It’s been a series of unfortunate events for the 66 Hoquiam High School (HHS) students that comprise the group headed to California this weekend.
The ensemble, which includes members of band, choir, cheer, and color guard, auditioned in fall 2021 and went through a rigorous screening process to be selected to perform at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on April 5. HHS has always been selected for the performance when they audition, but last year’s trip was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Excited to finally make the trip, HHS Director of Band and Choir Susan Peters has been working diligently to prepare the ensemble for their upcoming performances and excursions. On Tuesday, March 29, however, she was informed that their flights had been canceled — just four days before their trip.
The students will now travel down to Orange County on four different flights, but nothing will stop them from performing on Main Street, USA at Disneyland Park.
“The pandemic made us realize that we took so many things for granted, and now we get to do this really amazing trip, so we’re very grateful,” said drum major and HHS senior Minh Thi Butler.
And an amazing trip it is. In addition to their performance at Disneyland, the HHS musicians will also perform at the largest veterans retirement home in California on April 3 and at Knott’s Berry Farm on April 7. They will play a variety of pep music at both performances, as well as the national anthem at the veterans retirement home.
They will also be immersed in the magic of Disney films themselves through a soundtrack clinic. Both the band and the choir will be brought backstage to record their own rendition of classic Disney movie scores. Their recordings will then be dubbed over the original film for them to watch their work come together on the big screen.
A tour of Universal Studios, attending a performance of the L.A. Philharmonic, and participating in a music clinic with feedback from professors at California State University Long Beach are also on the itinerary for the six-day spring break trip.
Despite the fairy-tale magic of the week, the experience is bittersweet for HHS seniors, many of whom will be leaving music behind as they begin the next stage of their life.
“It’s kind of sad because band has been my entire life for seven years, so it feels really special to go on this trip as seniors,” said drum major Mikaela Murphy, who dreams of attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. “It’s sad because we were supposed to go on this trip last year, but then it got postponed because of the pandemic, but going now makes it all worth it.”
The students have been preparing for their performances since last year, when they began practicing “Happy” by Pharrell Williams in band camp. Just a few months ago, they added “Get Ready For This” by 2 Unlimited to their repertoire for their parade performance.
According to Murphy, the ensemble has been conducting marching practices for about a month. The skill needs just a mere dusting off though, as the band often marches for halftime shows at HHS football games and other community performances.
On Wednesday, March 30 the group made their final march through the Hoquiam neighborhood, practicing for their upcoming trip. Community members often walk alongside the ensemble as they make their trek through the streets.
“It’s an amazing experience to have the community follow us and cheer us on,” said senior Breden Salisbury.
Over the past five years, HHS has raised $140,000 in funds to support the trip. All students who wish to attend will be able to, regardless of financial need, according to Peters.
“We are so excited to be able to represent our school and community on April 5th, as we proudly march through downtown Disneyland! It’s such an honor to carry on this Hoquiam tradition that has been going on every four to five years for the past 20 years,” she said.
