Many students may have been wondering where their class went on Friday April 26th and Monday April 29th. There was a mass exodus of students from New Providence over that weekend. They did not disappear though, they traveled to Virginia for the 2013 Music Department trip. Everyone experienced a fun-filled weekend that also provided the opportunity to perform for judges who are very well respected in their fields.
The trip began with a grueling eight hour bus ride from New Providence to Norfolk, Virginia. The trip was made tolerable only by the coach buses and the stop at the Christiana Mall in Newark, Delaware, the very same mall Mr. N frequented as a child. The Pioneers arrived at the Sheraton Hotel in Norfolk around midnight, ready to collapse from exhaustion.
The next day did not provide any rest because it was performance day! The Concert Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra and Chorus all had the opportunity to perform in front of judges. They received feedback that will greatly help them improve for the spring concert at the end of May. After a long day of performances, the students headed back to the hotel to get ready for a dinner cruise that night. According to Sophomore Kevin Urness: “Performance day was exhausting, but it was certainly worth it. All of the countless hours of practice during school finally payed off.”
That night the students embarked on a cruise around the scenic waterways of Norfolk. There was dancing, food, an invasion from another school from Ohio, and fun times for all.
On Saturday the students headed out to Colonial Williamsburg where they were able to experience history first hand. In the afternoon, the jazz choir performed outside of The College of William and Mary. They attracted a big crowd with their performance, and no one was left disappointed. After the bus ride back to the hotel, the students headed to the award ceremony.
All of the music groups performed exceptionally well at the festival. The Orchestra and Jazz Band both received Silver Awards, signifying a performance in the 80-90 range. The Chorus and Concert Band both brought home Gold awards, with the Concert Band winning best Concert Band in the entire festival! Senior Alex Agresti won a major honor too, for his amazing solo performance.
After the ceremony the students were treated to a performance by the Virginia Military Tattoo. This military band was joined by groups of Britain, France, Australia and Norway, finally clearing up the confusion caused by having so many Norwegians around the hotel.
The next day was the day many people had been waiting for: a trip to BuschGardens. The park had terrifying roller coasters, exciting water rides, and attractions for all.
“BuschGardens was so much fun! The park had so much to do, even for people who don’t like rides. It was a great way to end years of music trips!” said Senior band member Kaitlyn Mazzilli. Virginia’s famous theme park was a great way to end a wonderful trip.
On Monday, the Pioneers headed back to the buses for another long journey. They arrived at New Providence that night, tired but happy. One of the goals Mr N had before the trip was, “Let’s make memories, not headlines.” While no one expected headlines to be made about the trip for the wrong reasons, the hope of making fond memories for everyone was surely achieved!