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In this Article, Dani explained the details of the recent Disneyland band trip.
The big Band Trip
The big Band Trip
By: Dani Porterfield
By: Dani Porterfield
Grants Pass Marching Band and Color Guard had their big trip last month. Though the GP band already wears many medals, they still work extremely hard throughout the year to earn unique experiences; this year, they got the huge opportunity to march at Disneyland California. There is so much going on in this huge program and this Disney trip opportunity is a great example of how the Grants Pass band program is unique in so many ways through both the people involved and the experiences themselves.
This marching band and color guard has support, unlike many other programs. The Band Boosters, our community supporters, are key role models and, as stated by their own website, “Hard work and dedication definitely pays off with this group. Our students learn valuable life lessons… leadership, perseverance, respect, and most importantly how to be a great team.” The band parents of this program lead us into hard challenges and help keep us afloat. The blue support that radiates from this program is undeniably an accomplishment that many other programs do not get the opportunity to experience. The GPHS boosters are a huge reason why members of the band and guard program can travel as far as L.A.X.
Photo from: KEZI 9 News
Photo from: Discover Los Angeles
During the five-day trip, Grants Pass Band flew from the Portland airport all the way to Los Angeles, California. Then, they bussed almost two hours to Anaheim. GP then marched in their signature blue on Fri. Apr. 18, 2025, playing “Friend Like Me”, a famous soundtrack from the movie Aladdin, originally sung by Robin Williams. Lewis Norfleet, one of two band directors at GPHS arranges the version, while taking inspiration from “Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)” by Benny Goodman and other Jazz classics. After the eventful afternoon, for three days, the students were let loose in both the main park and California Adventure. They could make new memories and enjoy the days. As Elizabeth Nicoll, a clarinet in the Grants Pass Band explained, “Getting to go and have new experiences with all the people I love, and cherish in the band has really changed my life and just getting to relax and spend time with everyone has been amazing. The Disney trip has been probably one of my favorite parts of band.” This experience will last a lifetime.
Beyond the flashy costumes, competitions and the music, marching band is an experience, passion and a memory for the students who dedicate their time to it. The Grants Pass Band just made a memory for the future and a unique individual story to tell.
Sources
Sources
Interview with, Elizabeth Nicoll
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