After months of preparation, the M-A Jazz and Concert Bands traveled to perform at Disneyland last weekend. The combined band entertained park visitors with musical sets at the Disney California Adventure Backlot Stage.
Before the trip, students spent dozens of hours practicing sightreading and perfecting eight distinct pieces, ranging from calm classical music to upbeat Latin jazz. Both bands arrived ready to show off their hard work.
After an eight-hour road trip to Los Angeles, students spent all of Friday exploring the Disneyland theme park and celebrating their accomplishments from a year of success. Band members enjoyed rides and spent time with friends, sharing both nervous and excited feelings leading up to the concert.
“I would say the trip was exciting,” freshman Jazz Band alto saxophonist Aviva Hornstein said. “It was fun when we all went on the rides and I hung out with my friends.” Hornstein’s favorite ride was the drop tower at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! in California Adventure.
The following day, band members enjoyed another half day in the theme park before changing into concert attire and preparing for their performance. Both bands made their way onstage at 7:30 p.m. The Concert Band began the show with “Habañera,” a Cuban contradanza by Georges Bizet. The Jazz Band continued the energy with “Perdido,” a classical swing jazz piece composed by Juan Tizol.
Alternating back and forth, the Concert Band and Jazz Band played a variety of different pieces. From songs like “King Dedede” by Jun Ishikawa, created for a hit Nintendo video game, to a jazzy tango called “Libertango” by Astor Piazzolla, M-A performers showcased their musical stylistic flexibility.
Although band students had to adapt to the high pressure of a short 30 minute performance time, the audience graciously clapped and cheered on the brave soloists and performers.
“There’s always some parts in some songs where I’m nervous,” senior Jazz Band guitarist Sebastian Nielsen said. “But everything was set up fine, at least in my section, so I wasn’t too nervous. It went well.”
The performance came to an end with “Bravito,” a catchy Latin rock song composed by Michele Fernández. After a night of spirit and focus, band members were able to re-enter the theme park one final time, enjoying the nighttime fireworks and a parade of Disney characters before the park closed.
To close out the entire experience on Sunday, both bands were invited to the Disney Imagination Campus to record their own reenvisioning of popular Disney theme music, in honor of the 70th anniversary of Disneyland. With the help of a music technician and band director, students experienced what it would be like to record music for Disney in real life. Band members were directed and taught using equipment like earpieces to gain a fully professional experience.
As Disney film clips, including the traditional Disney castle opening and the comic reel at the beginning of Marvel movies, played on a screen, band members saw their compositions paired with video like an actual soundtrack debut.
“I really enjoyed the soundtrack experience,” junior Concert Band trombonist William Degner said. “I learned a lot, and the finished result of our soundtrack was amazing.”
Students will remember exploring the park with friends and developing their musical talent at Disney for years to come. “I was really proud of the band. Honestly, it was cool to hear that we sounded pretty professional,” Nielsen said. “We ended up with something that sounded great, and it really fit the moment.”
*Lawrence Chao is a member of the M-A Jazz Band.
