Panthers Take on Disney World!

During the first week of April, Point Boro Band and Color Guard students took a trip to Disney, where they marched down Main Street in Magic Kingdom.

On April 1, Point Boro students that participated in Band or Color Guard flew to Disney World for some much-needed fun and excitement. The trip was thoroughly planned by several band parents and staff, especially Mr. Visco, Point Pleasant’s Band Director.

Being able to become to an honorary cast member and experience the backstage excitement was something I’ll never forget.

— Andrea LaMorticella

On the first day, students spent the day at Hollywood Studios, a park that features show business during the 1930s and 1940s. On the second day, we traveled to Epcot, a park that focuses on the future and its new inventions, as well as welcoming inclusivity and culture by dedicating half of the park to representing several of the world’s most prominent countries. 

Though everyone had a blast during the first two days, the third was the most memorable. Students spent a few hours enjoying the many attractions offered at Magic Kingdom, the most classic park. Magic Kingdom features Cinderella’s Castle, a massive structure that is the hub of the theme park. In the early evening, band students put on their uniforms and color guard members slipped on their costumes. For the rest of the day, we became honorary Disney cast members. Something magical was about to happen.

It was an amazing opportunity to showcase our hard work and dedication through the years.

— Catherine Williams

On April 4, Disney World park goers watched in amazement as a sea of black and gold surged through Magic Kingdom’s Main Street. Point Pleasant Borough Marching Band paraded proudly down the center of Magic Kingdom playing Disney-themed pep tunes, while throngs of fans cheered us on. Such a remarkable experience will never be forgotten by these students. 

Senior Andrea LaMorticella said, “Being able to become an honorary cast member and experience the backstage excitement was something I’ll never forget.”

Junior Catherine Williams said, “It was an amazing opportunity to showcase our hard work and dedication through the years.”

Sophomore Teofil Rapach II said, “I think it was a great experience that was both very fun and the opportunity of a lifetime.”

All in all, the trip proved to be extremely successful and beneficial to all involved. Band members got to showcase a main pillar of their high school careers (music), at the Happiest Place on Earth. The teamwork and trust shared by everyone in the performance allowed the band to become a unified and cohesive unit. In the end, it all came down to the inner love that students have for their instruments and performing. In the words of Mickey Mouse, “All you need is a little bit of magic.”