Members of the Roslyn marching band enjoyed their winter recess last week in sunny Orlando, Florida, taking time to perform at Disney World between getting Mickey Mouse autographs and riding Space Mountain.
The Roslyn Marching Bulldogs made a 1,120-mile bus trip to march during the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Disney’s Magic Kingdom on Feb. 19 and the Futureworld Parade at Epcot on Feb. 20.
Band director Frank Mauriello said the trip is offered every other year, giving students two chances to make the trek.
Ensembles from around the world apply to perform as part of Disney Performing Arts, Mauriello said, and are given the opportunity to perform for international audiences at the theme park.
Mauriello said the group performed admirably in front of a cheering audience of thousands around Cinderella’s Castle and Spaceship Earth for both parades during the weeklong trip.
“I am so unbelievably proud of the dedication, responsibility, and time these students commit to the band,” Mauriello said. “The thousands of cheering audience members definitely capped a magical end to an unforgettable 2017 season — especially for our graduating seniors who donned the uniform for the last time.
“The support from the entire school system and Roslyn community is extraordinary. Without that, we could not accomplish everything we do and I am grateful for the unique opportunity that was given to these remarkable students.”
Mauriello is in his first year as director of the Marching Bulldogs, and the team took home the state championship in October for its show “Above the Clouds.”
The band will be seeking its third championship win in four years, Mauriello said, when it takes the field in October at the New York State Championships in the Syracuse Carrier Dome.
