For the second time in recent history, the Milton-Union High School band and choir attended clinics with Walt Disney World Musicians. On December 7, 32 students, as well as teachers and parents, traveled by bus overnight to Orlando, Florida. The group attended all four Disney parks during their three-night stay. Mr. Zach Roberts, MU middle and high school band director of 10 years, led the expedition from West Milton to Walt Disney World. The choir made the journey as well, along with director Mrs. Smith. For the past three years, she has conducted Milton-Union’s middle and high school choirs. The band and choir each did separate clinic sessions. 

Mr. Roberts explained the process. “In these ‘Soundtrack Sessions,’ students rehearsed music from Disney movies with world-class conductors. They then recorded their performance and their music was played back for them along with the movie. This experience is offered to high school students every four years.” 

Freshman show choir member, Colin Hinkleman, came home with a new excitement from the experience. “The trip was really fun. I got to do everything with friends, making it even better than it would have been. The workshop I went to was really cool and all the people who worked with us were nice. I learned a lot about breathing techniques and many ways to sing better. We not only did that but we also got to sing a few songs and sound effects from a ‘Frozen’ medley. I was lucky enough to be picked by our workshop leader to do a solo and it was overall a fun learning experience. To sum up my trip, it was really fun with many rides and some learning in between.”

Jack Everage, freshman trumpet player, loved everything about the trip. “It was cool to hang out with my friends halfway across the country.” His mother Lauren was one of the parents who chaperoned for the long weekend. She expressed how wonderful it was to get a chance to know the other kids, exclaiming that they are all a really great group! 

Saxophonist, Lilly Prichard, is a sophomore at Milton-Union High School. “The trip was very exhilarating! Many memories were made. The workshop, where we played, was the best part of the whole trip!”

Mr. Roberts, who has now attended this workshop for the second time with Milton-Union schools, was grateful for the opportunity. “Music is universal. It is so important for students to have musical experiences outside of their small town. It is a real privilege to get to work with not only a world-class conductor but in a world-class recording studio, performing music known around the world. And it’s more than just the performing. It’s learning how to travel, interact on a professional level, and all of the life skills that go with it. This is a major musical milestone for these students.” 

Each student was responsible for their expenses and all accommodations. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the music students to make memories as they grow in their area of interest. Bringing the new skill sets back to West Milton to share with the community is a gift. When you attend a game, concert, or special occasion where the band and choir perform, know that sacrifices and hard work have been invested into each note you hear and feel.