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Fremd bands perform at Disney, Outback Bowl

Band students from William Fremd High School had the opportunity to perform in Florida during their winter break the last week of December.

The Fremd “Florida Band” consisted of 115 freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors enrolled in the school's four symphonic bands. Band Director Matthew Moore and 11 parent chaperones accompanied the students on the trip.

The band performed in the Disney World Magic Kingdom “Electric Light Parade” in Orlando, and also participated in Disney's “You're Instrumental” Recording Studio Workshop.

During the 2½-hour educational workshop, the band learned about demands of recording Disney movie soundtracks — recording seven different selections. The workshop concluded with the band recording two minutes of Disney's Tarzan synced to the movie's animation.

Moore said students enjoyed working with the Disney band director/clinician, who is originally from Plainfield, Ill., and attended Western Illinois University.

The band then traveled to Tampa and participated in numerous musical events with the Outback Bowl.

The Fremd Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Ensemble all received educational clinics from the Outback Bowl's three college band directors: Richard Miles from Morehead State University, Larry Blocher from Troy University and William Rapp from Kutztown University.

The band also participated in the Outback Bowl New Year's Eve parade in Ybor, Fla., performing to a large and enthusiastic crowd of University of Michigan and South Carolina fans during the 1½-mile parade route. The band was awarded third place in the large band division in the Parade Marching Competition.

On New Year's Day, the band combined with 15 other high school marching bands to perform in the mass half-time band at the Outback Bowl game. The show featured 2,200 students performing a six-minute “Beach Medley” and “Armed Forces Salute” for the crowd.

The Fremd bands received the following recognitions: Jazz Ensemble — Gold Rating, first place in large band division, Grand Champion Award; Wind Symphony — Gold Rating, first place in large band division; Symphonic Band — Silver Rating, second band division; and Viking Marching Band — Gold Rating, third place in large band division.

Members of the Fremd “Florida Band” participate in the Disney World “You’re Instrumental” recording studio workshop on Dec. 28. Submitted by District 211
Aileen Jong and Katie Klonder lead the Fremd Viking Marching Band in the Disney World “Electric Light Parade” on Dec. 27. Submitted by District 211
Fremd band students performed with 15 other high school bands in the Outback Bowl halftime Show. Submitted by District 211
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