In order to get an inside look into the FC Heritage Festival choir trip to San Diego, March 14-16, senior McKay Mohun wrote a synopsis of the day-by-day events that occurred during the annual event.

Despite the long hours spent in the car, the San Diego choir trip was well worth the wait, March 14-16. We came, we sang, we conquered. We traveled to participate in the WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival and little did we know that we would walk away with great accomplishments.

Day 1: The first day began at 4 a.m. and ended somewhere around 10 p.m. so that we could get to San Deigo; not what you call a short day. As many of us students were tired, the excitement of the trip itself kept spirits high and students focused.

After traveling to Southern California, we stopped by Vanguard University to see their music program and learn about what the university offers. Following that, we went to a home for the elderly to give them an exclusive concert, which they were delighted to see and hear.

Two of the guests were over 90. It was great to visit them and a neat way for students to prepare themselves for an excitement-filled weekend. It was awesome to see how much they appreciated that we came out to sing to them.

Day 2: This was the big one: the festival day. This was the day we had been working for. We arrived, sang our hearts out, and most of all, we had a blast.

However, this was no quick venture. We were at the festival for somewhere around eight hours, but when it was our turn, spirits quickly rose and we went on stage. At the festival our Percussion Team, Jazz Band, Celebration Choir and Ensemble were featured. Our choir songs included pieces such as “Dies Irae” and “Let Everything that has Breathe.”

It was great to hear our judge’s corrections and see his enthusiasm. They had us sing at a faster pace than normal to give us a quicker tempo, which improved both our volume and rhythm. After the festival we went to a local mall where we had a great time getting food and looking at local shops.

Day 3: As each journey has a beginning, each journey too must have an end. It was our last day and what a day it was.

We began the day by having a hearty breakfast at Hometown Buffet. Then we toured the USS Midway where I was able to meet and talk to a World War II veteran who fought in the Day-D Invasion of Normandy on Omaha Beach.

From there we had a interesting lunch where some students heard familiar Frank Sinatra tunes from a professional impersonator. Then we went off to Sea World where we enjoyed the various rides and exhibits.

Though we were advised not to, many of us still rode some of the various water rides, where ponchos and drying stations came in handy. Then came the closing ceremony where we won several awards that we earned, much due to the hard work of our students and the dedication of our leader, Music Department head and direcotr Michael Ogdon.

For more opinions, read the April 3 article, Editor-in-Chief reflects on Crown, months of publishing.