The Wheeler High School Orchestra just returned from a four-day New York City trip! During the journey, they learned about the city’s history, saw the Broadway show Six, and learned at a musical workshop with a Broadway orchestra pit conductor. The first day was long, with the Orchestra waking up at 2:00 AM and going all the way to 11:00 PM. After landing at LaGuardia Airport, the group got on a bus, took a tour of Manhattan, and later went to Broadway, where they saw Six and got signatures from the cast. Julia Solicito (10) says that it was her favorite part of the trip.
Day two consisted of the orchestra workshop, where they were lifted up a spooky freight elevator into a nice classroom. A guest teacher and Broadway conductor showed the ropes of playing in an orchestra pit for a show. The group took their first trip on the subway, which Winfrey Lartey (10) thought was very convenient and preferred to walking. Robert H (10) was disappointed along with others that nobody could find a Rat. Later that day, lunch was had at a diner with singing servers, followed by a trip to the 9/11 memorial, where respects were paid before going to the top of the new World Trade Center for its incredible view.
On the third day, the Statue Of Liberty and Ellis Island hit the tourist highlights. Then, late in the day, the Orchestra boarded the Spirit of New York river boat, where they enjoyed dancing games and a buffet dinner.

The final day had a short visit to a market before a daring escape from the city inhibited by the hour-long delays of LaGuardia and a struggle to get on the plane. Still, the Orchestra eventually got home at roughly 10:00 PM to make it to school the next day. Aaron Bishop (12) did not go on the trip, but he would be glad he missed the delays after his frustrations with last year’s travel.