Illinois schools perform at Disney World Resort

Students from seven Illinois schools packed their bags for a trip to Walt Disney World Resort where they entertained thousands of guests with their artistic performances at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney Springs throughout February.

High school bands and choirs from LoMastro Performing Arts Academy, Downers Grove North High, West Chicago Community High, South Elgin High, Bismarck-Henning High, St. Francis High and Amos Alonzo Stagg High performed at Walt Disney World Resort.

The school bands, along with their directors, marched down Main Street, U.S.A. past Cinderella's Castle, playing songs and cadences that capture the spirit of Americana. The school ensembles, choirs, orchestras and dance teams stepped into the spotlight on Waterside Stage at Disney Springs, showcasing their talents to Disney guests from around the world.

"When I was in college, I did the summer college program out in California, the All-American Marching Band, and I've always loved it. I want my kids to experience the kind of fun performance experience, and just coming down here brings our group together," South Elgin High School band director Kurt Dobbeck said.

"It's a great place to perform, great people to meet, the clinics are the best in the world if you ask me, at least for my band."

Additionally, some of the schools experienced a once-in-a-lifetime educational and mentoring program through Disney Performing Arts workshops, designed to inspire them to dream big and discover a world of possibilities that will help them prepare for their future.

These tailored lessons allowed the students to immerse themselves in Disney movie magic, rehearsing the scores of classic films in workshops such as "You're Instrumental" and "Disney Sings," or learn real-world audition techniques and choreography that puts them in the spotlight of their own Disney show through dance and theater showcases.

The schools were selected from applicants across the nation that submitted audition tapes reviewed by world-class adjudicators, who evaluate and select schools for the opportunity to participate in a Disney Performing Arts program.

Students are taken on stage and behind the scenes, where Disney theme parks become vibrant "classrooms" as they discover new techniques and pursue their passions, all while making memories that last a lifetime.

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