I was waiting to go on a trip for most of High School to one of the happiest places in the world, Disney. The excitement grew as the days that approached spring break and the upcoming adventure neared. When the day finally came we were ecstatic. Everyone going, band members, choir students, teachers from each department, and parent chaperones, came to the school early to get onto their bus that would depart for the airport. Although the buses had to come in trips because there were so many students, we ended up dividing and conquering.
The trip population was divided into three different groups that would arrive in Disney at different times. I was one of the lucky few to be the first off, and let me tell you waking up at 4:30 was not my idea of fun, but it was worth it because I got to be in Florida for three extra hours. Once everyone had made the grueling two hour flight, and I mean grueling for the other passengers surrounded by teenagers.
We were finally in Disney. We enjoyed rides in the different amusement parks and we got to meet Mickey. Needless to say we felt like kids again. But going to Disney wasn’t all fun and games. We got to perform in Epcot, in front of a large audience. I was so blessed to be in both band and choir for this trip. I got to perform with both groups and experience what it would be like to be a professional musician. An awe inspiring occurrence that few people get to experience; I fear that if music continues to get pulled out of schools that fewer students will get this opportunity. After the exhilarating performance the day got better, which I didn’t think could’ve happened.
We went to a work shop. Sadly I had to pick which work shop I wanted to go to, I decided to travel with the band and I’m glad I did. After we got situated with our instruments a professional Disney musician came and talked with us. He explained what it took to be a professional and I could see the joy on his face while he talked about music. He was the reason I decided to major in the fine arts, but future decisions aside. The musician directed us in a few of the Disney classics; It’s a Small World, and Mickey Mouse’s March just to name a few.
Then to top the day off we got to play the music to Aladdin and our soundtrack was looped into the motion picture. Not only did I get to see the joy music could give as a career but I got to witness what it would be like to work as a musician in Disney. I learned so much as the week came to a close. I discovered the importance of music, I learned about different cultures while in Epcot, and I learned that the motto of Disney holds true; “All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them.”
That one trip that lasted 7 days, 168 glorious hours, and10, 080 wondrous seconds changed my life. As I packed my bag to return home to Chicago I was heartbroken to think that my happily ever after might be left behind within the gates of Disney. Reluctantly I boarded the plane and my fears were thrown away. Once we took off every teenager’s hand lifted up like we were at the start of an awesome ride .We had started the ride of life with new found purpose.
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