On Oct. 24, the Arcadia High Orchestras took their first trip of the school year to the happiest place on earth, Disneyland! This magical day gave the orchestra students a chance to explore California Adventure Park, and of course, indulge in some musical adventures!

Concert and Symphony Orchestra performed on stage for park guests, playing pieces from the “Chinese Folk Song Suite,” Disney classics from Moana, It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more, along with other non-related Disney songs such as “Pastorale.” 

Later in the afternoon, Premier and String Orchestra participated in a special workshop, where they went behind the scenes and sight-read familiar Disney tunes, which were then mixed to Disney animation.  

Junior violist Sabrina Yip from String Orchestra described the experience as “different from playing in class, because Premier and String got to combine in the fun workshop!” Premier-String played nostalgic Disney songs from fan favorites such as Up and A Bug’s Life, which Sabrina said were also her favorites!

After all the orchestra groups finished performing, everyone—including students, chaperones, and teachers—explored the park, rode California Adventure’s most popular attractions like the Incredicoaster and Guardians of the Galaxy, and munched on the delicious food in San Fransokyo Square! Junior violist Hailey Wang from Concert Orchestra had an absolute blast with her friends! She got to not only enjoy the rides, but also do Animation Academy, and her favorite part of the trip—eating pizza pockets from Shawarma Palace, which she highly recommends.

The annual Disney Trip is one of the many benefits of being a part of the Arcadia High Orchestras! Later in the school year, the musical groups will take another road trip to San Diego, so stay tuned!