Blue Devil Band Marches in
Disney World
A trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida proved to be memorable for the Huntington High School Blue Devil marching band. The teenagers spent their mid-winter recess refining their musical and performance skills and marching down Main Street USA, to the complete enjoyment of those lining the thoroughfare.
“The trip was a phenomenal success,” said Jason Giachetti, the co-director of the Blue Devil marching band. “The kids were extremely professional. Each day was filled with activities, including time in the parks and evening entertainment.”
The band marched in its own parade on Thursday morning, streaming along the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street while performing You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi. “This was the highlight of the trip,” Mr. Giachetti said. “The band marched up Main Street, past the Castle and passed by thousands of cheering spectators including many alumni.”
Another interesting part of the trip came when the teenagers participated in a 2 ½ hour workshop that allowed them to perform as if they were actual Disney musicians playing a soundtrack for a Disney movie in a real recording studio environment. Members of the Blue Devil color guard enjoyed learning a dance routine during a specialized 2 ½ hour workshop session that included a mock Disney audition.
“I had a great time on the trip to Disney World,” senior Cynthia Gowani said. “As we were marching in front of Cinderella’s castle and entertaining an international audience, I couldn’t help but think what an amazing opportunity the Huntington Blue Devil marching band was given.”
The trip stretched from Monday morning to late Friday night. Students returned to Huntington feeling more than satisfied. In addition to the Disney workshops “You’re Instrumental” and “Auxiliration” and marching in a parade, the group was able to explore all that the complex had to offer, including Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.
While on the trip, Huntington juniors Kayla Eidle and Olivia Liepa had an opportunity to audition for American Idol. “The girls were both great,” said school nurse Martha Ironman, who was one of the trip’s chaperones. “They did not make it, but wow!”
The Huntington contingent took in several evening shows, including Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot and Celebrate the Magic!, Wishes Nighttime Spectacular! and Main Street Electrical Parade in Magic Kingdom.
Mr. Giachetti offered his thanks to parent Dee Antonucci, the Band Parents’ Association president who helped plan the trip and to music department colleague Jessican Castaneda, who acted as “my co-pilot on this trip.” Chaperones included color guard instructor Jessica Torres, brass instructor Dan DeOliviera, drumline instructor Mike Alfieri, parents Mark Dara, Lisa Baker and Barbara Yannuck and Mrs. Ironman.
The contingent of 85 band members and 10 adult chaperones flew on Southwest Airlines out of McArthur Airport and stayed at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort.
“The band did an amazing job,” Mr. Giachetti said. “I am so proud of them as musicians and as people. They were incredibly responsible and professional throughout.”
“I would say that this Disney trip was a huge success,” Mrs. Ironman said. “Of the 85 students who went, there were three students who had never flown and several who had never been to Disney. They had a great time visiting all of the attractions! It was a real proud moment to see the band marching right in front of Cinderella’s Castle! The band looked great and made so many people stop and look at them in admiration!”