From April 25-27, the East Rockaway High School music department traveled to Hershey, Pennsylvania, for its annual music department trip. The band, chorus and orchestra all participated in the Music in the Parks festival, an educational event that gives school ensembles the opportunity to perform for a panel of professional adjudicators and receive ratings based on national standards.

After arriving in Pennsylvania on Friday, students performed in front of the judges, showcasing the hard work and dedication they had poured into their music all year. The East Rockaway band earned second place with a rating of “Good.” The chorus took third place and received a “Superior” rating. The orchestra earned second place and was also awarded a “Good” rating. These accomplishments reflect the talent, commitment and discipline of the student musicians and their directors.

On Saturday, students celebrated their achievements with a full day at Hershey Park, enjoying the rides and attractions before attending the festival’s official awards ceremony at the Hershey Park Arena. The trip concluded on Sunday morning with a visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World and a guided trolley tour exploring the history of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The East Rockaway music department takes an overnight trip each year to a different location, offering students the opportunity to perform in new settings, explore new places and bond as a group. Throughout the school year, students take part in various fundraisers to help offset the cost of the trip, learning valuable lessons in teamwork and responsibility alongside their musical growth.