After months of practice and performance for the free Family and Friends Concert, band students will leave their instruments behind when they trek to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on April 13.

Band director Chris Rice initially planned to do an exchange with other schools in the Santa Cruz and San Jose area, however all requests were denied.

?I wanted to have the band listen to what other schools are playing,? Rice said. ?Unfortunately, the colleges in the area didn?t have bands and the scheduling for other high schools prevented us from meeting. The purpose of the trip is just for fun.?

The group of approximately 20 plans to ride the roller coasters and view other attractions at Paramount’s Great America in San Jose on April 14.

?I?m looking forward to going to Great America because I haven?t been there in a really long time,? Adam Casuga, ?09, said. ?I like roller coasters, especially Top Gun.?

Although many look forward to the rides at both parks, some plan to relax and eat, among other things.

?Great America is awesome, but I don?t plan on riding any roller coasters at the Boardwalk,? Andrew Biehler, ?08, said. I?m so tall and I?ve learned from experience the rides can be painful. I plan on eating funnel cake instead.?

Students will leave the high school parking lot at 12:30 P.M. and return to the same location around midnight on April 15.

The band?s final concert for the year will be held on May 15th. Choir will perform their spring concert on May 17th, which features Broadway songs from shows such as Annie and The Sound of Music.

For more information concerning the band, check out Claire Kister’s April 12, article, Band adds concert to itinerary, or Breanne Alcorn?s Feb. 23, article, Band plays for feedback critique.