About 70 students from the Crescenta Valley High School Instrumental Music Dept. took full advantage of spring break by flying to Orlando, Florida.

Staying at a Disney World resort, they enjoyed a busy week of activity beginning with a visit to the Magic Kingdom where fireworks and animation lit up the Cinderella Castle at night. Then it was off to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which allowed the students to board the Hogwarts Express steam locomotive (just like in the movies) and connect back-and-forth from Diagon Alley at one park to the Hogwarts Castle.

A highlight of the week was when the concert band, string orchestra and jazz band performed in the prestigious Festival Disney, a competitive music festival attended by high school music programs from across the nation. After each performance, a judge met the groups on stage and provided a clinic that highlighted ways to vary interpretation of the music played.

Later, the students enjoyed Epcot Theme Park, the visionary side of Disney World. It was there that many of the students thought as the highlight of the trip, walking through and tasting the cuisine of 11 countries throughout the Epcot World Showcase.

All of the “Star Wars” fans enjoyed Disney’s Hollywood Studios where there was something for everyone – from the Tower of Terror that still stands to Toy Story Land, which recently opened. Many of these fine musicians, including Instrumental Music Director Mathew Schick, rocked on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.

As the week drew to a close, students had the chance to ride one of the largest inland wave pools in the world before dancing and celebrating at the beach party Disney Festival Awards ceremony at Typhoon Lagoon. Mickey Mouse himself was on hand giving Mr. Schick a hug, offering congratulations and taking pictures with the CVHS music students who won the Landlubber Scavenger Hunt.

Too soon, the students boarded their flight home after enjoying breakfast at Disney Springs – Florida’s larger version of Downtown Disney – taking with them the joy and memories that will last a lifetime.