PRESCOTT – It’s been four years of anticipation, with the beginning of 2022 focused on planning details to make the Prescott High School Disney band trip a reality. Next week, approximately 75 band members, 20 chaperones and five support persons will board their flight for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

The band travels to Disney every four years so it is extraordinary that they are able to honor this tradition as the pandemic is waning and Disney’s doors are opening.

“This trip has been a little more complex in the planning aspect, primarily for the uncertainty. Now, it has all come together and everyone is very excited about it,” said PHS band director Jason Canfield.

This year Disney is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Music groups had to audition, and if selected to perform, they were considered Best of the Best and Prescott band was selected!

Band members have been preparing for this event all year. For the Waterside Stage at Disney Springs, they are playing rock and pop selections with the Garage Band as the rhythm section and some selections including vocals. The Garage Band and PHS Band will play for a total of 12 sessions.

“For the recording session, we will perform music that will serve as the sound to a Disney movie; we will not know the music until we get there. The idea is to learn how professional soundtrack studio musicians put music to video – both great musical experiences for the students,” Canfield commented.

Students will also have plenty of time to experience the “Most Magical Place on Earth” with each day dedicated to a different theme park and culminating with a day at Universal Studios. The group will stay at a resort right on the Disney property. “Students have looked forward to this trip for a long time and knew it was something they wanted to do. I enjoy seeing their excitement and experience through the trip we build,” Canfield said.

Canfield's son is among the band members this year, “So that adds a little excitement for me as well.”

Follow the band’s Facebook page as their adventure unfolds!

Submitted by Prescott School District

Photo courtesy of Prescott School District