The competition would be at Disney World and would draw about 30 bands, 30 choral groups and 15 orchestras from throughout the country
By: John Tredrea
Two hundred or more Central High School students who participate in band, chorus and orchestra will have the opportunity to go to a competition in Orlando, Fla., in April 2003 if the school board approves the plan on Tuesday.
The proposal was aired at Monday night’s board meeting by Peter Griffin, the district’s supervisor for the visual and performing arts.
The competition would be at Disney World and would draw about 30 bands, 30 choral groups and 15 orchestras from throughout the country, Mr. Griffin said. "It would be a very positive and uplifting experience for our students," he added. "This is one of the largest music festivals of its kind. You’ll get some of the finest musical high school groups in the nation performing there."
The competition will be held April 24-28, 2003.
"A lot of students and parents are already excited" about the possibility of going, Mr. Griffin said. He estimated the cost of the trip at $850 per student. "Each student and his or her family would have the responsibility of raising that money" on their own, he said.
The high school’s music parents association could aid in that effort with fund-raisers. Mr. Griffin added that it could be possible to provide scholarships for students in need who wished to make the trip, but were unable to raise all the money needed to go to Orlando.
Superintendent of Schools Robert Sopko told Mr. Griffin: "Many times these events are exclusively for marching bands. I applaud you for finding a festival that includes chorus and orchestra as well."