Post Card

Magical Memories

Magic Music Days at Walt Disney World January 2007

by Dorian Villanueva - Sophomore, Williamston High School, Michigan

What comes to mind when someone mentions Walt Disney World? The rides? The characters? The shows? As part of the Williamston High School Band, I was able to experience all that and much more. I got to experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to perform, learn, and celebrate, not to mention create great memories!

The memory that sticks in my mind is of our performing arts workshop. After visiting some of Disney's parks, the Williamston Band went to a backstage rehearsal room at Epcot where we learned many new skills. The two hour program really flew by, and we had a fantastic time.

Our clinician told us what it's like to work for Disney Parks, and then we played several songs from Disney movies to warm up. He gave us some great tips that immediately enhanced our playing. After that, we recorded the theme to The Little Mermaid, lined it up with the appropriate clip, and added "Trashin' the Camp" from Tarzan, which we later used as the background music for a slideshow of our visit.

Near the end of our trip we performed at a local retirement home. We performed many pieces for the residents, and they really enjoyed it. Some of the band members even took the time to get to know some of the residents. We received many compliments on our playing and on the group as a whole. It really made me feel good to give something back to the residents after having such a great time myself.

When we weren't working, we were sleeping, riding the bus, or running around the parks. (Running around the parks was the most fun!) Although I knew everyone in our group before we left, I got to know them better after spending so much time with them, and we become better friends. That alone is a reason to celebrate, and it's what made this trip most memorable for me.