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The Nugget Newspaper
Sisters, Oregon
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School band travels to California
By Rongi Yost

Thirty band students, along with instructor Jody Henderson, enjoyed a trip to California over spring break.

A charter bus was rented for the occasion, complete with movie screens, which made the trip to San Jose very pleasant and comfortable.

On Friday, March 22 the entire group rode the BART train from San Jose to San Francisco and spent the day walking about 25 blocks through the shopping and business district of downtown.

Highlights of the day included visiting the interior of the rotunda at the City Hall building, dinner at the Hard Rock Café, and attending a performance by the San Francisco Symphony.

The following day the band students participated in the Heritage Music Regional Festival in San Jose. The concert band, jazz band and the percussion ensemble all performed.

All three groups received silver awards, which represented scores of between 80 and 90 points out of a total of 100.

Katie Sims was thrilled with the experience.

"It was such a great opportunity," said Sims, "especially since I'm just a freshman. There was great competition at the festival and we got to hear bands from all over. Now when we go to other competitions we'll have an idea of what we're up against."

Sims added, "It's always great to listen to music and it was nice to hear other bands, and their choice of pieces they performed."

After a full day of competition the group was ready for some fun and excitement.

They spent the following day riding theme park rides at Paramount's Great America.

Everett Dahl was jazzed about one ride in particular.

"A few of us rode the Extreme Flier," said Dahl. "You get in a body suit, and they hook a cord to your back. You're raised 150 feet into the air and told to get ready. Before you know it, you're free falling and then swinging in the air!"

This particular ride wasn't included in the price of admission. It cost an extra $20 and Everett enjoyed it so much he rode it twice.

"It was the best ride I've ever been on in my life!" said Dahl.

Before heading back to Sisters the group took time to stop and walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Henderson summed up their adventure.

"The trip was a great vacation activity. Some of the time we were involved in things that really contrast everyday life in Sisters.

"But when it came time for music making our students displayed excellence in their performances at the festival, which included bands from various cities in California, Nevada and Utah."

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