Tuesday, September 29, 2009

JIMINY CRICKET...IT'S OFFICIAL!


The Burlington High School Marching Band has been formally invited to perform at Walt DisneyWorld in April of 2010! Officials at Disney Magic Music Days sent Matt Lovell the following communique:

"Disney Magic Music Days congratulates Burlington High School “Red Devil” Marching Band on being selected to be part of the entertainment at the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort!"

This is the sixth time Mr. Lovell has taken his group to DisneyWorld. Although the trips seem to take place every three years, he is particular about the groups that represent BHS and will only take those that comply with the high standards for which we are known. In the mandatory meeting held at the beginning of the school year, Mr. Lovell assured parents that he is confident this group will be on their best behavior, confirming to all the world (after all, every continent is represented as visitors to DisneyWorld) that the students from Burlington, Massachusetts are the best bunch of kids around!

Even though the students will be the performers, a trip of this magnitude could not be made without parental support. Parent volunteers from the Music Boosters Association have begun the tedious process of organizing fundraising opportunities and tracking the students' trip accounts. As in previous years, they will assist in tackling the logistical headache of packing instruments, uniforms and equipment just prior to the band’s departure. And several lucky ones will have the honor of chaperoning! This year's trip will differ from those of previous years in that BHS has contracted with All Seasons Travel to handle all travel and housing arrangements.

The hard work has just begun. Although the Marching Band has been rehearsing for and performing at the football half-time shows, serious practice for their performance at DisneyWorld will not begin until mid-winter. Given New England weather during that time of year, the students will initially find themselves practicing their marching routines inside the high school.

For some students, traveling to Orlando may be their first trip far away from Burlington and perhaps their first ride on a plane. For all students, however, marching at Walt DisneyWorld is yet another opportunity to practice the level of teamwork and professionalism they achieve throughout the football marching season. Our students will not just be representing themselves as they step onto the pavement at the DisneyWorld but will be ambassadors of music from their hometown of Burlington, Massachusetts, viewed and listened to by people of every generation and culture from across the world.

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