DANVILLE — The streets of Walt Disney World were once again graced with the talents of Knox County high school musicians recently when the Danville High School marching band made a return trip to Orlando, Fla.
The Magic Kingdom was the destination April 4 as the Marching Blue Devils participated in the park’s daily parade to entertain park visitors. A total of 41 students and 14 chaperons made the trip with Brewster Travel to stay at Walt Disney’s All-Star Music Resort.
The band left for Florida on April 1 and performed on April 4. Making her fourth appearance at Walt Disney World as director of the Marching Blue Devils was Christy Cochran, who has also taken trips in 1999, 2003 and 2008. Performances in the past have been at Epcot, “but the kids really wanted to go the Magic Kingdom, be in the parade on Main Street and march by the castle,” said Cochran. And as they usually do at Walt Disney World, this year their wish came true. “The kids were really excited,” she said.
The application process requires more than just filling out a form.
“We had to submit a video of the band and be in full uniform,” explained Cochran. “They wanted a parade and the band playing two different songs. They then look at the video to decide whether they will accept us or not, and then decide on which park.”
Once the acceptance was given for the band to perform, a lot of preparation got under way. Two fundraisers took place to raise money for the trip. “The kids know that this all goes toward their trip, and most of them busted their butt,” laughed Cochran. A few parents gave money toward the trip with a few other individuals and the band boosters chipping in as well. “No student was unable to go because of lack of money,” she said.
