Orlando trip offers new experience for students
On Wednesday, March 23, 136 students, 4 directors, 4 chaperones, and 8 bus driver went on four coach buses to take an almost 27 hour drive through the night to Orlando, Florida. These students were Medford Area Senior High School Choir and Band kids. Taking four years to fundraise enough money for the trip. Cassandra Jablonsky and Brooke Zdun direct the MASH Choirs. Trevor Kent and Kendra Junk direct the MASH Bands.
MASH students have a large trip every four years to give the students a chance to see and explore places outside of Medford. This gives students the opportunity to gain new experiences and grow as young adults.
The trip was partially funded by the Band and Choir fundraisings efforts over the past few years and partially funded by each student/family.
According to Trevor Kent, the purpose for this trip was that the music department believed that it was important for students to have the opportunity to be able to perform at unique locations that they wouldn’t normally be able to do on their own. Many of the students have never been to Florida, or even outside of Wisconsin. Trevor believes that having this trip allows students to widen their worldviews, experience new places, perform at a big venue, and have a good time.
After the long drive to Orlando, students stayed and prepared for their upcoming performances at a hotel. They spent a total of three full days in Orlando. On their first day they had their performances on March 25. The Choir students sang at the Disney Spring’s performance stage at 12:30 p.m. The Band students marched in Disney’s Magic Kingdom at 6 p.m.
On their second day they spent the whole time at Universal Studios where some students bought a wand from the Harry Potter series, as well as other merchandise. On the third and final day, they spent half their day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the other half at Cocoa Beach.
During their free time they had the chance to explore Disney World and Universal Studios riding the various rides. Many students spent most of their money at gift shops and food.
Kendra Junk said she thinks what students will take most from the trip is the experiences gained with their friends as well as the ability to perform in Disney. There is a tough application process and not all groups that apply are able to perform in Disney.
Trevor believes what students will take most from the trip is the feeling of performing at such a big location such as Disney, and the feeling of accomplishment at a job well done. Many music students don’t get to perform at a place like Disney. Trevor also thinks that the students will remember the enjoyment of being able to experience all of the parks. Many of them were amazed at how big these places really were, and how many people there were compared to their hometown. Trevor states that he knows most of the students enjoyed the beach; spending the last hours in Florida on the warm sands and cool ocean water, especially for those who have never seen the ocean before. Many of the students wished they could have stayed there for much longer.
