SM Students Showcase Talent on French Tour

Santa Margarita’s Eagle Regiment, symphony, and orchestra students ventured across the Atlantic on an adventurous trip to France, where they experienced firsthand “Joie de vivre,” or “the joy of living.” From performances at Normandy to delighting in French cuisine, the adventure was packed with cultural adventures.

SM participated in an impressive whirlwind of performances, starting with the Eagle Regiment performing the Opening Ceremony National Anthems for the 80th Anniversary D-Day Memorial Parade in St. Laurent-Sur-Mer. SM Chamber Orchestra participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery. Eagle Regiment marched in the 80th Anniversary D-Day Memorial Parade in St. Laurent-Sur-Mer. SM Chamber Orchestra performed at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery. SM Symphony Orchestra performed in the Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Paris as part of the D-Day 80th Anniversary Concert series.

“I’m so happy that I got to participate in this trip. We got to see so many beautiful and famous landmarks around Normandy and Paris, France, all while having the privilege of performing there. It was an unforgettable experience, and I loved sharing it with friends,” said Adelene Ahn ’25, String Orchestra.

The talented group visited the Joan of Arc Memorial Cross in Rouen, Mont-St Michelle, Normandy American Cemetery, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Gardens, Versailles Palace, the Louvre Museum and the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, where they visited the chapel of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque is Santa Margarita’s patron saint.

The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that is offered every two years through SM.