Orlando Trip '05
March 17 through 25 the Altoona High School Band traveled to Orlando, Florida for a 6 day stay that included 3 performances - 1 marching performance at Universal Studios theme park, "Islands Of Adventure", and 2 performances at Walt Disney World Epcot Center - one marching performance and one workshop clinic. The workshop performance was run by Disney world class staff clinicians on a Disney sound stage, which produced a videotape in which the Altoona High School Band provided the soundtrack to a scene from a Disney animated film (The Little Mermaid). Comments from both Universal and Disney staff confirmed what we already knew: Altoona has a fabulous band.
Besides performing for the world in Orlando, the band had a lot of fun. The pictures below should give you a flavor of what we did and shared in Florida. Enjoy. We sure did.
- It all began with a bus ride.
- A very long bus ride.
- A very long and sleepy bus ride - right Presto?
- But we did stop from time to time, and the weather gradually got warmer.
- And nobody complained about the menu on the ride - buffet all the way.
- So when we arrived at Universal Studios Islands of adventure we were ready for some fun.
- And more than ready to get rid of our pasty white Wisconsin complexions.
- There were rides that required 3D glasses.
- And of course, the Hard Rock Cafe, Orlando.
- The band lined up for our first performance at Universal Studios, Florida.
- Marching on our way - past The Incredible Hulk roller coaster and Spiderman, the ride.
- And around the corner !
- The end of our first performance day - the band poses after the parade at Universal Studios Islands Of Adventure. Sure was warm !
- Next came Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom - a chance for the trip chaperones to pose.
- And of course our students needed to take advantage of that great photo op as well.
- Stephanie's photo op.
- And Kola was so happy, she nearly became airbourne!
- Mr. B thanks our host for inviting us to perform.
- At the end of the day we gather to watch the fireworks.
- Next day - Epcot center. Our busiest day in Florida, so we hurry through the gates to enjoy the park before we work.
- Mr. B hams it up in front of Mission Space.
- Chris is also captured (by surprise) at Mission Space.
- Our workshop that afternoon was unbelieveable - our clinician awesome!
- A 3 hour workshop flew by because it was . . . well, fun !
- We did work, though.
- Work, yes. But still fun.
- And what we learned about being a musician and what it takes to be a pro we won't soon forget.
- After the workshop, barely time to eat, get in uniform, and our Epcot performance began.
- Kari. To be a drum major you must be able to conduct and march backwards!
- Looking down "A" rank on our march.
- Another good photo at the front of the block.
- The Mighty Marching Rails passing by.
- While the drum line propels us along.
- Next day - MGM - and the daily check it at "the big hat".
- It was, without a doubt, our hottest day in Florida. Some of our students rest while waiting for their "allowance".
- But while we waited, Nicki thought it over with Mickey.
- And Kola met Mickey and Pluto.
- One of our favorite rides at MGM !
- Oh, and here's another one.
- Part of the closing ceremonies at MGM - Steamboat Willie steams by with a large cast of Disney characters.
- OK - finally the beach day. A little cooler than we wanted that day, but hey - we're at the beach in Tampa!
- Kyle says "no" to the paparazzi.
- Rebecca is happy to be on the beach and not in class.
- So is Tiffany.
- Mariah, one of our fabulous banner girls.
- Allison, our 2nd fabulous banner girl.
- The culmination of our Florida trip was an evening at Pirates dinner theatre - "Arrrrgghh"
- Once inside we had appetizers before dinner, and watched the entertainment - Hey ! Those are our guys!
- Once inside we are represented by the RED pirate.
- Sarin and Brittany get in to the show.
- Good vittels, too, mateys!
- The show was great.
- And when the show was over - BONUS ! - a chance to disco ! "Y - M - C - A" !
- One last picture. This from our hotel - Poolgames !
Pictures of the Orlando Band Trip `02 have been removed. If you are interested in obtaining any of these pictures, they have been stored and are available by request from Mr. Baldwin. Please use the email link found at the bottom of this page.