Orlando!!!

We wanted to take a few minutes and recap what was been an amazing trip to Orlando.
Our trip started when we left lunchtime on Thursday, driving straight through the night.

We arrived Friday and went straight to Hollywood Studios.

The Jazz Ensemble had their big performance at Festival Disney later that day. Major kudos go out to Lukas Motykowski for learning the whole set in just a few rehearsals. After their concert, they received a clinic from the former Director of Jazz at Florida University.

The next day, the Symphonic Winds had their big performance at Festival Disney, with a  departure time of 6:20AM!!! They played in front of a panel of college directors from Notre Dame, Southern Illinois, and Winthrop Universities. 

After The clinic was over, we headed to the Animal Kingdom for a few hours.

After the park time, all the band students took part in one of the coolest experiences a young musician can be a part of, Disney's "You're Instrumental" workshop. At this event, the students are treated to a day in the life of a Disney musician, and how they have to be "on" all the time, and what it takes to think that way. Then, they had the opportunity to record a soundtrack, replacing the professionals on the actual recordings. They recorded two scenes from "Frozen", and even got to play some Star Wars.  

The awards presentation for the festival occurred at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, and they closed down the park for only the people involved in the festival. While the bands did not get any group trophies, Danny Anderson was named the outstanding jazz soloist of the entire festival, and Sarah Obert the outstanding vocal soloist.

Sunday was our first day without any performances, so the students enjoyed a day at Universal Studios, riding rides and being immersed in the world of Harry Potter.

Monday was a memorable Day because it was the Panther Marching Band's turn to perform, and they got to march down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, complete with their Mickey Mouse ears :-)

The students enjoyed time at the Magic Kingdom and had the chance to park-hop to Epcot Center if they wanted. The day ended in magical fashion with a firework show, projections on the castle, and the famous Electric Light Parade. 

Our final day finished up with a trip back to Universal Studios, dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, and a performance of the Blue Man Group. Joe Fioresi and Tommy Morgano played integral parts in the show, with Tommy even getting to go up on stage!!!