ADVENTURE: Several Poly band and orchestra members experienced an unforgettable trip to Paris.
By Kate Santoso, Staff Writer
After the delights of the holidays came to an end, students naturally looked forward to a bright new year full of possibility, awaiting the adventures that lie ahead. Many musicians from Poly’s band and orchestra decided to kick off this optimistic New Year with a trip to one of the world’s most famous cities: Paris, France.
Riverside City College (RCC) band director, Gary Locke, organizes an international trip every two to three years for the college’s marching band. In 2000, the RCC “Marching Tigers” appeared in the Millennium Parade in London. In 2001, the production company, Youth Music of the World, suggested Locke form a composite band comprised of high school musicians, college musicians, and RCC alumni.
Ever since 2001, RCC has provided unique travel and performance opportunities for band kids in the Inland Empire vicinity. Anytime RCC gets invited to appealing events from around in the world, Locke chooses one and gets approval from college administrators to coordinate the trip. Sign-ups for the Paris trip began in the fall of 2014, and little by little, they built up to reach the maximum total of 359 travelers with 225 performers. In addition to graciously welcoming Poly’s music department to join them on the Paris trip, Locke invited several Inland Empire high schools to come along on the journey, including Martin Luther King, John W. North, Ramona and Redlands.
On December 27 at 11:20 A.M, twenty-six Poly musicians, sixteen Poly parents and supporters, and Oscar Mooring, Poly’s band director, flew to Paris with the RCC band. There was a distinctive air of enthusiasm as band students anticipated the honor of marching down the Champs Élysées in the distinguished La Grande Parade de Paris on New Year’s Day. Along with the band members, orchestra members also excitedly awaited their performance at the American Cathedral in Paris.
Before the performances, the musicians got the chance to explore the vast wonders of the city. Some of the key marvels included the Louvre, the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the palace of Versailles, Disneyland Paris and Sacré-Coeur. “One of the major highlights of the trip was just getting to see how people live their everyday lives in a world that seems so far away from ours. Things seemed so foreign, yet exciting,” Poly flutist Desiree Wyles (10) expressed.
On January 1, the Poly band proudly marched down one of the most illustrious streets in Paris, and members of orchestra played their hearts out in the American Cathedral. “Being able to see a different culture and enjoy a beautiful country in addition to performing in an internationally broadcast parade was incredible,” Poly band conductor Tyler Reagan (12) said. Moreover, the recent terrorism attacks in Paris took an extra emotional toll on the students and teachers. “The trip was an overwhelming success, in every sense: emotionally, musically, and educationally. It gave our traveling party some insight into the French culture while doing something we love to do: entertain,” Locke said.
The last day of the Paris adventure concluded with a magical performance at Disneyland Paris, which allowed everyone to relax and enjoy their last day in such an exquisite city. “This once-in-a-lifetime experience will definitely be cherished forever in the minds and hearts of Poly’s musicians,” Poly flutist Naomi Dooley (10) said. The Poly music department will continue to travel, entertain, and touch the hearts of many around the world with their sweet music.