The North Royalton High School Band is no stranger to performing for large crowds, but their performance at Disney’s Magic Kingdom on April 4 took that amount to even greater heights as thousands upon thousands of spectators visiting the park from around the world watched them march down the coveted Main Street, U.S.A. during the park’s “Evening March” parade.
North Royalton High School band students, members of the band staff, parent chaperones and medical staff – roughly 250 people total – made the trek to Orlando for the enchanted opportunity. Their magic carriages – five, 56-passenger motor coaches – departed April 2 at the start of the school district’s spring break week. The drive took 23 hours with stops scheduled every three to four hours.
“Seeing the castle as we rounded the corner was really special and we had a good, receptive audience cheering us on and taking photos,” said David Vitale, director of bands.
As the man behind all the magic, Vitale began preparing for the trip more than a year ago. As part of the application process, Vitale submitted an audition dvd and cd, which was reviewed and screened by Disney representatives.
“It’s a pretty big privilege to participate in the Disney parade because all kinds of bands apply, so it’s a big deal to be selected,” Vitale said.
Students prepared for their Magic Kingdom performance for months, even going as far as rehearsing on the high school track during the slushy, snowy winter months and in the final moments before boarding their charter buses. As part of their performance, the students performed a medley of famous Disney movie tunes and other chart-topping hits. The high school has had the privilege of participating in Disney parades in years past, Vitale said, and each earned trip is always an honor. He hopes to continue the tradition into the future.
“In addition to the musical skills learned, are all the life skills,” Vitale said of the impact the trip has on participating students.
Those life skills include punctuality, time management, planning, and putting on a fresh, vibrant face in near 90-degree heat all while donning a wool uniform. The opportunity also enhanced the students’ music and performance resumes.
“Musically, it gives them a great performance opportunity, and this was the biggest audience they’ve had all year,” Vitale said. “We have great audiences at our halftime performances, concerts and competitions, but at that parade we are seen by thousands and thousands of people. It’s really very special.”
The Disney trip was self-funded by the students, but the Band Boosters assisted in supporting the cost of the trip.
“Band members and band alumni alike always say it’s their No. 1 favorite band memory,” Vitale said.
Following their performance in the parade, which also included appearances from two other high school bands from around the country, North Royalton students were led to a backstage area where they received additional cheers from Disney staff and pairs of commemorative Mickey Mouse ears.
“The Disney Cast Members really made our kids feel special and gave us the true Disney treatment,” Vitale said.
While in Orlando, the students enjoyed stops at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
For Vitale, the Disney trip and the audition process were a thrilling showcase of the band’s talent and gave students something to focus on and strive for.
“Having that performance opportunity on the national stage is exciting,” Vitale said. “We had people from other states congratulating us in the park. Strangers were coming up to us congratulating us and telling us what a great performance it was.”

By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer