On April 5 through 7, Darlington’s performing arts programs–chorus, band, and orchestra–traveled to Six Flags to participate in the Southern Star Music Festival, a music competition in Atlanta.
On the trip, not only did returning performing arts students participate, but also new ones. Each year, new students become involved in the arts, and trips such as the Six Flags trip allow them to bond more with fellow students. It also gives people the opportunity to spend time with friends they made throughout the year.
“This is my first year in concert choir…[and] I was [initially] nervous to do it,” junior Moa Berglund said.
While in Atlanta, students had the opportunity to watch the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, which was an example of professional opportunities in the arts. For many students, however, the most important aspect of the trip was the ability to meet new people from different classes as chorus, band, and orchestra came together. They also become closer with friends as they not only bonded during the day but also roomed together.
“I really enjoyed seeing the Atlanta Symphony orchestra perform, but I think the highlight was getting to hang out with friends,” senior Tommy Cowan said.
“I thought everybody did well. I think there were always opportunities to learn, but I think there were lots of successes,” Fine Arts Department Head Kim Tunnell said.
The performances were a culmination of the accomplishments that all the performing arts programs achieved and they celebrated the groups’ successes and performances. Both groups received overall silvers out of gold, silver, bronze, and blue categories. Though the groups acknowledged they always have room for improvement, both students and directors felt proud of the performances.
“I’m very thankful that we have the opportunity to take trips like these, and I think it’s a great group bonding and stress-relieving experience,” Cowan said.