This winter, the Lake Park Band went on a trip to California lasting from February 25 to March 1. The band was made up of students from all grade levels and from all 3 bands, and some students also performed in the Lake Park Jazz Ensemble. The band had a packed schedule filled with major attractions such as Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and two theme parks, Disneyland California and Universal Studios Hollywood, where the band played in. The Concert Band played at the California Adventure area of Disneyland, while the Jazz Band played at the Universal CityWalk. In addition to those performances, the band had a clinic at UCLA with Director of Bands Travis Cross. The clinic helped the band grow as both an ensemble and as individual players.
There were many highlights of the trip, especially the theme parks. Nina Hoyle (LP ‘28) noted “My favorite part was wandering around disney… it was fun to get to explore a place that reminds me of my childhood”. The students who went on the trip learned plenty of useful things unrelated to music as well. “I learned a lot about traveling, as I haven’t done much before” sophomore Alexis Bidwell stated; “I also learned about managing my time at the theme parks”.The band created many unforgettable memories and experiences with each other, from silly moments with friends to amazing experiences, like the performance by the Count Basie Jazz Band that the band saw.
The trip was a great experience for the band, balancing fun activities with great playing experiences and knowledge, all while being surrounded by friends. “I would definitely recommend similar trips!” Alexis exclaimed; “it’s so fun to perform for the public… and I made so many new memories with my friends.”
