The 187-member Liberty High School band from Pennsylvania performs at Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs as part of Disney Performing Arts program
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2016) – A sea of “Redcoats” marched onto Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom recently, wearing black bearskin hats and playing bagpipes while dressed in classic plaid kilts.
The “Redcoats’’ were actually the Liberty High School marching band from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – the only high school band approved to wear the same red uniforms as the iconic British Coldstream Guards who stand outside London’s Buckingham Palace; in fact, Queen Elizabeth’s tailor flies in from England to properly fit the band with its uniforms. The band is also the focus of a PBS documentary titled “Second to None,” set to premiere June 25.
During their five-day visit to the Walt Disney World Resort with Disney Performing Arts, the Liberty High School Grenadier Marching Band marched down Main Street, U.S. A. at Magic Kingdom on Feb. 12, while the Liberty High School symphonic orchestra performed at Disney Springs’ Waterside Stage on Feb. 11. The symphonic orchestra members also immersed themselves in movie magic during the “You’re Instrumental!’’ workshop, rehearsing and recording special Disney music selections.
“Disney has a ton of things to offer and for us we’re always looking for something that won’t just help the kids on a morale level and enjoyment kind of level, but also an educational level,” said band director Kevin Long. “Disney provides all that and so it’s a natural fit for us to come and be part of the action.”
The school’s musicians traveled more than a thousand miles from Pennsylvania to Florida to participate in the popular Disney Performing Arts programs. This was the school’s 14th year participating in Disney Performing Arts at Walt Disney World Resort.
Vocal, instrumental and dance ensembles from all around the world apply to perform each year as part of Disney Performing Arts at both the Disney Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Once selected, they are given the opportunity to perform amongst an international audience of theme park guests. Millions of performers have graced the stages of the Disney Parks in the more than 25-year history of the program.
For more information, visit DisneyPerformingArts.com or call 1-800-603-0552.
About the Disney Performing Arts Program
Disney Performing Arts unlocks student potential and helps young people make their own dreams come true – whether it’s performing in front of an international audience of thousands at Disney theme parks and resorts or honing their craft in enriching workshops and clinics taught by entertainment professionals. Every year, thousands of vocal, instrumental and other ensembles travel from around the world to participate in Disney Performing Arts programs at the Disneyland Resort in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Disney delivers workshops and performance opportunities that enrich, inspire and often leads to life-changing personal achievement.
Media Contacts
Ashley Martinez, Disney Sports & Youth Programs
Office: (407) 566-5324 | Cell: (305) 336-2810 | Email: ashley.n.martinez@disney.com
Erran Huber, Disney Sports & Youth Programs
Office: (407) 566-5752 | Cell: (502) 599-2825 | Email: erran.huber@disney.com
Information and photos provided by: Ashley Martinez, Disney Sports & Youth Programs
