FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Thompson High School Marching Band became stars of their own Disney show on March 21 when they entertained guests in Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort.

The band traveled more than 500 miles from Alabaster to take part in the Disney Performing Arts Program.

The student performers, under the direction of Jon Bubbett, greeted the morning guests of the park as they marched down Main Street, USA taking them past Cinderella Castle. Their performance was an American fanfare that included several patriotic songs. By being part of a special show production, the students got an inside look at what it is like to be a professional in the entertainment industry.

This was the marching band’s third visit to the resort with the Disney Performing Arts Program since 1996, when they marched around World Showcase in EPCOT.

Vocal, instrumental and dance ensembles from around the world apply to perform each year as a part of Disney Performing Arts at both the Disneyland Resort in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Once selected, they are given the opportunity to perform at the resort for an international audience of theme park guests. Millions of performers have graced the stages of the Disney Parks in the more than 25-year history of the program.