Subsequent week, the Morgan State College Magnificent Marching Machine will proudly carry out within the D-Day 80 Normandy Parade on June 6, 2024, in Normandy, France.
Their unique invitation, prolonged by Music Celebrations Worldwide, is a part of the official eightieth Anniversary Commemoration of D-Day: The Battle of Normandy and the Liberation of France.
Supported by the American Veterans Middle, this marks the historic debut of a Traditionally Black School or College (HBCU) ensemble within the annual D-Day memorial parade, charming Parisians, vacationers, and worldwide audiences.
Morgan's Magnificent Marching Machine is gearing as much as make historical past as the primary #HBCU band to carry out on the D-Day Memorial Parade in Normandy, France on June sixth! #M3 will honor WWII heroes on the world stage for the eightieth anniversary.
https://t.co/d4CeAjBEYJ pic.twitter.com/GQkTbIH0ew
— Morgan State College (@MorganStateU) Could 30, 2024
“Once we consider the historic occasions which have formed the twentieth century and the many years thereafter, the brave moments that befell on the seashores of Normandy, France almost 80 years in the past, are amongst them. The chance to have our college students not solely characterize our College but additionally our nation on such a grand world stage in recognition of such a monumental event is really an honor,” — stated David Okay. Wilson, president of Morgan.
“Our due to the occasion organizers for his or her recognition of the proficient scholar performers now we have at Morgan, and for offering them with this lifetime expertise permitting them to the touch historical past.
Beneath the creative route of Jorim E. Reid, Sr., D.M.A, director of bands at Morgan, the Magnificent Marching Machine will carry out at two totally different notable areas in Paris. Their performances can pay homage to the sacrifice of a whole lot of hundreds of People often called “The Best Technology” who gave the final word sacrifice, and the multiple million African-American women and men who served within the Armed Forces throughout World Battle II. This official eightieth Anniversary of D-Day represents presumably the final at which any June sixth Veterans will probably be current for the poignant reminder of their braveness and sacrifice.
“There are few hallmark alternatives for a marching band to showcase its abilities earlier than worldwide audiences and this worldwide day of remembrance represents considered one of them,” stated Dr. Reid.
“When offered with this golden alternative, our college students accepted the invitation with out hesitation and now the true work—making ready for our efficiency and securing the funding to assist such an auspicious endeavor—begins now. We look ahead to not solely representing Morgan in grand vogue, but additionally our nation and the numerous D-Day troopers that we memorialize every year right now for his or her final sacrifice.”
Through the D-Day 80 Normandy Parade, the Magnificent Marching Machine will carry out “America the Lovely” as they march between the 2 historic cities, Vierville-sur-Mer and Saint Laurent-sur-Mer, overlooking Omaha Seashore. Along with their participation within the parade, the band members can pay their respects by inserting a wreath on the Normandy American Cemetery, the place greater than 9,300 troopers are laid to relaxation. Whereas there the band will carry out a rendition of “Tribute to (Fallen) People.”
Music Celebrations Worldwide, with greater than 25 years of expertise in organizing distinctive live performance excursions worldwide, will deal with all of the journey, live performance, sightseeing, and lodging preparations for the band’s six-night, eight-day journey, guaranteeing a seamless and unforgettable expertise. Nevertheless, the College retains the duty of overlaying the related prices.
To this finish, the College will probably be contributing a portion of the assets essential to cowl the 152-person repertoire (musicians, dancers, flag bearers, and workers) touring to Normandy subsequent week. The help of MSU Alumni Relations and the Morgan State College Basis has been enlisted to lift the remaining contributions through a devoted fundraising effort.
“It’s really an amazing honor and alternative for our scholar musicians to journey overseas and provides a efficiency of such historic significance. Nevertheless, this honor comes at a considerable funding and your entire Morgan Group—far and vast—will have to be tapped to assist elevate the assets wanted to underwrite journey and lodging for our beloved band,” — stated Tara Turner, interim vp for Institutional Development at Morgan.
“We need to our alumni, donors, the enterprise group for his or her assist and hope that our group could make this experiential efficiency overseas occur for the scholars.”
The Magnificent Marching Machine’s repute as a world-renowned ensemble precedes them. Their high-energy performances, intricate marching maneuvers, and dynamic musical preparations have captivated audiences at each degree, from M&T Financial institution Stadium, dwelling of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, to the silver display screen and the long-lasting Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Since taking the helm of the Magnificent Marching Machine, Dr. Reid has orchestrated a meteoric rise to the band’s profile and demand. Earlier this 12 months, Morgan’s marching band netted its first-ever invitation to carry out on the 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) — the premier showcase for HBCU marching bands and dance groups.
Persevering with on this development and following the looks on the D-Day 80 Normandy Parade in June of 2024, Morgan’s marching band has a scheduled efficiency at Disneyland Paris later within the week.
For extra data on supporting Morgan’s Magnificent Marching Machine journey to, and efficiency at, the eightieth Anniversary Commemoration of D-Day in Normandy, France go to https://givetomorgan.org/msuband_to_normandy
About Morgan State College
Morgan State College, based in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified excessive analysis (R2) establishment providing greater than 140 educational packages resulting in levels from the baccalaureate to the doctorate.
As Maryland’s Preeminent Public City Analysis College, and the one college to have its complete campus designated as a Nationwide Treasure by the Nationwide Belief for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial scholar physique and seeks to make sure that the doorways of upper schooling are opened as vast as potential to as many as potential.
For extra details about Morgan State College, go to www.morgan.edu.
