As the rain poured down outside, the students of Briar Woods' music program milled about in the auditorium, double-checking luggage tags and hugging parents good-bye. The mood was infectious as students listened to last minute directions issued by band director Mr. Minnick before heading out to the 3 charter buses that would be their mode of transportation for the next 4 days, starting on April 15.

Citing a desire to take his bands on a trip at least once a year, Mr. Minnick has taken the Briar Woods' Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Band I and II and the Falconaires, or color guard, to cities such as Orlando, New York and Chicago in recent years. Each trip centered on a music festival in which all of Briar Woods' performance ensembles did admirably , showing discipline and dedication while still having a great time.

2009's trip to Boston was no exception. Despite having spent most of the previous night on a bus, the students were bright-eyed and energetic as the band passed the day touring Boston’s renowned New England Aquarium and historic Quincy Market area. The day ended in Boston Harbor, as band members enjoyed a dinner cruise and dance backlit by the bright lights of the Boston skyline. The next morning found them exploring the world’s oldest naval vessel still in service, the USS Constitution, then spending an enjoyable two hours at Coco Key Water Park. Dinner was eaten at the Hard Rock Café, followed by a visit to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where the music students were treated to a rendition of a Beethoven violin concerto and Mahler's Symphony No. 4.

Despite the festivities of the previous night, all five of Briar Woods' performance ensembles exhibited focus and efficiency at the next day's Heritage Music Festival, held at Bishop Fenwick High School outside of Boston. The students' professionalism paid off later that night when Briar Woods was awarded several accolades, with the Symphonic Winds winning first in their class, and the Symphonic Band coming away with a close second. The Falconaires also won first in their division, and were the highest scoring color guard at the festival. Both jazz bands also performed excellently, with Jazz Band I taking first in class and Jazz Band II winning second.

"It felt good to be recognized for all our hard work, and it was the perfect ending to the trip," said sophomore Ayse Rhoades.

With yet another successful trip behind them, the band shows no signs of stopping. There are numerous productions planned for the upcoming months, where the Briar Woods’ music program will once again showcase its extraordinary talent and spirit.