They all love a parade.
The band will be joining Disney characters and other performers in a parade at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center in Florida Tuesday, April 22, to thelp celebrate Disney World's 25th anniversary.
Cheerleaders and flag squad members from the high school will be accompanying the school's marching band. The band auditioned for a spot in the parade lineup in a videotaped performance that was sent to judges at Epcot Center in February, band director Paul Morey said.
The 55-member band, along with 13 cheerleaders and five flag squad performers, was graded on music selection, uniforms, overall appearance, and several additional criteria, said Allen Twomley, athletic trainer at Fitchburg High and administrator of the Disney trip.
Twomley said students have sponsored fund-raisers to taise about $25,000 to help cover travel expenses for the five-day trip. The students' Disney excursion will include classes at the Disney Institute, Twomley said. The institute offers a variety of art, performance and educational workshops for visiting groups, he said. Band members will attend music workshops and cheerleaders and flag squad members will have the opportunity to work with choreographers and dance instructors, he said.
The Disney itinerary also includes fun. Students will spend a day enjoying the attractions at Epcot Center, Twomley said. Band members, cheerleaders and the flag squad have added extra practice sessions to their schedules to gear up for their upcoming performance, Morey said.
Participating in renowned parades is not new for the music department at FHS. In recent years, the school's marching band has been invited to perform during Florida's annual Fishbowl Parade, Twomley said.