THOMASVILLE- The Thomasville City Schools String Orchestra Program recently had the opportunity to perform a selection at Disney Springs as part of the Music in the Parks program, while also enjoying the fun of the famed amusement park.

According to Director Dr. Sally Hernandez, those looking to perform at Disney must submit an application to the Disney Imagination Campus, complete with a video of performers in the attire they would be wearing the day of the show. 

Once the application is submitted, it takes approximately a month before eager students receive a response. 

After hearing they were approved, students were ecstatic, as some had never been to Disney World. 

While Hernandez did not know what part of Disney the students would perform in, she knew the overall experience would be fantastic. 

“In the past, we have performed at the park, but as I walked around I didn’t see any stages like there were before, so this time we performed in Disney Springs,” Hernandez said. 

Regardless of the park, students were excited to show off their skills in front of such a large crowd, who would normally not hear them. 

“I was so happy we could finally perform at Disney and show off what our program is to people in Florida,” said Kaliste Moore. 

Playing behind the volcano on the Waterside Stage, students strummed along to memorable Disney classics, including “Momentous,” “Under the Sea,” “Feed the Birds,” “Beauty the Beast,” “Star Wars,” and “Let it Go.” 

Students rehearsed these songs for approximately one month before they took the stage, but the music was a favorite among many and a joy to learn, feeling more like a hobby than practice. 

“The fun Disney songs we played unlocked my inner childhood that I have been missing for a while,” said Akisi Jones. 

The Imagination Campus provided the students with Disney’s instruments to utilize in the performance, so students didn’t have to lug cellos and bases. 

“They have these really nice instruments for us to use,” Hernandez explained. “We just take our bows.” 

The student performers were also given private entrances and practice facilities to ensure they were ready and on time. 

After performing in Disney Springs, the students were named Honorary Cast Members and provided with a non-trade-able pin to adorn their lanyards. 

Being named an Honorary Cast Member had some students thinking about the possibility of becoming a Cast Member at Disney and what that might look like. 

“It was really neat to go behind the scenes and see what that was like,” Moore said. “I would definitely want to be a Cast Member at some point in my life. It seems like so much fun.” 

Madison Jarvis echoed those sentiments, saying it was neat to see Cast Members not only interact with the audience but people behind the scenes. 

“They really get the best of both worlds,” she said. 

Students were able to see more of the Cast Members in their element the following day when they visited Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. 

Hernandez said she had students vote on what park they wanted to visit, with Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios being the top two choices. 

Both days the group was there for the rope drop, spending the entire day in the park, riding the likes of Space Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash, and Millennium Falcon, before enjoying the final firework shows of Fantasmic and Happily Ever After. 

“The really fun rides and incredible parks we got to explore after our performance added an extra layer of excitement and joy,” said Sullivan Barfield. “It was a perfect mix of creativity, entertainment, and unforgettable moments, and I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure.” 

Looking toward their next experience, students would love to perform at Dollywood or Universal Studios again. 

However, they know none of these opportunities would be possible without the direction of Hernandez. 

“From performing on the Waterside Stage to experiencing Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, this trip was definitely one to remember,” said Moore. “I thank Dr. Hernandez for giving us this opportunity to perform somewhere so magical and for making it so enjoyable.” 

Hernandez appreciated the comments, but said she was equally as thankful for the students. 

“I was really proud of their professionalism and how they helped one another and cared for one another,” she concluded.

For parents or students interested in learning more about the orchestra program, Hernandez is always happy to bring another student into the “orchestra family” and encourages individuals to reach out.