Story and photos by Alan Ashley
Steve Hinz, the Company C director, and 38 of the 50 members of Chelsea High School’s show choir traveled to Florida for spring break this year.
The group participated in a workshop at Walt Disney World. Due to construction, the original location of their performance, Disney Springs, would be changed to Universal Studios Orlando. For several members, it would be their first visit to Walt Disney World.
The group left on Saturday morning, March 24 in a motor coach. Hinz said the group took a similar trip to Orlando about 15 years ago on a plane. Deciding to save some money, ground transportation was the choice this time. He also thought it would be a “bonding experience” for the group on the 24-hour bus ride. They kept themselves occupied several ways, including an impromptu dance party before breaking out a few iPads to watch the Michigan basketball game.
Arriving Sunday morning, March 25, the group split the day at both Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios before calling it a night at the Disney All-Star Music Resort.
Monday morning was free time at the pool, including a poolside talk by Dan Black, a CHS graduate (class of 1997). He talked about his journey in a career with Disney, where he started and how he progressed in the company. He even gave advice on the audition process for those wanting to pursue a profession career in performing arts. Afterward, the group headed to the Magic Kingdom for the rest of the day.
Tuesday, March 27 began with a morning performance at Universal Studios before spending the rest of the day at the park. A large crowd stopped to enjoy show; some with video cameras rolling to chronicle the performance.
Wednesday was spent at Epcot, with a 2-hour workshop in the early afternoon. Members learned skills from a professional Disney vocalist and even were able to record an excerpt from a Disney soundtrack.
The buses were boarded after watching the “Illuminations” fireworks show at Epcot for the bus ride back home.
Everyone was tired, but they all learned from the experience and have memories that will last a lifetime.
