Music ensembles go to Disneyland

All photos courtesy of Debbie Tobin.

From Jan. 27 to 30, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra and choirs went on their trip to California State University of Fresno and Disneyland to perform and further their musical knowledge. A total of around 200 students went on the trip. 

At Fresno State, the groups had clinics with music professors where they performed and received advice. 

“[The professors conducted] and taught a master class,” said director of bands Kevin Gallagher. “It [was] a real treat for our students to be able to work with those professors.”

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For the two days afterward, the music groups were busy in Disneyland, where each group created a custom Disney movie soundtrack in a workshop.

“[The students] performed at one of the stages in California Adventure, but the workshops are really what makes it a fun experience,” Gallagher said. “The students get an opportunity to work with a professional musician. They go into a recording studio and record real Disney music along with the actual movie that the music came from. We actually got a copy of that music and movie [synced together].”

This trip was an eagerly awaited treat for some students who have been anticipating a tour since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. 

“My freshman year was online,” said junior Alysia Evans Asano. “This year, it’s really special for us to go to SoCal. I’m really looking forward to playing with my band. We’ve had a lot of ups and downs, especially since Mr. Gallagher has been absent most of this year, so I’m looking forward to the band finally pulling it together.”

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For some students, this is a thrilling opportunity because of the unique environment it presents.

“[Before the trip], I [was] really excited,” said sophomore Maya Patnaik. “I really look[ed] forward to progression on [the songs we are learning] and seeing how playing in the environment turns out as [it is] really busy.” 

Going to Disneyland has always been an anticipated trip for the music department, and is traditionally held every five years. The music department returned from the trip on Jan. 30.