Once every three years, Liberty’s band, choir and orchestra take a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, to explore new types of music, make memories and explore its diverse theme parks.
Kaitlyn Wetjen, 10, has been playing the flute since 5th grade. From April 22 to 26, she joined Liberty’s music department on its infamous trip.
“I was really nervous to leave my family,” Wetjen said. “Obviously it’s hard. It’s my first time traveling without them, but it’s a group travel, so it makes traveling much easier.”
Students were allowed to share a room with three other roommates of their choice. Liberty stayed at the Pop Century hotel on park property.
On the second day, Wetjen and the band went to a studio space and played for about two hours, with assistance from an audio technician. The Liberty band played a “Frozen” melody, which was then put over a “Frozen” montage.
“The music was super fun,” Wetjen said. “I really liked our director. He was really nice.”
After the opportunity to play new music, students had the rest of the trip to explore Disney’s popular parks. Wetjen’s group attended Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Additionally, a day was set aside to visit Universal Studios.
“The most memorable parts were getting to hang out with your friends, have fun and learn how to play different types of music because you were playing with a soundtrack,” Wetjen said.
On the trip, there were eight people per chaperone and students were provided transport.
“It was very helpful in learning how to use public transport because you had to use the skyliner, the monorail or the buses,” Wetjen said.
Overall, Wetjen advises that for those on the fence about attending the Disney trip, it’s important to be sure they can have fun with people they don’t usually spend time with, as well as being around lots of people.
“I would say most people would enjoy it,” Wetjen said.
