Story originally appeared: March 28th, 2018
By: Cory Johnson
Members of the Wauseon High School Marching Band recently experienced the trip of a lifetime in a visit to the “Happiest Place on Earth”- Disney World in Orlando, Fla. The tour included performances in the Disney parks as well as several Disney Performance Workshop opportunities for all members of both bands.
Student workshops provided the opportunity to work in-person with Disney professionals in a recording studio environment and experience the work of professional studio musicians, from sight-reading new music, to rehearsing with a new conductor and creating a final recording set to Disney animation over the course of multiple sessions.
Between clinician sessions, students had the opportunity to experience all that Disney has to offer, including visits to the Rainforest Cafe, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, the Hard Rock Cafe, a performance by the Blue Man Group, Magic Kingdom, Planet Hollywood, Hollywood Studios, and a day at Clearwater Beach.
The trip traditionally takes place every four years and serves as an educational opportunity and reward of sorts for the student’s efforts. The group has qualified to the state competition for over 24 years in a row.
“I have seen tremendous growth in individuals as well as in the achievement of each ensemble as a whole, all as a direct result of each member and section leader’s consistent hard work. I am so proud of these kids, and they have certainly earned a rewarding experience like this performance tour.”
“Plus, these tours serve as an authentic source of motivation; these students work harder during rehearsals and performances throughout the regular season knowing that they have exciting clinic and performance opportunities ahead. And a few rides, of course,” said Directors Don Clark and Amanda Aniolowski.
For now, the marchers will hang up their hats until Memorial Day as concert band season continues to take precedent while the students are preparing for the Ohio Music Educators Association state concert band contest April 23-24.
FLORIDA TRIP … The Wauseon High School Marching Indians parade in front of Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. (PHOTO PROVIDED)