Franklin Road Academy Participates in "Festival Disney"

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA - Franklin Road Academy choir and jazz ensemble students took part in Festival Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort on March 9 & 10. The students traveled from Nashville, Tenn. to Florida to take part in this uniquely Disney festival.

“It is, without a doubt, the best festival I have attended, and this is my 18th year of traveling with the choirs. From the start, everyone I dealt with was very friendly, helpful, and accommodating. It is apparent that Festival Disney wants the students and their directors to have a positive experience,” said Michael Ehrlich, choral director, W.T. Woodson High School. In 2006, he traveled to the festival with eight ensembles, numbering 247 students.

The festival series schedule included two days of adjudicated performances, where ensembles received valuable written and recorded feedback from nationally recognized music educators. At the conclusion of the event, the students took part in the Festival Disney Awards Ceremony. All the ensembles received an exclusive Festival Disney Award, and each member of the ensemble received a Festival Disney Medal to commemorate their participation. Competing groups were awarded Best in Class and Festival Disney Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards.

Prior to the event, the director selected the group's classification and one of three adjudication categories. The categories included Competition - where groups are rated and ranked for the top awards; Ratings Only - where the ensemble is awarded a rating but not a ranking; and Comments Only - where the group receives only written and verbal feedback. Immediately following their performance, concert ensembles participated in a feedback clinic with one of the adjudicators.

"The adjudicators for the festival were highly qualified. Their onstage clinic was not only helpful, but it was done in a positive manner. All of my students enjoyed the experience, and so did I. They not only reinforced things that I've been teaching, but brought new ideas and approaches to their singing. I came away with several new techniques to use in rehearsals," said Ehrlich.

Festival Disney is open to junior, middle and high school music groups. MENC: The National Association for Music Education officially endorses Festival Disney. This music festival is part of the Walt Disney Performing Arts Programs which offer instrumental, vocal and dance groups the opportunity to learn, perform and celebrate at the Walt Disney World Resort. For more information go to www.FestivalDisney.com or call 1-800-603-0552.