By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
For members of the Otsego High School band program, a recent trip to Florida provided far more than just sunshine and sightseeing.
It was a chance to grow as musicians, perform on a national stage and create lasting memories together — all while representing their school and community in a way that left a lasting impression.
“It was amazing,” Otsego band director Mitch Piersma said. “The students were super good.”
The trip, which takes place once every four years to give each student a chance to participate during their high school career, included a variety of educational and performance opportunities along with time to enjoy the experience together.
One of the early highlights came on the way to Florida, when the Symphonic Band participated in a clinic at Vanderbilt University.
“One thing that made me extremely happy as a director was that our Symphonic Band participated in a clinic held at Vanderbilt University,” Piersma said. “They learned a lot from Dr. Thomas Verrier, who worked with them while the Concert Band watched.”
That experience didn’t just stay in Nashville.
“Some of the things he had them work on already became evident in their playing when the combined groups played in their ‘Soundtrack Sessions’ workshop a few days later,” Piersma said.
The Disney “Soundtrack Sessions” workshop proved to be another impactful learning opportunity, giving students a glimpse into the expectations of professional musicians.
“It really helps that they were instructed by a highly regarded college professor and a professional musician, so they got a firsthand taste of what is expected from their perspective,” Piersma said.
“The students’ eyes got really big when they realized that their sight reading was being recorded for ‘Soundtrack Sessions.’ They definitely concentrated more and brought their playing up a few notches when they realized that.”
The session emphasized the importance of quick preparation — a stark contrast to the typical school concert cycle.
“The director’s point was that to perform a song at a concert, we usually have around 30 rehearsals and then we perform,” Piersma said. “In the professional musician world it is just the opposite — you have one rehearsal and then do 30 performances. Time equals money. You have to be good to do this.”
As a reward, students saw their work come to life in a unique way.
“Their reward at the end was performing an excerpt from ‘Frozen’ and having what they played be the background for a scene from that movie,” Piersma said. “We received a recording of it, so we can watch it later. They really enjoyed that part.”
Another unforgettable moment came when the Otsego marching band performed in the Magic Kingdom parade at Walt Disney World.
“Beyond words,” Piersma said. “They worked hard and to have their already successful year blossom in front of thousands of people, in an iconic park was just amazing.”
While the musical opportunities stood out, Piersma said some of his favorite moments came away from the stage.
“I also enjoy watching the students have fun at the parks and the beach,” he said. “Many of them have never seen the ocean.”
The trip also included a moment of adversity when a bus broke down following a beach outing, forcing students to miss a scheduled dinner show.
Rather than dampening the experience, it became a reflection of the program’s culture.
“Our students can create appropriate fun in any situation,” Piersma said. “I am very proud of the fact that I heard no one complain — student or chaperone — and they made the most of the disappointing situation by playing games and being social with each other.”
That attitude carried throughout the trip and was noticed by others.
“Musically, it was great to hear that our kids’ performances are respected and the public recognizes that they have something special here,” Piersma said. “But the way they say ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ hold the door for strangers, and clean up after themselves at rest stops and food places should make Otsego proud.”
For Piersma, that combination of musical growth and personal character is what made the trip truly meaningful.
“Otsego Pride for sure,” he said.
Kids learn by example. Mr. Piersma is a great example. Proud of all of them.