Tomah Band Students Participate in Spring Break Band Trip

Saturday, April 19th, 2025 -- 8:01 AM

The Tomah High School Bands spent hours upon hours rehearsing and preparing for a very exciting Spring Break Band Trip - Destination: Orlando, FL to play at Disney, the most "Magical Place on Earth"

THS band students had the opportunity to work with a Disney Teaching Artist in a backstage studio rehearsal in Epcot. The bands also performed several works in a concert at Disney Springs on the Waterside Stage.

They also got to enjoy some time in the Disney Parks of Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, with a day at Universal Studios Orlando as a trip finale During their workshop in Disney’s Epcot Studio A, students worked with Disney teaching artist Scott, a saxophonist who plays professionally in the Disney parks.

Mr. Knoepker filled us in on the experience, "Band students had the opportunity to sight read many different Disney melodies arranged for band, but none were titled, so students did not know what piece they were playing."

"We worked on increasing our sight-reading abilities and improving all aspects of playing an instrument. Scott helped us focus on things such as tone, intonation, focus, and confidence."

"The workshop culminated in THS band students rehearsing a clip from the famous Disney movie “Moana.” In this clip, the audio from the original movie is removed and the THS band is heard as the audio on the film, playing completely in sync with the animation on the screen. It was truly an amazing experience for all!"

The students had a successful debut playing the Waterside Stage at Disney Springs during the trip. All students who attended the trip to Orlando spent extra hours working to rehearse and be sure all of the pieces performed were prepared and ready for the day.

All of the efforts paid off, as the band sounded wonderful and received many compliments from visitors from around the world! "We are very proud of our band students because we know that professionalism and preparation are keys to a wonderful performance!"

Band directors Mr. Knoepker and Ms. Schraufnagel were more than thrilled with how the Florida trip turned out. "We know every student that attended will remember this for a long time!"

"A special thank you to our band parents, especially our chaperones, and all who supported our students with our fundraisers to enable them to attend. Music brings people together and enables students to experience things they could never do without being a part of it. Celebrate successes and continue to grow as a musician!"

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.