News : VSHS Band visiting Florida for Magic Kingdom Parade, workshop

The Vinton-Shellsburg High School Band Department will be traveling to Orlando, Florida on March 13-18. The band is tentatively scheduled to visit Cocoa Beach, Epcot Center, Disney Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

The Vinton-Shellsburg High School Band is now in Florida, where its members will participate in the “You’re Instrumental Workshop,” as well as a parade in USA Magic Kingdom.

In the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) endorsed workshop, the students will experience what it is like to be a professional musician. Students will sight-read and prepare a polished performance of Disney musical selections in a studio recording environment.

The Band will be a "featured band" in the pre-parade for the Main Street Electrical Parade down Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom.

Thanks to the efforts and help of Mrs. Jan Andreesen, the VSHS band department was able to put together the application, which consisted of: uniform photos (front, side, and back), DVD’s of the marching band’s performances (street and field), and resume of the band department’s recent accomplishments/achievements. The band is tentatively scheduled to perform at 8:30 P.M. on Saturday, March 16.

VSHS Band Director Karl Smith stated, “I’m really excited that we were accepted for both events. Last time the VSHS Band went to Orlando (2007), we were featured in the national publication 'On Stage magazine, a Disney publication as one of their select high school groups. Unfortunately, during that particular trip, the marching band was not accepted for the parade. I’m really happy and excited that we have been accepted for the parade on this trip!”

The Florida trip is the latest accomplishment for the VSHS Band program, which earned a series of top Division 1 ratings throughout the marching band season and recently won the NEIBA Jazz Festival for the first time in school history. The Jazz Band is now preparing for the State Jazz Championships.

“I’m really proud of our band program and how we have really built it up over the years,' says Smith "This year’s band has been a lot of fun to work with, and one of the best bands that I’ve had the pleasure of directing. They are a very hard-working and fun group that has developed a family-like atmosphere.”

The band trips are rewards for the band students for their academic achievement of musical excellence at state music festivals and local events.

Smith stated, “It is an exciting honor to be able to represent our school district and its communities on such a national venue. It will truly be a once-in-a- lifetime experience for all of our band students and parents. Thank you to all of the school staff, administration, community members, band parents, and band students that continue to make these experiences possible.”