A spring break trip to Disneyland filled with fun, adventure and challenging musical performances continued a recently established tradition for the Creswell High School Concert Band, and by all reports, a good time – and a productive one – was had by all.
“It was an excellent trip from start to finish,” said Creswell Music Director Sandi Green, who accompanied and directed the group.
On Friday, March 22, students participated in a Soundtrack Instrumental Recording Session with a Disney educator. The band was given several music scores to read and play; their performance was recorded as a soundtrack played over a selected scene from a Disney movie.
The exercise, part of the Disney education series, provided an eye-opening opportunity for students to learn about and experience one of the creative avenues open to professional musicians.
On Saturday morning, March 23, the CHS Concert Band performed on the Fantasyland Theater Stage. Their set included “Crush,” by Robert W. Smith; “Maesong,” by William Owens; “Circle in a Square,” by Ed Kiefer; “La Land Medley,” arranged by Michael Brown; “Drums of Saamis,” by Samuel R. Hazo; and “Curtain Call,” by Justin Wassen.
“I am so proud of these students,” Green said. “It was a difficult program to perform and they played it well.”
While on the trip, Creswell students also enjoyed the Disneyland parks, hotel amenities and the beach.
Best of all, thanks to music fundraisers including working concessions at Duck games and the sixth annual Saucy Jazz event held Feb. 2, student fees for the trip were kept to a minimum for students.
“Because of so many generous donations, the fee for students going to Disneyland with the Concert Band (was) extremely low,” Green noted. “No student willing to learn and participate in music class will be left behind on our adventures due to financial hardship.”
Without the support of the local community, educational, program-building experiences such as the Disneyland performance trip would not be financially feasible for many students’ families.
“Thank you to the Creswell community, the administration and teachers of the Creswell schools, and the families for their continued support of our student musicians as they take on these challenges,” said Creswell Music Boosters President Mandy Hoggard.
