Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, July 30
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Schools»EPHS orchestra tour brought movie music to Disney
    Schools

    EPHS orchestra tour brought movie music to Disney

    Juliana AllenBy Juliana AllenMarch 2, 2023Updated:March 3, 20233 Mins Read

    Members of Eden Prairie High School’s (EPHS) orchestra recently performed and recorded movie music during a whirlwind four-day trip to Disney World in Florida.

    On Feb. 10, students showcased musical selections from Disney movies, “The Incredibles,” “Frozen,” “Moana,” “Brave,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” at the Disney Springs Bandshell.

    They were also able to take part in a recording session with an on-staff Disney composer. This allowed them to experience what it is like to be a freelance musician and performing string player with Disney.

    • EPHS orchestra students after their performance at Disney. Photo courtesy of EPHS orchestra
    • EPHS students arriving at the Disney Springs bandshell. Photo by Sasha Allen

    “The trip was amazing,” said Angelique Rowell, EPHS’s orchestra director. “The kids were wonderful to be around and gave a fantastic performance. They were such a great group of kids and their kindness and actions towards each other warmed my heart.”

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    Rowell said the art of movie music has an increasingly important role in today’s world.

    “The movie industry has gained huge momentum in the present culture,” Rowell said. “Major orchestras all over the country, including our own Minnesota Orchestra, have started incorporating movie music into their regularly scheduled performances at concert halls. 

    “It is my belief that movie music is in a way, the genre of music most prominent in today’s society, often like classical music was to the royal court of the past. When freelancing performing for celebrations or weddings, many or most clients request some sort of movie or pop tune for their occasion.”

    Rowell added, “Having students experience this in a setting that employs thousands of musicians across many different performances gives students a taste of what it is like to be a professional musician.”

    Advertisement
    Ad for The Goddard School - Goddard is where Extraordinary Awaits

    However, Rowell said that even if her students don’t seek careers in the music industry, they learned a great deal from the experience.

    “It is not my hope that all students become professional musicians, but that they all develop a skill that they can use in the future to help feed their soul and possibly share their gift with others,” she said.

    Students, who paid their own travel expenses, were also able to explore Disney World, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.

    • Students in front of the Magic Kingdom. Photo courtesy of EPHS orchestra
    • EPHS students at EPCOT. Photo courtesy of EPHS orchestra

    ‘A Night at the Movies’

    Eden Prairie residents were able to experience their own taste of Disney music earlier this school year, when EPHS orchestras held their annual movie night concert on Oct. 28.

    “A Night at the Movies” featured the school’s Concert, Concertino, and Symphonic orchestras, which played a selection of movie themes conducted by seniors. Students had a great time dressing up as their favorite movie characters, from Cinderella to Jack Sparrow to Kristoff and Sven from “Frozen.”

    Attendees enjoyed popcorn, cookies, and drinks, face painting, and an instrument “petting zoo” designed to introduce visiting children and their families to the different string instruments.

    This extremely popular concert is open to the public and is held annually, so check EPLN’s calendar next October for the date and time.
     

    • Movie night concert photos by Juliana Allen except where noted
    • Photo by Lisa Thayil

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleFood resources in Eden Prairie
    Next Article Fritz reaches lofty mark as Eagles down Edina in section quarterfinals

    More to READ

    1 Min Read

    Eden Prairie High School student awarded National Merit Scholarship

    July 14, 2025
    2 Mins Read

    Cedar Ridge principal leaving for St. Paul Public Schools post

    July 10, 2025
    3 Mins Read

    A sale that hits the right note

    July 9, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    ‘The Naked Gun’ smartly executes dumb jokes

    July 30, 2025

    Eden Prairie crews clear storm debris after high winds Monday night

    July 29, 2025

    Highway 5 to close in Eden Prairie Aug. 1-4 for roadwork

    July 29, 2025

    Landmark data privacy law goes into effect July 31

    July 29, 2025

    Eden Prairie brothers’ Fish Hut nonprofit expands youth fishing access

    July 29, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Gold Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.