Day 3 is in the books and it was a fantastic day.  It began with the students heading to the “Disney Event Group” production facility where they spent 2 1/2 hours working with a clinician. During this time with the clinician they worked on their sight reading skills and how to record music that they have learned.  That music was then overlaid to the movie that the song was from.  So they were able to see the process from beginning to end.  I talked with a few of the students about what was the best thing they enjoyed and learned this morning.  One answer was that she realized how much you have to concentrate when you’re sight reading new music.  Another student talked about how it was fun to watch the whole process from beginning to end and to see the finished product.  Another was just how much fun all of it was and to be a part of something so incredible.  They all agreed that their favorite song they learned was “Go the Distance” from  Hercules.  Some of the other songs they worked on were “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas, and the “Imperial March” from Star Wars.    This was an experience that will stay with all of the music students for a lifetime and skills that they will continue to use in the music program as they learn new songs.  A special thank you to Disney for offering such an inspirational program to these young musicians.

After they were finished with their “You’re Instrumental” program, they headed off to EPCOT.  Once they arrived they scattered in multiple directions to either eat (most kids were starving and so were the chaperones) or to do the rides.  Without describing how many possible choices of dining options they had, it is safe to say that with 11 countries offering multiple choices, there was something for everyone.  After eating lunch at Germany, brats and pretzels, this group went on the the American Adventure where they listened to the Voices of Liberty.  This is an acapella group that sings a variety of nostalgic American songs along with patriotic songs that often bring more than a few tears to more than one person.  This group is an experience you shouldn’t miss while visiting EPCOT.

After enjoying the music at the American Adventure they headed off to Morocco where some very close friends all had matching henna tattoos done.  What an fun way to remember the time you had making memories with your friends.

Then it was back to Future World to enjoy some more rides.  Adventure was had by many as they experienced Test Track and Mission Space before heading back to World Showcase to find some dinner.  There is so much to do at each of these theme parks it is amazing to me how they fit so much into such a short time.  I’m so happy they were able to visit some of the 11 countries as well as riding some of the adventurous rides that EPCOT has to offer.

The final fun thing for the evening was enjoying the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks show.  This awe inspiring show combines a series of fireworks and lasers with a rotating globe in the middle of the World Showcase lagoon.  There are barges specifically located in the lagoon that shoot off fireworks and as the Earth globe opens up during the show, fire explodes out to light up the sky.  All of these pyrotechnics are synchronized to music that bring this show to life.  I’m sure as a group of musical students for many this was a show that they will never forget.  It was hard for some of these students to put into words how spectacular their day had been except to say they loved it and had an amazing day.  I guess for teenagers this would be considered success!!

Thank you again to Kylee for all of her amazing pictures that she took throughout her day to share with you on how a teenager sees Disney.  Sure sounds like it was another magical day spent with friends.

To Infinity and Beyond – Traci