On Thursday, March 14th, BHS’s band and orchestra students departed from the school in the afternoon and went on their way to Newark Airport to then fly to the magical Bay Lake, Florida. This year’s band and orchestra was rewarded with a five-day trip to Disney World as a worthwhile and memorable experience that commemorates all of their hard work and dedication. Both band and orchestra students from all grades were welcome to join in on the trip and students were encouraged to spend some quality time with their peers. This trip was very much desired and was given as a way to carry on tradition. Mr. Taesler stated, “When [Mr. Trumpy] retired, that tradition immediately died and our students were want for a cause; they needed a deeper reason to study music.”. They have now been given just that reason and have revived the tradition.

The band and orchestra have completed many accomplishments in their time, all of which have made them deserving of this trip. For one, they have performed in multiple concerts, which most performers would agree is no easy task. They performed in front of the entire school months back, which requires significant amounts of bravery and skill. Additionally, on December 10th at Liberty Park in Peapack-Gladstone, the jazz ensemble played a gig for the Somerset Hills Education Foundation Pet Parade. This event was intended to connect communities and spread festive cheer with entertainment, such as a parade and an ugly sweater contest. During the event, eight talented individuals from BHS got together to play their holiday-filled hearts out on their instruments, along with their helpful and supportive teacher, Mr. Taesler— but the hard work didn’t stop there. The students even performed while on their trip to Disney, giving them a flashback to reality on their journey. All in all, performing in front of any audience, no matter the number of viewers calls for dedication to one’s task and a serious commitment to putting on a great show for those off stage to view.

For these accomplishments to be completed, determined and assertive students are required. Not everyone is able to take charge and lead a group of kids, but it has successfully been done by outstanding members of the band. Mr. Taesler couldn’t have asked for a better group of students to accompany on the trip, and he has mentioned a few that stood out in leading and supporting the team. Mary Tropp, Addison Dunn, Anya Singh, Betsy Lezme, Lucian Spitiri, Charlie Quinn, Gavin Byers, and Kathleen Bonanno stood out immensely. “I would like to specifically shout out [these students] for stepping up as my student leaders to tackle logistics at a student level and be a font of inspiration to their peers” Taesler remarked.

Throughout their trip, students and chaperones visited three different parks in Disney – Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Epcot, with its theme of international culture, gave students a chance to experience parts of different countries and their cultures, as well as delicious food. Magic Kingdom, also known as “The Most Magical Place On Earth”, included a visit to the beautiful and famous Cinderella’s Castle. Alicia Vinegra ‘27 said, “I loved how the castle represented nearly all of Disney’s movies in the firework show.”. Lastly, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which is themed the Golden Age of Hollywood, had even more rides and sights. All of these parks gave the students memories and views they will never forget, all the while bringing them together on their cherishing break.

Trips like this one provide an amazing bonding opportunity for everyone. While they are normally in class or on stage, the band and orchestra students could now spend time together without the need to focus on practicing their instrument for the majority of the time. “We traveled in big groups so it was a great bonding experience.” Isabelle Jatkoe ‘27 noted. Traveling in larger groups allows students to expand the peers they are normally with, which provides great quality time for them. This trip was the perfect enjoyable experience for all attendees, and it is hoped that trips like this one will be seen again in years to come as the tradition has now been revived.