The Weehawken High School Marching Band recently took a magical adventure to perform as part of Walt Disney World’s “Magic Music Days,” in Orlando, Fla.
Selecting marching bands from all over the country, “Magic Music Days” gives students a chance to perform in front of thousands of spectators, sometimes right on Main Street U.S.A. at Disney World.
The trip took place the first week of April.
“I was right in the very front, so it was an amazing experience for me,” said 12th grader Stephanie Agudelo. “When I was marching, I was just thinking this is one of the best moments of my high school career, and to just enjoy it and do my best.”
In all, 56 students paid the $495 ticket, which covered admission into the park, bus transportation to Florida, lodging, and more.
“The kids worked hard to get to this level.” – Steve Spinosa
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“It’s good to know that the community is behind these kids,” said Assistant Principal and Band Director Steven Spinosa.
Some donations were provided in part by the Board of Education, the mayor and the Township Council, the superintendent of schools, and others.
Thrill of the ride
Sophomore English teacher and color guard instructor Michele Giorgio said many of the kids had never been to the theme park before.
“It was a big deal. Usually I have to remind my girls to smile, but they were beaming from ear to ear,” she said.
For Spinosa, who has directed the marching band since it began 25 years ago, the trip was an emotional experience. “This is my last year as director, so it was very fulfilling to see what the kids accomplished,” he said.
Over the past 15 years, Weehawken attended the biannual event seven times, only missing it once – but they were never accepted before to play on Main Street U.S.A.
“[The success] really comes down to these kids,” Spinosa said. “You know how a state championship team just knows they have a really special group of kids? That’s how I feel about these kids.”
Twelfth grader Josh Duncan joked that his favorite part of the trip was making “Mr. Spin” cry, while Stephanie Agudelo said, “Seeing how proud Mr. Spinosa was of all us was really special.”
Spinosa’s defense: “I think a little sunscreen got in my eye.”
Work hard, play even harder
Although Weehawken wasn’t one of the biggest bands at the parade, they might have been one of the best prepared. The students practiced during two-hour sessions three times a week in the fall and once a week in the spring to get ready.
They started learning their song, the theme from the movie the “Pirates of the Caribbean,” back in November.
But it wasn’t all work and no play. The four-day trip included the parade at Disney, another performance at Universal Studios, and two off days for the kids to enjoy at the parks.
“The kids worked hard to get to this level,” said Spinosa, who chaperoned the trip with six volunteers. “It’s really worthwhile for the kids.”
Spinosa said the kids were well behaved on the trip, even during the 24-hour bus ride from Weehawken to Orlando.
“We weren’t too bored. We had movies and it gave the kids time to bond,” he said.
The students said that being at the park was well worth the trip.
Stephanie Agudelo said, “I love waiting on the lines to the rides and eventually getting on. The suspense kills me.”
Sean Allocca can be reached at editorial@hudsonreporter.com