One of the positives of participating in the Highland Park High School music program is the opportunity to go on field trips. In the past, the Band and Orchestra have visited Dorney and Hershey Parks year after year, typically participating in competitions and enjoying food. Choir trips have been similar. A student in the Orchestra explained, “Across the music department the trips do seem repetitive, especially going to an amusement park. But it’s still nice to go on these trips, even if they are similar to ones we’ve been on before.”
Recently, however, music department trips have become larger in scope. While the Band is returning to compete with other regional concert bands at Dorney Park, they will stay overnight. The Orchestra trip went in a different direction from past excursions as it did not involve a competition. They saw the music archive at the University of Pennsylvania, went to the Hard Rock Cafe, and saw John Williams conduct the Philadelphia Orchestra. Many Orchestra students expressed their preference for more experiential trips.
The Concert Choir is embarking on the busiest and longest of the three trips, visiting Boston from May 26 to 28. Along with exploring the city, the singers will compete against other choral groups in several categories, including full choir, chamber (small, advanced choir), and treble (choir with higher voices).
Before leaving for Boston, the Chamber Choir visited Montclair State University on April 24 to see composer and conductor Eric Whitacre talk about his creative process. The students learned about the relationship between music and poetry, and they had the opportunity to ask questions about Whitacre’s career and inspirations.
All three of this year’s trips provide invaluable experiences for student musicians and potentially raise the bar for future opportunities.