Lasallians in Disney

Two Lasallian schools participated in Festival Disney the weekend of March 20, Calvert Hall College High School and St. John’s College High School.

St. John’s overnight trip went well enough.  Everyone did the best to get some sleep on the bus.  Eric Freeman provided an accurate description when he said “it was more like I had a couple of short naps.”

The students eventually arrived at Animal Kingdom and had a good time..  The sun and temperatures in the 80’s felt great.  Some of the favorite rides were the African Safari, the Expedition Everest roller coaster, and the 4D show “Its Tough to be a Bug.”

There were four concerts the next day: Vocal Resonance at Saratoga Springs; Wind Ensemble and String Ensemble in Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and Competition Jazz Ensemble at the Contemporary Resort.

After the concerts, the St. John’s group headed to Epcot to enjoy some free time in the park.  There were plenty of rides and choices for dinner and everyone enjoyed the fireworks.

The next day the Regimental Band marched down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom under clear skies and before a warm crowd.  The band performed “The Army Goes Marching Along” and “Quest.”  Calvert Hall Marching Band also performed in the Main Street Parade.

After the parade the students had some time to enjoy the great Florida weather.  Most took in the rides and attractions of Disney’s Hollywood Studio, while a small portion of our group went to see the Nationals play the Braves in spring season split roster game.

The awards ceremony for Festival Disney was in the evening.

St. John’s did quite well.  Vocal Resonance earned a rating of Superior, as well as Best in Class and the Silver Award.  Wind Ensemble received a rating of Superior and the Silver Award.  Additionally, Nathan Dorsey won Outstanding Concert Soloist for his clarinet solo in “Pie in the Face Polka.”  The Jazz Ensemble received a rating of Excellent.  The String Ensemble received a rating of Excellent.

Two SJC students received a version of The Grand Slam.  Adriana Penafiel and Clark Scott both performed in four groups this weekend.  Adriana performed with Vocal Resonance, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Regimental Band.  Clark performed with the Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Regimental Band.

This year’s festival was unique since Calvert Hall College was also participating in Festival Disney.  The Symphonic Band and String Orchestra both received Excellent ratings, the Jazz Lab and Big Band each received excellent ratings and won Best in Class, the Wind Ensemble received an Excellent rating, Best in Class and Gold award for top concert. The Hallmen received a Superior rating, while the Madrigal Singers and Jazz Orchestra each received Superior ratings, Best in Class, and the Gold Award for the highest scores in their specific category. Senior trumpet player Tommy Urrutia received the Best Soloist Award in the Jazz band Category.

At the end of the award ceremony, St.John’s students were shouting “SJC!” while Calvert Hall students were shouting “CHC!”  Mr. Hammann, a graduate of the Hall, interrupted saying how proud he was of both schools, and ended with “St. John Baptist de La Salle,” with both schools responding “Pray for Us.”  And “Live Jesus in our hearts,” “Forever!”

The fourth and last day of the festival began with Mass at The Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. The choir was made up of members of the Liberty Singers from Disney World so they sang beautifully.  St. John’s students and Calvert Hall students were together and there were several other high schools in attendance. Most had also performed at Disney and there was also one lacrosse team among the congregation.  The Rector who said Mass did a wonderful job of welcoming the many groups in attendance.