The wind ensemble and symphonic band went on their annual trip on Apr. 27 and 28, . This year, the destination was Boston, Massachusetts. The trip started early in the morning where the band met in the cafeteria at 6:00am sharp. Soon after, the buses departed for the 5-hour bus ride up to Boston. Students arrived at Quincy Market and quickly had lunch before their performances. Just as the band started setting up, it began to rain. This would not stop them though.

The symphonic band performed its opening number, the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Next they played their middle piece, “Aventura.” Their final piece was a suite containing the music from the Broadway musical Hamilton. After they finished, it was the wind ensemble’s turn to play. Their set was only one song: “To Tame a Perilous Skies,” an epic fourteen-and-a-half minute piece depicting the forces of good prevailing over evil in an aerial battle. Playing through the rain, the students showed their devotion and love for the music program. Kevin Langbart, a wind ensemble member, shared, “There’s no better way to bond with your band family than playing a fourteen-and-a-half-minute piece in the rain.”

Students then quickly packed up and went back on the buses to make their way to Boston’s famous Duck Tours. The rain was relentless as the students walked a couple of blocks to where the Duck vehicles were. The tour started out driving on the streets showing many of the landmarks in  a city rich with history. Things got interesting when it was time for students to see the city while sailing on the Charles River. The trucks can drive on water and turn into boats. As they were cruising on the river, some students had the opportunity to steer the boats.

After going back on land, the tour ended and the students had to walk back to the buses in the pouring rain.  For dinner, the students headed to Pizzeria Uno, where they were treated to pizza and pasta. After the yearly tradition of singing happy birthday to Band Teacher Brian White (even though his birthday is in October), it was time for the next item on the itinerary, The Blue Man Group.

Paint, drums, marshmallows, toilet paper, and Twinkies were all part of the exciting show. Science Teacher Kevin Tranchina was chosen by the Blue Men to throw Toblerone candy into their mouths. After the show ended, students made their way to the hotel. Many were tired after a long day of activities.

In the morning, students started off the day with a catered breakfast at the hotel. They soon departed for the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum where they saw a short movie on the President’s life leading up to his 1960 election. After the movie, the students had some free time to see the rest of the museum or buy souvenirs in the gift shop.

After seeing the museum, students boarded the buses and headed home. Halfway through Connecticut, students stopped at a rest stop for lunch and quickly took a group photo before boarding the buses one last time. Throughout the trip, spirits stayed high despite the rain. Freshman Andrew Moscheni, who is in symphonic band said, “I never thought I would play in the rain, but in the end, I enjoyed it and the trip as a whole.”

When asked about the band trips, White said, “I plan the band trips to have them be as fun as possible and to create lifelong memories.” The trip would not be possible without White. Randin Chiappisi, who is in wind ensemble, said, “We learned a lot about each other on the trip, and it was a lot of fun.” Throughout the band, new friends and memories were made that make all the hard work students put in the entire year worth it.