ORLANDO, Fla. — Students from the Taylor High School band and color guard had a magical experience over spring break.
The group entertained thousands of people as they marched down Main Street, U.S.A. in Walt Disney World to the cheers and encouraging remarks from the crowd.
The band played an upbeat Disney medley consisting of “The Mickey Mouse March,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” The color guard performed in their bright pink music note uniforms with matching flags.
“Disney at Orlando was a once in a lifetime experience that I can only begin to try and put into words,” said Ebeny Cosme, senior drum major. “I felt so full of pride and joy that our small town was blessed with an opportunity as such. My friends and I were screaming and laughing as we approached the castle, feeling like little girls again. And, to later have marched down Main Street in front of it was euphoric."
Eighty-one THS students marched in the mile-long parade that twisted and turned through Adventureland, Liberty Square and Main Street, U.S.A. and ended right in front of the Cinderella Castle.
To perform in this parade, an application had to be submitted and approved by the Disney Imagination Campus staff months in advance. Videos, award recognitions, uniforms and flag types were also submitted for approval before being selected as meeting the Disney standard.
Four directors, David Motl, Jared Perry, Briana Perry and Marcie Svatek helped in this process and managed the students throughout the week.
Staff members said they are more than proud of the student’s performance, but even more so, of the kid’s behavior while traveling for six days together.
Organizers said everyone was exhausted, but the kids and adults supported each other to make this a fantastic trip for all involved.
The Duck Pack, the band and color guard booster organization, paid for the charter buses for the trip. The donations allowed for an overall lower cost per student and allowed many students an opportunity they would otherwise not have been able to afford.
“This trip is good for the kids in so many ways,” Motl said. “They have to be independent and responsible in order for it all to work. They get to be on their own for several days, maybe for the first time in their lives, which is a great step toward adulthood. And, of course, they are making memories for a lifetime. Historically, the band takes this trip every four years, and it’s a highlight of their high school experience.”
