By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer
Goodrich – Readying 42 band members to perform for an international Walt Disney World crowd was no Mickey Mouse operation.
‘The band’directed by Aaron Orkisz’planned this trip back in the fall of 2003,? said trip organizer Pat Spisek.
After sending Disney an audition tape, band members spent months selling candy, candles, pizza kits, and spaghetti dinner tickets. They waited tables and worked concessions to raise funds to get to their Magic Kingdom performance, said Spisek.
The Goodrich performance was part of Disney’s ‘Magic Music Days?, which included a workshop with professional musicians.
Accompanied by 23 parents and staff members, the Martian band flew in to Orlando, Fla. April 12, where they experienced a studio recording session, in which Disney sound and animation technicians coordinated ‘Aladdin? excerpts with the band’s rendition of ‘A Whole New World? and ‘Prince Ali?.
Led by Orkisz and drum majors Jenny Hoag and Nick Misek, the band stepped in time to ‘Louie Louie?, ?76 Trombones?, and the Goodrich fight song as the Florida sun glistened on the gold cording of their navy uniforms.
‘When they turned the corner and came down Main Street it just brought tears to my eyes,? said Spisek.
‘Of course every mom got all choked up watching ’em march down Main Street,? said Lori Brewer, mother of baritone player Kurt Brewer.
‘It was after it was done that it hit me,? said Kurt, ‘that we were playing for 50,000 people.?
‘Performing at such a large venue as Magic Kingdom, with thousands of people from hundreds of countries watching? was a once-in a lifetime opportunity for the band and one of the highlights of his career, said Orkisz, crediting Spisek for the undertaking of coordinating the event.
‘I am so proud of the band students that performed and could never thank the chaperones and parents enough for the work they put in to make this trip possible,? he said.