California Day 4

Breakfast - This morning at breakfast we prepared for the day with discussions about the workshop ahead and signing gifts for our hosts at Long Beach Poly.

California Adventure - We had 2 hours at DCA this morning to catch a few rides and get our tickets for "World of Color" Everyone had a fun time. The park seemed very epmty with the ending of the "Dapper Day" events.

Clinic with Sean O'Laughlin - I'm not really sure how to explain this other than it was the perfect educational, professional, and musical experience. Sometimes timing is everything and to have the arranger of a new work as popular as "Frozen" work with the band before it was released just was beyond what you can ask for. Our students were playing the music and the students at Long Beach Poly were crowding at the door when they heard it and asking their band director to order it. Sean O'Loughlin explained everything from the career paths you can choose to be a conducotr/composer to the science behind why certain chord construction creates a different sound. The AP music theory students were following along with his "composer speak" and the rest of the band was so engaged in his conversation that it was exciting to watch their reaction to everything he said. We all had a great time and learned a ton. I can say without it doubt it was my favorite clinic on a trip that we have ever done. Timing is everything and this was the perfect example. One of the topics discussed was how and why Mr. O'Loughlin moved to LA from the Syracuse area and his response was that he knew that the oppurtunity to do what he loved to do was here and not there. He was truely inspiring to the kids and tried to connect with them not only about being successful in music but in any career and to follow your own "Path"

World of Color - After a couple of hours to grab dinner and a ride or two it was time for "World of Color." Our seats in the wet zone were the perfect viewing location and the wind was blowing in the opposite direction saving us from much of the water. This show can't really be described but watching the students experience it for the first time was as much fun as the show. The 2010 trip saw the show being built. Some of the seniors and juniors were finally able to see it completed. Everyone loved the night and we returned to the hotel for some room packing and homework time..

Last day tomorrow in the park. Many students want to finish their "Frozen" experience by meeting the princesses from the movie, others are still looking for that perfect gift for someone back home, and some just want more Dole Whip. Clinic tomorrow will be new and exciting as we create music with Disney made instruments and complete a series of tasks about How and Why music is used in the parks. A personal note...Please support the MPPEF 50/50 raffle to raise money to help with the arts facilities in both schools. Last few days to buy your tickets. Link is on the main page!