Allen County Community College’s vocal jazz group experienced the magic of Disney through a variety of workshops at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., during spring break in March.
“I wanted my students to learn from some of the best musicians in the country and those musicians are at Disneyland,” said Michelle Summers, vocal music instructor at ACCC.
Summers took students to Disneyland when she taught in Oregon and encouraged her jazz group at ACCC to make an audition DVD for this spring’s workshops.
The trip was an adventure for Sabre Aguirre, Katie Knoblich, Mack Melvin, Tyler Plunkett, Shelby Cruz, Jessica Truitt and Jon Eddy. None of the students had visited Disneyland and three had never flown before.
All of the workshop leaders have been or are cast members for Disney. Many also have their own studios and perform professionally.
The group’s first workshop taught them the importance of stage presence. They learned to be early to an audition and to warm up their voices to be ready when asked to perform.
The students learned a dance routine and song during the second workshop, which they performed during a mock audition before a panel which included Summers. What the students didn’t know was that they were being filmed during their audition, Summers said.
During the final workshop the students learned four songs laid over a Disney animated feature.
“It was exciting hearing my students’ voices on a version of “Lilo and Stitch,” Summers said.
The students didn’t have an opportunity to perform at Disneyland, but did see a number of live musical theater shows at the park.
It wasn’t all work for the students. They also went on rides, stayed for the nightly fireworks and saw the Disney marching band conducted by Mickey Mouse. The trip was made possible by an activities fund at the college. The fund is from community donations and fundraisers by the students.
“I think this was a wonderful experience for my students. I also believe the trip can be a recruiting tool for future students. The trip to Disneyland gave my students a glimpse into the real world of musical entertainment,” Summers said.
ACCC jazz group visits ‘Happiest Place on Earth’
