Even though some students stayed in Kansas during spring break, orchestra students were able to travel to Chicago.

One of the main reasons for going to Chicago was to perform at Chicago’s Field Museum. Around 96 students performed at the Field Museum in Chicago.

Leaving Thursday, March 12, and returning Sunday, March 15, students only had a few days to complete the many activities Chicago had to offer.

Some of those activities included touring the Field Museum, visiting the Aquarium, shopping on the Magnificent Mile, and attending a Chicago Symphony concert and the Blue Man Group.

After making the 10-11 hour drive in a coach bus, 96 students, nine chaperones, two directors and one administrator finally arrived in Chicago.

“My favorite part about the trip was the Medieval Times dinner and show and the Vandercook Clinic,” Mikayla Smith, junior, said.

An educational clinic at VanderCook College of Music allowed the students to practice songs and receive feedback from a professional.

“The 10-12 grade orchestra students travel on a major trip every three years, but the freshman orchestra students travel to Branson every year,” Gregory Ferguson, orchestra teacher, said.

By selling Entertainment Books, candy and cookie dough, as well as using their own money, orchestra students were able to pay for the trip to Chicago. In addition, the orchestra runs a concession stand at the Kansas Speedway and working at the concession stand also helped pay for the trip.

In only a matter of days, the orchestra was able to complete many activities and make many memories