Hewlett students take a musical trip to Disney World

The lights were almost as spectacular as the tens of thousands of faces that illuminated the crowded streets when the Hewlett High School Marching Band wound its way through the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. Flanked by nearly a dozen bejeweled floats and several other eager high school marching bands, the Hewlett students played a jazz version of the famous Mickey Mouse theme song in Disney's Electric Light Parade on March 30.

The marching band's participation in the spectacle marked the Hewlett High School Music Department's quadrennial trip to Disney World for Magic Music Days. For nearly four days from March 30 to April 1, Hewlett students and faculty enjoyed the benefits of being selected to perform through Disney’s Youth Programs.

After months of practice, the high school sent a marching band, choral group, and orchestral ensemble to Florida. Only a select group of high schools are chosen to participate in the Magic Music Days performances, and thanks to the stellar performance Hewlett students in the past, the high school was chosen this year.

The trip, was interspersed with music and fun, including the accommodations: an all-star music resort with a pool shaped like a piano and Mickey waffles for all every morning. It was made possible by the dedication of the music department staff, including Band Director James Dragovich, the district’s Director of Music Kevin Bayen, Music Department Secretary Dorothy Drysielski, Assistant Band Director Anthony Santanastaso, Choral Director Eric Williams, Orchestra Director Calum Pasqua and Carol O'Hara of the orchestra.

The students had the chance to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of cultures from Mexico City to Casablanca in Epcot. After a world tour, they celebrated with Mickey and Minnie in the parades that march through the Magic Kingdom thrice a day.

In Downtown Disney amidst giant Lego creations, the orchestral ensemble serenaded a packed lakeside auditorium with medleys of Lady Gaga songs, Pirates of the Caribbean music and other songs. The tunes of the ensemble, which was comprised of members of both the string and chamber orchestras, were broadcast throughout the park for all to hear.

Following the orchestra was the Choral Ensemble, which included members of the high school's three choruses, the Mixed Chorus, the Women's Chorus and the Chorale. The ensemble had arranged to perform a series of songs including music from the Wizard of Oz, and several foreign pieces, when a rainstorm unpredictably blew in and rained out the performance halfway through. All left slightly damp but still in good spirits.

The students ended their magical stay in Walt Disney World with a last day in Hollywood Studios, a "Fantasmic" ending if ever there was one.