From April 21-24, Westlake High School’s singing group, Blendors, took a trip to Disney World for the Festival Disney singing competition.
The group attended three of the National Parks before competition: Magic Kingdom, MGM Hollywood Studios, and Epcot.
At Epcot, Blendors participated in a workshop called Backstage Disney and had the opportunity to work with a Disney performer. Senior Rianna Cassone said, “We did a dance with her, sang two songs from tangled and did the sound effects and everything. We learned what it’s like to be an on call Disney performer.”
Elizabeth Melito, Westlake High School’s chorus teacher stated, “The workshop was awesome! This was only the 2nd time for that, and we had a different person who was a Disney singer and educator. The experience of having to learn music quickly and then record is eye opening for those who want to be in the business. She explained all the qualities that someone should have if they want to be in the business as a performer to be successful. She also made it very fun for them but focused on the job!”
The award ceremony took place at Typhoon Lagoon, one of Disney’s famous water parks. There, the Blendors got to meet other singing groups and hangout. The groups had the water park to themselves and there were four or five rides open for their enjoyment. The park also provided a beach party, food and the wave pool. Students deserved every ounce of enjoyment considering all of the time and effort they put into their performance.
The Blendors didn’t place but received Superior. Junior Alessia Mussolini noted, “We were happy to have something to show off our hard work and we were very happy that our hard work was recognized.”
“I am thrilled that the Blendors won Superior! This is the highest rating you can achieve at the festival so it is our aim. The other years we have gone in 2011, 13, 15 we also received a superior,” Melito said. “The goal is to get them to achieve a better performance, be better musicians and focus on the group. I think we achieved all of this and more.”
The trip brought the group together. Melito noted that every year, bringing the Blendors to Disney serves to unite them. She gushed, “It is a great bonding experience since the students spend 4 full days together and leading up to the trip the extra rehearsals to prepare for the competition is also helpful.. This group in particular really divided into 2 groups of 12 when they were in the parks to make it easier to go on rides, but when we were together they sang everywhere. Waiting in line, on a bus etc.”
The Blendors go on this trip every other year, so they will not be attending the festival next year.
Not only do Blendors go to competitions and sing at the HS concerts, they are active in the community singing at such events as the Veteran's Breakfast at the community center, Veteran's Day, Homecoming, Ronald McDonald House, Rosary Hill, Memorial Day, at Columbus Elementary and at the Nurse of the Year event at Westchester Medical, to name a few.