Pullman High orchestra shares Disneyland recording and performance experience; students raised $70,000

Catherine Colville and members of the Pullman High School orchestra described an April trip to Anaheim, where students participated in the Imagination Campus workshop and a professional soundtrack recording session at Disneyland. Colville said the group auditioned in May 2023, was accepted in July 2023, and students and families raised more than $70,000 through fundraisers including WSU football concessions and a Disney‑and‑desserts event.

Students and parents described the experience: cellist Nick Koenig said the workshop allowed the group to play music arranged true to the original Disney soundtrack and to work with an experienced conductor; violinist Neil Wang described sight‑reading new music under time pressure and the emotional impact of performing with the film soundtrack. A parent attending the session praised the teacher and students for their professionalism and the learning opportunities they gained from the recording environment.

Colville presented a signed shield made by students to commemorate the trip and shared a short audio clip of the orchestra’s studio performance. The board and community members thanked the students, parents and staff for their work raising funds and preparing for the experience.

No board action was required; the item was a showcase highlighting student achievement and community fundraising.