By Steven Garcia
Staff writer

Preparations have geared up and arrangements are being made, as band readies for a trip to Orlando, Florida [in April] to perform in competitions. Although the trip is not until spring recess, preparations are being made by both staff and students.

Approximently 100 students in Band and Color Guard will be staying at Ramada hotel for the five day trip. The band will break up into many different groups forming the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Marching Band.

Each band will perform in at least one competition, and with good luck they will bring back an award. The Marching Band will also perform in parades at a couple of theme parks.

After their performances, the band will spend time exploring Florida’s many theme parks. “Our trip to Florida maybe the first trip in which many of the students can go out of state and share a good bonding experience,” said Band Director Phillip Wightman.

The band will be able to visit Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Disney MGM Studios and Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, or Disney Quest.

But all this fun and adventure comes at a cost of $760 per student. It is less expensive than the last trip the band took to Hawaii, however, which cost about $1,000 each. The price includes airfare, tickets to the theme parks and the hotel room.

The band has the opportunity to raise money for the trip with fundraisers every month through out the year. “We fundraise now so it pays off later, and we don’t have to deal with much money problems, but we need some donations so we can be prepared in case some students don’t have enough money,” said Wightman. As the trip draws closer, the students are getting more excited. “I hope we get to go to Disney World,” said Sophomore Anthony Peinado.

Overall, everyone’s spirit is high, and each student hopes there won’t be many bumps along the road that will jeopardize the trip.