Students from several O’Dowd instrumental music ensembles joined together to form the O’Dowd “Symphonic Orchestra” and traveled to Disneyland to participate in several amazing events. The first night, the group attended the Pirates of the Caribbean show, which was an exciting event with live performers.
The next day, the students participated in a recording session at the Hollywood Back Lot recording studio where they recorded several “cues” for Disney animated films under the direction of conductor Kurt Curtis, a life-changing workshop for sure. The students also performed a set of film classics at the Hollywood Back Lot stage in Disney’s California Adventure. The exciting set included medleys from Western Films, The Hobbit, and Pirates of the Caribbean. No one will forget this magical night!
Finally, on Saturday the students travelled to Cal State Long Beach for a master class with conductor Jermie Arnold. This workshop was very special and really brought out the best in each student. Many of the ideas and concepts presented at this workshop will be included in future rehearsals.
Thanks to everyone for a great trip. We’ll be doing it again in two years!
