Times Square, Beauty and the Beast, Medieval Times, Hudson on the Hyatt. These were the sights and sounds experienced by the music department on their weekend trip to New York City from March 30th to April 1st.

Members of the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Concert Percussion, String Orchestra and Concert Choir performed Saturday at New York's College of Staten Island. This year, students chose to compete, coming away with an impressive four second place finishes and one third place. Overall, students liked competing because it was a change from the normal festival.

"It was a good change because we usually do showcases," Junior Jackie Cast commentented.

Band Director Mr. Burke agreed, "The competition was good because it showed that we're at the same level as other groups."

So why New York City?

"When choosing a trip, we try to choose a place that isn't a normal family vacation and has lots of activities," Mr. Burke explained. New York City provided exactly that.

While in New York City, students wandered around taking in the sights at Times Square. From the Naked Cowboy to Rockefeller Center, students saw it all.

"I took lots of pictures," sophomore Brandon Shaw said.

That afternoon, they attended a Broadway musical, Beauty and the Beast. For many, it was their first.

During the trip, students also participated in a customized game show featuring questions on television and music. It had mixed reviews.

"Some people may have thought it was stupid, but once you got into it, it was kind of fun," junior Lindsay Schruhl commented.

Much to the pleasure of students, the awards ceremony was held at the Medieval Times resturant. For them, it was a chance to eat food without silverware and watch a live competition.

"I liked how the sparks were flying during the realistic sword fights," remarked sophomore Jareikus Agnew.

It's worth mentioning that students, parents and chaperones stayed at a hotel with a riverside view of the New York City skyline. Some could even see the Statue of Liberty from their rooms.

Even though they came home tired, students will always remember the fun times they had on their weekend trip to New York City.