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HC Band students depart for Disney

Here at HC, students are absent for all sorts of reasons- illness, weather, sports, and even trips. While some trips are for educational reasons, some are geared toward fun and adventure.

On February 10th, HC’s band departed for Disney World in Orlando, FL. They are scheduled to have a Downtown Disney a.k.a. Disney Springs show by the end of the week.

While this trip will include visits to Universal Studios, Magic Kingdom and Epcot, the trip will also include many educational opportunities.

HC Band Director William Kite has helped to organize some educational aspects, most excitingly including a music clinic with a professional Disney band member.

The pro band member will be “talking about sight reading and life as a professional,” Kite said. “Students will also get feedback.”

The HC marching band played during the 2015 Homecoming game against George Rogers Clark. Photo by Mark Walsh.
The HC marching band played during the 2015 Homecoming game against George Rogers Clark. Photo by Mark Walsh.

HC’s band will also have the chance to learn music from various Disney films.

“We will be recording a soundtrack for an animated film,” Kite said. “And we get a DVD with the soundtrack behind it.”

This trip is a special for HC senior Alex Johnson, who has been on many band trips over the years.

“This will be the first time I have gone to Disney,” Johnson said. “I’ve always wanted to go.”

Fellow band student, HC sophomore Austin Hocker agrees, regarding Disney as “the most magical place on Earth.”

Students will also have time to explore the parks and have some fun. With two primary scheduled activities, students have the rest of the five day trip to make memories.

“It will be a good experience for them [the students],” Kite added. “Many memories will be made.”

Despite a 13 hour bus ride ahead of them, the students seen to be rather peppy, “I am really excited about this trip,” Johnson said. “It’s really far away from home.”

Again, fellow band student Hocker agrees.

“I think that it will be really fun, I’m excited.” Hocker said.

With 105 students and 12 parent supervisors attending, this trip is a major event.

“We opened it up to our whole program,” Kite said. “This kind of trip happens every four or five years.”