For the first time since 2020, the Los Altos High School choir program returned to Disneyland to perform, reviving a long-paused tradition. Chamber Singers represented LAHS in a public performance inside the California Adventure park, singing for visitors from different places in a setting far different from traditional choir clinics.
Students said the experience carried extra meaning because many had only heard stories about previous Disneyland trips. For younger members of the group, it was their first time performing in the park’s environment, while for seniors, it marked a final shared memory before graduation.
Preparation for the 25-minute performance took place over several months, with rehearsals prioritizing blending, intonation, and dynamics as a group. Students worked on their setlist both in and outside of class, building toward a performance that required not only musical skill but also confidence for a loud setting like the Disneyland park.
Once behind the scenes of Imagination Campus, students had to quickly adjust to singing with no acoustics, movement, or crowds surrounding them. Despite these challenges, many students described the experience as exciting because it felt more real and high-pressure in comparison to traditional concert settings.
“I’ve heard older students talk about past Disneyland trips, so finally getting to experience and live in the moment ourselves felt surreal,” said senior Madison Chavez. “Once we started singing, all the nerves turned into excitement because we knew we were representing our school.”
Many students expressed that performing in front of a large audience made the moment feel bigger than rehearsals, especially because people were constantly passing by while they sang. For seniors in the program, the trip carried even more emotional weight as they reflected on their years in choir together.
“It felt like everything we worked for came together in that very moment,” said senior Omar Alavrez. “Singing with people I’ve been with for the last couple of years at a place like Disneyland made it something I’ll never forget, especially because I have a big love for music.”
After their set, students were able to enjoy the rest of the day in the park, walking in groups, taking photos, and enjoying rides together. Many said this time helped balance the pressure of performing with the joy of celebrating their accomplishment as an ensemble.
The return of the Disneyland performance marked a significant moment for the LAHS choir program, bringing back a tradition that connects music, travel, and community.
“Returning to Music in the Parks served both as a performance opportunity and as a reminder of the memories created through our shared dedication to Chamber,” said Chavez.
