“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.” – Walt Disney. The land of dreams, happiness, and hope, Disney World is the place where anyone can be anything and visit the most magical place on Earth. Anyone can remember being a little kid and dreaming of the day they get to see the most famous characters, ride the huge roller coasters, and see the dazzling fireworks show at the end of the long day. Whether visitors made it to Orlando to experience it or not, the magic of Disney World continues to inspire many children, even if they did not get to zip down Splash Mountain.
For many, Disney World is stereotyped as something childish, not for the older audience, but to be honest, who does not love a roller coaster with a side of some fun characters and memorable moments? For the Lewis Cass Music Department, students are packing their bags and getting ready to head south to experience the most magical place on Earth. From March 13 through March 18, 2026, students from the choir and band departments will see what so many dream of experiencing. Not only do they get to see the wonders of Disney, ride endless amusement rides, and eat all of the junk food, but they also get to sing and perform in a huge Disney parade. Being from such a small, rural school and traveling from so far away to display the talents Lewis Cass holds is truly an honor for many.
Choir director Abby Guy has been working hard day to day, ensuring students have the financial assistance they need, the plans for each day, and, most importantly, making sure students are ready to sing their beautiful songs for the people at Disney Springs. There are plenty of assets that contribute to planning a trip for not only herself, but twenty students traveling along with her, just in the choir department. On the bright side, most of the stressful parts have blown over as the date of departure slowly creeps up on the optimistic students. Guy was asked what she is most looking forward to at Disney. She said, “I am REALLY excited for our students to have the opportunity to perform at Disney! This feels like a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity, and I think the ambience of our performance will be really special. I am also looking forward to the fun side of the trip – the rides, the food, the laughing, and the memories!” Planning a trip for twenty students while also trying to manage the stress of fundraising and assisting as many students as she can really makes many question why the music department would take such a trip. Guy said, “I am thankful that Mr. Hinshaw included us on this trip and gave this opportunity to the entire high school Music Department!”
On the band side, director Alan Hinshaw has been readying his students for the long morning they will have in the Disney Park. Hinshaw said, “The band will be playing the song ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams. The pep band has played this song for basketball games. A slightly altered version will be played for the parade at the Magic Kingdom. Later this month, the color guard will learn the flag choreography, and the band will practice the song while marching. The band and choir will be in the Magic Kingdom parade on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 9:25 am.” The choir will also be featured in the parade to help the band and show the unity of the Lewis Cass Music Department. The music directors in both band and choir departments have been putting loads of thought into this trip, as the previous plans fell through. The initial plans for both departments were to travel to Ireland and perform in a big music festival, but due to a lack of funding and timing, those plans fell through. Hinshaw said, “The band and choir programs are always searching for trips and experiences that will lead to great musical memories. Having been to Disney with the band two previous times, I know this trip will be full of memories the students won’t soon forget.”
There are a variety of students taking the eighteen-hour drive to the land of magic. Around 40 students and chaperones will be attending the trip from grades 9-12 were able to attend the trip. Maria Soto-Juniper and Braylee Pierce are two seniors attending the trip this spring. The choir will perform for 15-20 minutes on a stage in Disney Springs and has been preparing a series of medleys and individual songs. Maria said, “My favorite song that we have been working on for Disney is our Hamilton medley.” The Hamilton Medley is a five-minute piece showcasing different songs from Hamilton. Maria was also asked what she is doing to prepare for the trip. She said, “ I am working outside of school to help afford the trip, and I am listening to the tracks of our songs outside of class to prepare for the trip.” Band senior, Braylee Pierce, has been on many band trips throughout her high school career. When asked what her favorite trip was, she said, “My favorite trip for band is probably the trips we take to state each year! The Indy 500 Parade was another fun event for me!” The band will be working more towards material for the parade, to ready themselves for the upcoming trip. The optimistic students are ready for an amazing week. Braylee said, “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to spend time with my friends not only by making music and marching but also by going around the amusement park! I’ve never been to Disney World, so there are many different things I can’t wait to do and see. I’m most excited to be able to do it with my best friends. ”
Whether students attending have been to Disney or not, the hopes are high for the trip, and students in both music departments continue to work on the material for the trip. With less than three weeks remaining before their departure, the band and choir students and directors are pushing themselves to entertain and amuse others to the best of their abilities. The weather is looking good in Orlando, and a group of talented students will be making their way south to do what they love most: music.
