photo credit: Courtesy Photo

Keep in line \\ Trying to stay in their parade block formation, the Pride of the East marches down Main Street USA during their Disney trip over Spring Break. Their parade sequence music included the school Fight Song, On The Floor, a drum cadence, and the closer to their 2021 marching show, “Efflorescence.” Each musician became a Disney employee for the day and got to experience how all the magic happens.

Marching through Main Street USA

Band takes a trip to Disney World, Orlando

writer: Morgan Clark, Staff Reporter

April 18, 2022

After a very long bus ride all the way to Florida, the Pride of the East got the chance to march in Disney’s 50th anniversary parade March 5. They visited Universal Studios for two of the days, Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

This is a trip the band goes on every four years, so everyone in the program has a chance to experience the most magical place on Earth.

“My favorite part about the trip was hanging out with my friends because it gave us the opportunity to grow closer and connect in a public setting,” junior Mason Unger said.

Band members experienced what happens behind the scenes before the parade because they had become a part of Disney’s staff. They warmed up and received instructions from a Disney employee before putting on their full uniform to show off the Pride of the East logo. After the parade, they received a Mickey-shaped trophy that is now on display in the band hall.

“I liked Universal more than Disney because we had more time to do stuff and the rides were more fun,” Unger said.

The jazz band also performed on the last day of the trip while in Universal Studios. With the support from their fellow band members, a crowd filled the pavilion to watch them perform under the direction of Adam Basset.

“My favorite park was Magic Kingdom because we got to march down Main Street and I got to spend a lot of time with my friends,” junior Zach Ford said.

Students were in groups of their choosing and got were free to explore the parks with their chaperone every day. From riding all the rides, to traveling around the world at Epcot, to eating endless concession foods and sweets, to taking hundreds of pictures at every display, students had their favorite attractions.

“My favorite ride at Universal was the Velocicoaster because I like fast paced and intense roller coasters,” Ford said.

The band’s parade sequence included the school Fight Song, On The Floor, a drum cadence, and the closer to their 2021 marching show, “Efflorescence.” They marched from Frontierland all the way through Main Street USA.

“Marching through the parade was an amazing experience, to see people we didn’t know watching us and actually enjoying us was really cool,” senior Gabe Rodriguez said.

The band left the Wednesday of the week before spring break and got back on the Tuesday of spring break.