For 83 Warrenton High School band members, a trip to Florida truly was magical and memorable.It was a whirlwind six days, as the crew loaded up two days after the release of school May 19, riding the charter bus straight through to Orlando.It was flair and festivities from the moment they arrived, culminating with a performance at Disney World. The band had been chosen to perform after applying nearly a year in advance.“If you qualify, they have what they call a behind the scenes program,” explained Band Director Tom Speers.Members of the WHS band were treated to special instruction from one of the premier music producers and composers. He taught them selections from the Disney hit “Tarzan,” which they practiced for around three hours before marching the park grounds and performing.“Magic Kingdom shut down the roads and we marched right in front of the castle,” said Speers. “It was surreal. You turn around and see the castle and all the kids, and it’s one of those things you will remember forever.”The band practiced to participate in a Disney parade prior to departure. Speers said the students became a part of the theme park and were a spectacle for families in attendance.“You become a part of the trip for all the people that are there,” said Speers. “You’re a part of their memory, and it’s a neat experience overall.”While the students performed, Disney recorded the memories and pieced them together, sending each student home with something to share with friends.“We ended up with a DVD with all the different sections and them playing with the ‘Tarzan’ music playing behind them,” said Speers. “That was pretty awesome.”Speers says the students stayed on the go, also visiting Epcot and Hollywood Studios and Kennedy Space Center. For many of the students, a trip to Coco Beach was the first time seeing the ocean.“It was an amazing experience for everyone involved,” said Speers.Entering his fourth year at Warrenton, Speers says he plans to apply for the band to perform at Disney again in four years. This year’s trip was over a year in the making, with numerous fundraisers and sponsorships.“It’s a huge undertaking, but it’s great for the kids to be able to experience that,” said Speers.

The Warrenton High School marching band performs at Disney World in Florida. Submitted photo.

The Warrenton High School marching band continues its march inside Disney World in Florida. Submitted photo.