Spring Tour: New York!

It’s an undeniable truth that one of the best parts of being in the orchestra program is the opportunity to go on memorable trips. This year is no exception, as students were able to travel to New York City from April 16th to 19th! Students were able to take in the iconic sights of The Big Apple. Notably, Concert and Symphony Orchestra musicians were able to perform in the world-famous Carnegie Hall.

Day 1

Rise and shine! At 4am, orchestra students arrived at the orchestra room with instruments and suitcases. Despite the early hour, the orchestra room was bubbling with excited students. By 6am, two charter buses arrived at LAX airport. Despite having a group of 100 people, Ms. Chen, Ms. Tu, and the chaperones successfully guided everyone through the airport to the airplane. By 11am, everyone was exhausted and made use of the 4 hour plane-ride to catch up on sleep. Upon landing in New Jersey, students got on a bus ride to New York. Everyone was quickly immersed into the New York lifestyle and the hustle of Times Square. After everyone found their rooms in the Marriott Marquis (with very innovative elevators!), they headed to Hard Rock Cafe for a long-awaited delicious dinner. 

Day 2

Day 2 was truly an activity-packed day. After a filling buffet breakfast at Margaritaville, students took the subway to take a sightseeing cruise tour which featured the Statue of Liberty. The strong winds didn’t stop students from taking photos of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and skyscrapers! Following a quick lunch break, students unlocked the stories and secrets behind Carnegie Hall, learning about the reasons behind its unmatched acoustics and famous performers. 

One of the key differences between trips in middle school and high school is the privilege of freedom. Students were granted two hours to explore New York in groups. While some took pictures with the gorgeous cherry blossoms in Central Park, others walked down the renowned 5th avenue, looking in awe at all the stores and architecture. 

For dinner, students experienced an opportunity like no other at Ellen's Stardust Diner: eating while watching the waiters/waitresses sing live! Founded in 1987, Ellen's Stardust Diner features aspiring or past Broadway singers. It was truly the perfect show accompanied by authentic American food.

Finally, students ended the night watching a Broadway Show. Aladdin was full of comedy and excitement, and its thrilling set and talented cast kept students wide awake, regardless of how tired they were. At 10pm, students returned to the hotel and (hopefully) got a good night’s sleep in preparation for the big performance the next day. 

Day 3

Day 3 of the trip was by far the most music-intensive! The day started off bright and early at Open Jar Studios, with an Affirm Inspire Mentor (AIM) Experience clinic featuring conductor and double bassist Tanya Chanphanitpornkit. Ms. Chanphanitpornkit’s advice ensured Premier/String Orchestra could further perfect A Scottish Ballade and Keltic Feast, while she was able to help Concert/Symphony Orchestra play Simple Symphony and Hoe Down to the best of their abilities in anticipation of that night’s upcoming Carnegie Hall performance. 

After the clinic, students were able to take a tour of the historic Radio City Music Hall. Built in 1932, the hall has hosted numerous iconic artists, including Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, and Olivia Rodrigo. However, the hall is perhaps most famous for the Radio City Rockettes, a high-kicking precision dance company featured in the annual Christmas Spectacular. Students got an insider’s view of what it was like to be in this legendary dance company through a talk with one of the Rockettes herself!

In the afternoon, students took in the breathtaking views of New York from the Top of the Rock, a skyscraper located in the heart of the Rockefeller Center. Students then had free time to explore the city, visiting everywhere from Grand Central Station to the New York Public Library to even the Nintendo New York store! They then headed off to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for a pre-performance dinner. 

That night, Concert/Symphony students got the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform in the revered Carnegie Hall for the National Band and Orchestra Festivals. Symphony Orchestra performed Irish Tune from County Derry and Hoe Down, while the combined Concert and Symphony orchestras played Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony. Earlier in the day, schools from across the United States, including from Florida and Texas, were also able to perform on the same stage that once hosted the likes of Peter Tchaikovsky, Gustav Mahler, Antonin Dvorak, Jascha Heifitz, Martha Argerich, and more! Ultimately, the performance served as a valuable educational experience, as it was adjudicated by three college professors who each gave helpful feedback on how to improve as an orchestra. 

Day 4

The last day of the trip was certainly bittersweet. After a return to Hard Rock Cafe for breakfast, students took a self-guided tour of New York University and Washington Square Park, home to the ever-recognizable arch. The trip was especially valuable for rising seniors who were deciding on where to apply for college!

The trip closed out where it started at Newark Liberty International Airport. A six hour delay led to free meal vouchers and many students passing the time creatively by playing Uno, taking a much-needed nap, or even busking with Ms. Chen at the airport’s grand piano! Eventually, however, students were able to return back home after a fulfilling, fun-packed trip.