Riverhead high school musicians are back home after a performance last week at Disney World’s EPCOT Center.
The Riverhead High School’s chamber orchestra and chorus, as well as the jazz band, each played a 25-minute show at EPCOT’s Melody Gardens on Friday, April 12, after preparing 10 months to perform on an international stage.
“The students worked very hard to get to this point,” said band director Jason Rottkamp. “They should be very proud of themselves. I commend them for their professionalism and focus throughout the entire experience.”
School district spokesperson Sandra Kolbo said after an audition tape submitted online last June was accepted by Disney Performing Arts Specialists, the three musical groups began fundraising for the opportunity to play at Disney.
She said fundraising efforts included a garage sale, cupcake sale, jewelry sale, discount cards and an Applebees breakfast.
“Seventy students were invited to perform and the excitement was tangible,” according to a news release. “Many students had never been on a plane; some had never been out of state; some had never been to Disney World. The experience was unforgettable!”
Orchestra director Marisa Macchio said the experience was equally unforgettable for her.
“It was truly a very memorable experience for both the students and myself,” Macchio said. “The Disney staff and coordinators are extremely well-organized, and they do their best to help make the students feel like real professionals during the whole performance process. It also gave the students an opportunity to make some new friends and gave me a chance to get to know the students on a much different level. I am very proud of them all!”
Student Taylor Burgess, who auditioned for the American Idol experience at Hollywood Studios on Saturday, April 13, was chosen from hundreds of participants to perform with 14 others for the chance to receive a golden ticket to perform on the real American Idol TV show.
“Although she was not the final winner, we are extremely proud of her performance and participation in this event,” said Kolbo. “The trip was a true success, and we are grateful to everyone who helped us along the way.”
Taylor, who said the trip was “the most incredible experience,” added, “it will remain in my heart forever.”
“This entire journey is one of my proudest moments professionally and personally,” chorus director Dena Tishim said of the trip. “I am sure that this was an experience that will change these students on a level deeper than I can understand and open their eyes to their world in new ways. I am grateful to have been a part of this whole process, and I am proud of all the work they have done and continue to do.”
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Carissa Woerner
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