Harrison High School Performing Arts Department Captures Disney Magic

As the classic Disney character Jiminy Cricket once sang, “When you wish upon a star, dreams really do come true.”   The Harrison High School Performing Arts students embraced the dream when they were selected to perform at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Over two hundred students from the Harrison High School marching band, color guard, majorettes, chorus, orchestra, and dance programs had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talents on the stages of the iconic theme parks of the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT center.

“The enrichment trip to Disney was a success in many ways, but above all else stands the fact that this was the first time all of the performing arts disciplines traveled and performed together,” HHS vocal music teacher Lynn Fusco said. 

The Marching band, color guard, and majorettes, under the direction of Director Charles Briem and co-director David Blumenthal, marched down the historic Main Street of Disney, entertaining thousands of guests with gems from the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour. 

The Harrison High School dance group, under the direction of Deborah Toteda, entertained tourists at the Waterside Stage in Downtown Disney.  The HHS Orchestra, led by Alanna Mackey, and the HHS Chorus, directed by Ms. Fusco, each had an opportunity to perform on the Melody Gardens Stage for guests visiting the internationally renowned EPCOT theme park.

“All four disciplines traveling together gave students a unique opportunity to see their peers perform,” said HHS music teacher David Blumental, who is enjoying his first year of teaching at Harrison High School.  “The outpouring of support that each group received from their fellow students was thrilling, as their interactions have now created a new energy within the student body of the Performing Arts Department.”

In addition to visiting the five theme parks that comprise the Walt Disney World Resort, the Performing Arts students and faculty had the unique opportunity to participate in targeted workshops led by professionals who are actively employed by Disney as dancers, musicians, conductors, and presenters.  A portion of the workshops for the 200 plus HHS performing arts contingent was made possible through a grant received from the Harrison Educational Foundation.

“These nationally recognized workshops empower students by providing the keys to success in performance: complete mental focus, “all-in” personal commitment, craft building, and an understanding of the actions that determine excellence,” said Mr. Briem.