expects to sightsee at the Mont St. Michel Fortress and Abbey, and spend time visiting Paris.

“It’s kind of exciting to see a new city, and just observe other countries,” Mehman said. The trip is expected to cost over $3,000 per student, although the band is fundraising to cover some costs, Hansen wrote. Donations to individual students can be made by contacting Hansen at rehansen@iastate.edu, and contributions to the larger group should be sent to the Iowa State University Foundation Office, directed towards the “Marching Band Special Travel Fund” at 866-419-6768.

By Kate Hayden khayden@charlescitypress.com