The music department traveled to Washington, D.C. on May 17 to participate in the Music in the Parks adjudication. The department performed for judges at James Hubert High School and for the public at the Lincoln Memorial.

After a five-hour drive, the music department arrived in Maryland, where they were later recognized for their outstanding performances. At the adjudication, the symphonic band, wind ensemble, orchestra, and concert choir took first place, and the mixed chorus took second. The groups’ performances at James Hubert High School were later recognized at Six Flags: America where they were given awards and were able to enjoy the rides that the park had to offer. Freshman Angelica Cutrone stated, “I really enjoyed the trip. My favorite part was going to Six Flags.”

The following day, the music department toured Arlington National Cemetery to commemorate the nation’s fallen heroes. They saw the changing of the guard ritual in person and marveled at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Junior Ethan Renz said, “It was a very emotional, solemn moment seeing the guards change, and it was very upsetting to see family members who lost loved ones mourn. There were also disabled veterans observing the ritual, which I thought was beautiful.”

Later in the day, the music department performed facing the Washington Monument on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. In the 90-degree heat, the symphonic band, wind ensemble, and orchestra set up chairs and prepared their musical equipment to put on a show for the memorial’s bystanders. Junior CJ Sollitto stated, “I had so much fun performing on the steps of the Lincoln memorial and had a fun of the bus ride to and from D.C.” The symphonic band played “Galactic Galaxy,” “Endless Rainbow,” and “Selections from Carmen.” The wind ensemble played “Variations on a Korean Folk Song,” “Barnum and Bailey’s Fractured Favorite,” “Dance,” and “Two Step.” The chorus sang “What About Us Defining Moment,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “Africa,” and the concert choir sang “The Longest Time.” The orchestra performed “Fantasia Española,” “Symphony No.2,” and selections from Les Miserables. Orchestra Teacher Alyssa White sang her student’s praises: “The orchestra truly rose to the occasion in D.C. I’m very proud of the way they came together as an ensemble.”

Chorus Teacher Barry Wyner described the experience as “a group bonding experience that promotes a feeling of community within the chorus and the music department as a whole.” Wyner also acknowledged the importance young people developing national identities and having strong reactions to some of the memorials visited on the trip.

Overall, the trip was a success: music students were able to perform in the nation’s capital, learn the history behind Washington’s famous landmarks, and enjoy the roller coasters of Six Flags. Students returned to LHS and performed some of the pieces from the Washington trip at the spring concert on May 22 for friends and family to enjoy.