On Wednesday, March 29, Seventy-Seven (77) Central High School band students and 8 chaperones (including Band Director Adam Halpus) made their way to Florida for the bi-yearly band trip to play at Disney Springs.
Upon arrival in "the sunshine state" students and chaperones loaded the bus and headed to Cocoa Beach for a leisurely afternoon spent swimming in the ocean, absorbing some much-needed vitamin D, and shopping at Ron Jon Surf Shop. After checking into the Wyndham Celebrations Hotel, students turned in for the night preparing for the busy days ahead.
On Thursday the students and chaperones spent the day at Disney's Magic Kingdom. With so much to see, rides to ride, and fun to be had, everyone was exhausted by the time the fireworks show ended and was ready for the "early" bedtime.
Friday was the BIG DAY. Students were up early preparing for their performance at Disney Springs. CHS Concert Band was the first band to play. The sun was shining and the air was warm. With gleeful smiles and anxious anticipation, all 77 Central band students took to the stage ready to show the world just how amazingly talented they are.
“Prairie Song” was the first selection the band played. Mr. Halpus stated, "We wanted to bring a bit of home with us to Florida"
The Band also played “I’ve Grown Accustomed to His Face, The Muppet Show Theme, “Mancini Magic”, “Hot Cha Cha Cha”, and, of course, the “CHS Fight Song”.
Saturday was spent at Disney's Epcot; students and chaperones discovered cultures across 11 countries, enjoying topiary displays, exhibits and gardens, outdoor kitchens, concerts, rides, and much more. The day at Epcot concluded with an AMAZING firework show.
On Saturday evening students and chaperones alike got the news that the flight home was canceled; many thought it was an April Fool’s Joke, but this was no joke. Mr. Halpus was now wondering how he was going to find a flight home for this massive group of people. Thankfully, Performance Tours, stepped up, helping Mr. Halpus secure the hotel for 2 additional nights as well as finding a flight home.
The cancellation meant students and chaperones got a vacation from their vacation spending two additional days in Florida. On Sunday, the group went back to Cocoa Beach, spending the day lounging and shopping. The chaperones arranged a poolside pizza party for everyone that evening.
On Monday the Central Music Boosters sponsored the healthy hoagie sandwich lunch and chaperones organized the "CHS Band Blast at the Wyndham Pool".
Activities under the poolside tent included: cribbage, sheepshead, Blackjack, "Band Pong" poker with prizes, Uno games, and of course swimming.
After returning home, local business Northside Grill reached out to the community asking for donations to offset the cost of the extra days for families. The money raised and community support our school and the band students received is truly amazing. We thank you for your support of our students!