On Wednesday, March 18, the band and choir students at the Corry High School departed for Disney World at Orlando, Florida. They left to participate in a workshop with Disney employees and directors; to sing and choreograph a dance and primarily learn tons about the field of performing arts. Let’s hear what some people who went on the trip have to say; information about it and about the fun they had.

I had the privilege to talk to Ava Wetherbee, a senior choir member, first, and she explained the workshop for me. She said that prior to leaving they had to learn the song “Arabian Nights” from the Aladdin Broadway show. When they arrived at Disney, they went to a room and met a cast member from the finding Nemo short story. They did warm-ups and icebreakers prior to learning and workshopping this “very dance heavy song.” Ava closed her statement by saying, “We stage the song, go over it with the music, and we get to know this performer. It’s a two and a half hour workshop and it is a great time.”

Outside of this workshop, they got to spend the rest of their time having fun at the park.

Joseph Johnston, a senior band and choir member, added by talking about the enjoyability in bonding as friends during the trip. He stated, “Disney World is fun and all, but being able to experience it with your freinds and peers is life changing. We all bonded with each other in an amazing way and will always look back on the wonderful memories we made.”

I also spoke to McKenzie Fraelick, who went for the first time this year compared to the seniors’ second time. She said that the trip was very fun but also very tiring because a lot of people got sick. She talked about how fun the workshop was amazing. The cast member had invited the group to see the show he was playing at and Kenzie noted how amazing of an experience that was. She also spoke of how much she grew with people she didn’t know and how grateful she is for that.

And then, I spoke with the choir teacher, Ms. Smrcka. She said that this Florida trip is always great. They keep the kids busy, and it is the type of vacation when you need a vacation right after. But she is amazingly proud of the kids and had nothing but praise for them. She said that they worked hard, stayed focused, and they had grown so much in respect for the craft of music.

This trip happens once every three years, so what’s next for this amazing group of choir students?

Well, I also spoke to Clara Harrington, who is headed to states this year. She is immensely encouraged by her recent performance and how well she can do, and I can only agree. She said that, following states, she believes she has a good chance of making it to all East next year, which is only one step down from nationals.  She shared her story to get here with me, saying truly how exhausting it was and how much time she spent to get to where she is. Also, she said that even though it takes a while, it is so worth it.