The SHS band, the orchestra and Music in Motion are traveling to Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. to perform. They will be away from March 18-21.
The band, orchestra and MIM had a tradition of visiting Orlando every four years until 2020 when they were unable to attend because of the Covid-19 pandemic. 2026 will be their first year performing there in over eight years.
SHS Vocal Music Director Gary Lewis has been in charge of organizing this trip and planning it for over a year.
“Orlando is a great destination because our marching band can perform inside,” Lewis said. ”This year it is [located at] Universal Studios. We think that our students would find Universal more appealing than Disney.”
The orchestra, jazz band, dance team and Music in Motion show choir will be performing at Universal City Walk. This venue is not inside a paid area of the Universal Studios resort, parents can attend these performances for free.
The orchestra is performing fiddle tunes. The jazz bands are performing songs from previous and upcoming concerts. The dance team and show choir are performing their competition shows.
The marching band is performing inside Universal Studios. They will march through the park, playing songs from the football season.
Orchestra and Music in Motion will perform on Friday, and the marching band will march on Saturday. Sophomore band member Anaka Brown is looking forward to performing at Universal Studios.
“I’m super excited,” Brown said. “I am happy that I get to travel and perform with my friends in Universal of all places.”
Senior Lilah Anders, a member of MIM, said all the students will share hotel rooms that accommodate up to six people.
“My friends and I have already figured out our room,” Anders said. “It’s six people to a room. I get to spend the hotel rooms with five of my friends instead of three like our other MIM competitions.”
Students will get the opportunity to enjoy all Universal theme parks throughout their stay in Orlando.
Lewis said the trip to Orlando will be an amazing opportunity and experience for the students.
“[Band and MIM] will get this amazing opportunity,” Lewis said. “As an educator, as a parent [and] as a former student traveler those experiences are really core memories for a young person.”
