Trip Blog

Thursday, March 10

Everyone made it!

We had a completely full flight, and had to make sure that none of the students (or chaperones) took the free ticket for going on a later flight.

Nice tour of Los Angeles, had a great driver with a lot of great jokes and some interesting stories.

Stopped for lunch at Farmer's Market. Mr Budge got some pictures of Mario Lopez (aka A.C. Slater from "Saved by the Bell"), then had his performance         shoes shined.

Went to the Chinese Theatre, Mr. Budge has bigger hands than Lou Costello.

Toured the Kodak Theatre. Ironically, their is no photography allowed inside.

We were able to see the work crews installing the new Cirque de Soliel show "Iris".

We were very tired, but, had two great clinics with Dr. Robert Frelly at Chapman University. He could tell the band really loved to play.

Dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Ready for bed.

Everyone is still here.

Friday, March 11

Had a great performance with the Wind Ensemble. Got some good compliments from other school groups.

The Jazz Ensemble collected a big audience through its performance and then had a great time in the soundtrack session backstage. They got to hear Rob Verdi, our clinician, play a Sopranino Saxophone, a Slide Saxophone and one of only 12 Contra Bass Saxophones in the world. The group recorded music from the animated short "In the Bag", "The Aristocats" and "The Incredibles"!

Then many of the students heard that Jack Black was visiting the park. No word on whether or not he was spotted. (update, Jack Black was spotted leaving Frontierland)

Had a lot of fun.

Final room checks should be starting soon.

Saturday, March 12

A good time was had by all.

Sunday, March 13

A beautiful morning. Happy birthday to Nate Karn!

Spent the morning on rides, then met with the entire group for the Wind Ensemble soundtrack session.

Our clinician was Doug Strawn. His resume includes spending years as a member of "The Carpenters" and for many years being the voice of the one and only, Donald Duck. I'm sure you know which one of those items was more impressive to the students. The group recorded music from "The Emporers New Groove", "Fantasmic!", "The Lion King", and more.

We made great time to the airport and will be home soon.

It has been an amazing trip. The chaperones have repeatedly been impressed with how amazing the musicans have been, both during their work together in performance and when they have had free time. Thanks to everyone for making this trip possible!

Helpful Links

TSA Information

Alaska Airlines

Red Lion Hotel

Chapman University
Dr. Robert Frelly

Kodak Theatre

Original Farmer's Market

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Disneyland Resort

Wind Ens. Soundtrack Session

Jazz Ens. Soundtrack Session

Weather Forecast

Itinerary (subject to small changes)

Thursday, March 10
4:40am       Arrive @ PDX - check in w/chaperone turn in P.A. Checklist, receive lanyard
                   Check in @ Alaska Air ticket counter
                   Eat breakfast on your own
6:40            Depart PDX (Alaska #560)
8:57            Arrive @ LAX
                   Go to luggage claim
                   Load Bus - keep instruments, music, etc. separate from luggage.
                   Board Bus
9:45            Depart LAX
                   Motor Coach tour of Beverly Hills and Hollywood
12pm          LUNCH on your own @ Farmer’s Market - don’t forget snacks for later
1:20            Meet @ TBA for Tour of Kodak Theatre
1:30            Tour Kodak Theatre
2:10            Board Bus
2:15            Depart Kodak Theatre
4:00            Clinics @ Chapman University
tba              Board Bus
8:00           DINNER @ Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
tba              Board Bus
9:30           Check in @ Red Lion
10:00         Room Check
10:30         Lights Out

Friday, March 11
7am           BREAKFAST @ Red Lion
8:00           Load Van - everything you need for a performance.
9:00           Walk to Disneyland
9:30           Meet @ entrance to California Adventure
10:30        WE performance, Hollywood Backlot Stage
11:00        Non JE free time in park (LUNCH on your own)
11:00        JE tram ride to Disneyland
12:30pm   JE performance, Carnation Plaza Gardens (all required to attend)
                 LUNCH on your own
3:30          JE meets @ entrance to Toontown (under an overpass by "It's a Small World")
4:00          JE “Soundtrack Session”
                 DINNER on your own
10:00        Early Room Check
12am        Final Room Check
12:15        Lights Out

Saturday, March 12
                  BREAKFAST @ Red Lion
7:30-9am   Check out with chaperone, in person
8:00           Time @ Disneyland or California Adventure
                  LUNCH on your own
2:00pm      Check in with chaperone, voice or in person

3:30-6:30  Pool or Disneyland (Mr. or Ms. Graaff)
                  DINNER on your own

8-10:30     Pool or Disneyland (Ralph or Ms. Tran)

10:00         Early Room Check
12:00am    Disneyland Closes
12:30         Final Room Check

Sunday, March 13
                    BREAKFAST @ Red Lion
7:30-9am  Checkout of Hotel
                    Load Bus - keep instruments and mutes separate from luggage
                    LUNCH on your own
3:30pm      Group Photo
4:00            ALL meet @ Toontown
4:30            WE “Soundtrack Session”
6:00            Depart Disneyland
7:00            Check in @ Alaska Air Ticket Counter
                    DINNER @ LAX on your own
9:05            Depart LAX (Alaska #473)
11:25          Arrive @ PDX

Every time we get on a bus to go anywhere. Saori Erickson is the first on the bus. Do not pass her until she has checked you off. Make sure you see her check you off. Once you have been checked off, please do not leave the bus. This will save us time during our trip.

It may be necesary for us to change scheduled times. Whenever possible, this information will be given to you by your chaperone during room check.