Rock Canyon bands travel to Disney
Rock Canyon Bands marched in the parade in the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida as part of a spring break trip.
By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Blake Unger
This past spring break, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Bands spent five magical and educational days at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The RCHS Band often travels around the state for competitions, concerts and other events; however, sometimes the band travels to special events far from home. “Every other year at RCHS is a trip year where the bands plan a large out-of-state trip to expose the students to a new culture, music, art, and fun,” explained Blake Unger, RCHS band director. This year, the band traveled to Florida.
The RCHS Band started the trip by attending La Nouba, a Cirque Du Soleil show in Disney Springs. They spent the next day touring Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom, having fun with friends on the theme park rides and hanging out. “Some of us went to the water light show in Animal Kingdom, which was beautiful,” said Khyathi Velpuri, RCHS band member who lives in Castle Pines.
The group also spent time in Disney’s Epcot. On this day, the group went to a workshop where they learned more about how to become better musicians. During the workshop, the group recorded themselves playing the music from a scene from Disney’s “The Lion King.” After working with professional Disney musicians, they replaced the original music from the scene with the RCHS band version and watched part of the movie with music they played. The band spent the last day in the Magic Kingdom. The trip culminated with the marching band performing in an evening parade down Main Street at the Magic Kingdom.
Overall, the trip was a huge success and the group had a wonderful time. Rachael Huxley, a RCHS band member said, “Some of the most memorable parts of the trip were marching in the parade and getting to spend time with other band members. The trip helped us grow closer to each other, and the workshop helped us become better musicians.” Unger also thought the trip was great at bringing the group together, stating, “I think these trips bond our students together through sharing unique experiences exploring, learning and laughing with their peers.” The band is excited to see where they will go in the spring of 2019.
Rock Canyon Bands having fun at Disney World as part of an educational and fun trip.
