After months of practice and hard work, Hinsdale South’s band has finally taken their trip to Disney. What seemed like a fun trip was actually something the group had been preparing for since August, with constant rehearsals focused on music, marching, and posture.

“We’ve had a lot of rehearsal and learned how to march, hold our instruments, and keep good posture,” freshman Anya Linson said. “I love Disney, and the fact that we get to be part of it is a really magical and cool experience.”

Linson emphasized how the group spent months building the skills needed for the trip, which paid off once the group arrived. The band was able to perform confidently in a high-energy and public setting. For Linson, performing at a place she already loves made the experience even better.

While the performance itself was exciting, students also had to adapt quickly to new challenges. Freshman Nayeli Ovalle said the hardest part was “definitely memorizing the music.”

 During one session on the trip they were taught by their director, Mr. Goeke, to quickly learn and solidify their parts. The group had to learn three songs in only two hours. 

“That’s pretty fast, so whatever he said must’ve worked,” Ovalle said. 

Even with the pressure, the experience had a lasting impact on the students. Performing at Disney isn’t something most bands get to do, so it gave them a new perspective. 

“The fact that some little kid might remember our band as part of their Disney trip is so wholesome,” Ovalle added.

Overall, the trip was a mix of hard work and fun, and it’s something the band won’t forget anytime soon.