Waukon High School Music Department takes a bite out of the Big Apple
During the recent spring break from school that began Wednesday, March 19, Waukon High School’s (WHS) Music Department embarked on an unforgettable trip to New York City for several days, taking a group of band and choir students from sophomore to senior year on an adventure that mixed musical exploration, cultural immersion, and the sheer thrill of experiencing one of the world’s most iconic cities. The WHS band and choir students take this trip every three years during that spring break period to various locations that offer exposure to musical venues and experiences.
The trip, led by WHS Choir Director Sarah J. Bieber and WHS Band Director JoAnn Sherman, offered students an exciting blend of musical and cultural experiences that many of them will carry with them for years to come. Along with an enthusiastic team of parent chaperones, the students explored the Big Apple through a lens of discovery, creativity, and excitement.
MUSICAL WONDERS ON BROADWAY AND BEYOND
New York City’s Broadway is known for its vibrant, world-class theater, and this trip provided students the opportunity to witness two performances. First, the group was taken to the Broadway hit The Lion King. The dazzling costumes, stunning set designs, and breathtaking performances captivated everyone. It was a powerful experience, exposing the students to the magic of theater at its finest.
Next, the students enjoyed Hadestown, a relatively new musical that blends modern storytelling with a Southern New Orleans jazz-inspired sound. The fusion of music, culture, and mythology was a highlight, offering a completely different musical flavor and introducing the students to a fresh, innovative take on Broadway productions.
But the trip wasn’t just about watching the shows - it was also about learning from them through participation. Before attending Hadestown, the students took part in an exclusive Broadway workshop with the cast (bottom photo at immediate right), including the lead character, Hades. The students had the unique opportunity to learn a portion of one of the musical’s songs, while also being taught the original choreography from the show.
When the students sat in the theater to watch the performance, they were thrilled to recognize parts of the show they had already practiced themselves. Singing and dancing along in their minds, they felt connected to the production in a way that few ever get to experience. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for all of them, and it truly brought the magic of Broadway to life in a personal way.
To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, April 9, 2025 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.
