Barksdale singer selected to audition for Tops in Blue

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  An Airman prepared to give a briefing one morning when she noticed her slide had been changed. It read, "23 Feb. - 03 March Joint Base San Antonio."

In that moment, Airman 1st Class Briér DePriest was shocked to learn she was selected to live audition for Tops in Blue, the Air Force's musical touring group.

The 608th Air Communications Squadron client systems technician was recently selected after submitting the 2015 Worldwide Talent Search application for the Air Force Mission Audition. Due to the extended deadline this year, she was able to meet the job skill level requirement.

"I'm so excited to go to San Antonio for the live auditions," said DePriest. "This is validation to myself this is what I am supposed to be doing."

DePriest started singing in third grade in a children's choir in Missouri called "Kids Rock." She joined the Air Force for the opportunity to travel and finish her music education degree with her continued interest in Tops in Blue after seeing them perform at a young age.

"My dad was also in the Air Force, and we went to a couple shows when I was younger," she said. "When I joined, I knew I wanted to do something with vocalizing because I've always done performances such as musicals, shows, operas and jazz concerts."

Upon arriving at Barksdale Feb. 4, 2014, DePriest was persistent in her goal to perform.

"I told my commander I really wanted to sing the national anthem during ceremonies and she got me to do one the following Saturday," she said. "Whenever I got the opportunity to sing the national anthem at a retirement ceremony, it was really inspiring."

Coming from a very supportive musically-inclined family, DePriest isn't nervous about the auditions knowing people are always there for her.

"I channel nervousness into a positive thing by reminding myself I've done this before and I know I can do it because I have practiced, God's help and people supporting me," she said. "It's not as scary when you know you are not doing it alone."

Additionally, she has encouragement from Team Barksdale, including her supervisor.

"She will be a great asset to the Tops in Blue roster. This has been her goal since her induction into the Air Force and she has my full support," said Tech. Sgt. Rudolph Edwards, 608th Air Communications Squadron cyber operator.

If chosen, DePriest is ready to become a part of the selfless duty of building morale and entertaining Airmen, their families and the community.

"It's a great opportunity, not only from the vocalist or the performance aspect of it, but for being able to connect with others," said DePriest. "It's not about you, it's about representing the Air Force."