Montville High School Musicians Perform At Disney's Epcot

Ninety musicians from Montville Township High School traveled to Walt Disney World, in Orlando, Florida, to perform on the Epcot Melody Gardens Stage. The freshman through senior student band, chorus, and orchestra members made the musical trip March 17 through March 21.

The musicians returned just days before the National Association For Music Merchants (NAMM) named the entire Montville Township Public Schools district the 2016 “Best Communities for Music Education.” Montville Township is one of only 476 school districts across the USA to be selected for this award.

While in Disney World®‎ the student musicians were “Cast Members,” on par with all Disney performers. Upon arrival the students and their conductors were driven to a backstage location. The MTHS performers changed into concert attire, warmed up, and were escorted by Disney staffers to the performance stage. The MTHS orchestra was conducted by Andrew Havington, Kristen Markowski conducted the chorus, and Kenneth Korlishin, conducted the award-winning MTHS band.

Once performances were completed, the students had an opportunity to enjoy several fun-filled days of touring all of the Disney parks, including, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. The MTHS students collaborated to organize Disney’s FastPass and other planning features. Staff and students worked cooperatively to plan and complete a safe and exciting musical trip in one of the most prestigious venues in the United States.

In addition to their conductors, the MTHS musicians were accompanied by a parent chaperone, Pam Westergaard, Robert R. Lazar Middle School Band Director, Chelsea DiDiego, and Montville Township Public Schools Supervisor of the Arts, Edward Fleischman.