Every year, the Concert Band, String Orchestra, Concert Choir, and Chamber Choir take part in a fun music adjudication. While last year they took that long journey to Nashville, TN, this year the trip was much shorter. Located in Williamsburg, VA, the amazing music groups took part in Music in the Parks.
On April 26th, 154 NDP students, plus the music directors and chaperones, piled into three buses and began the trip. With excitement running high, the drive was quick and soon the musicians arrived in the colonial area. Dressed in the classic black performance dresses, the Concert Band performed first. They started the NDP performances off with a bang. Their versions of “Sunlight Dancing”, by Robert Buckley, and “Jovian Farewell”, by Michael Sweeney, were beautiful. The String Orchestra was up next and continued the amazing musical performances. Their performance of “Orchid”, by Yukiko Nishimura, and “Romanian Folk Songs”, by Bela Bartok, was both lovely and fun. The Concert Choir and Chamber Choir were almost immediately after. Concert Choir began the beautiful singing performances with renditions of “Chapo Pan Famn”, by La Caccina, and “By Night”, by Elaine Hagenburg. The Chamber Choir closed out the NDP performances with excellent versions of “The Lake of Innisfree”, by Celtic Woman, and “Hands are Knocking”, by Little Miami High School Combined Choir. With these beautiful performances, the students, chaperones, and directors of the NDP music programs happily boarded the buses and drove to Colonial Williamsburg. Here, they enjoyed wonderful dinners and delicious desserts. Tired and happy, the group boarded the buses for the last time that day to rest up for the next day filled with fun.
Excitement was filling the air as the NDP girls began to wake up the next day. On April 27th, the students and chaperones spent the day at Busch Gardens. All day, they rode fun rollercoasters, ate fun foods, and spent a day bonding with their sisters. From rides like Apollo’s Chariot to the classic Teacups, there was certainly something for everyone. All the students had a great time laughing and having fun running from activity to activity. The day closed with a bang when the entire NDP group gathered with the rest of the schools competing in the competition. Sitting together in the Royal Palace Theatre, the awards were announced. Everyone worked so hard on their performances and the trophies that were brought home demonstrated this. The Concert Band brought home second in their category and were given the ranking of “Excellent”. The String Orchestra left with first place and the ranking of “Superior”. The Concert Choir also brought home first place and a “Superior” title. The Chamber Choir closed the amazing awards with first place and another “Superior” title. Special shoutout to Abby B. ‘25 who was named the “Best Choir Soloist”. The performances were all spectacular and the trophies and awards obviously demonstrate that. For the last time, the students, chaperones, and directors boarded the bus and made the final journey home, all talking excitedly about this fun trip.
This was an amazing trip, and everyone had the best time. The performances were beautiful and were awarded as such. Thank you to the chaperones who spent their weekend travelling with the musicians and of course, thank you to the directors, Dr. K, Ms. Bilenki, and Mr. D. This trip would have been nothing without you. It is because of you that the music department is as amazing as it is. Congratulations to all four of the groups and a special congrats to Abby! You all did so amazing!