Field trips, especially overnight trips, seemed to be a thing of the past once COVID-19 hit. With pandemic protocols in place, the concept of going on a field trip was a big “What if…?” among students at NASH.

But now it is a “Lets go!” especially for students in band, orchestra, and chorus.

“I am very excited for the [band] trip, seeing as my class has yet to be able to go on one,” said junior Aaron Huber. “I think it will be very fun.” 

The music trips take place around relatively the same time. NASH music programs have set the date for an overnight trip beginning on March 31, 2022 and returning on April 3, 2022. With spring in the air, it will be an ideal time to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and relieve stress before finals season takes place.

“I’m excited that we actually get to do a trip this year,” senior band member Dom Chiodo said. “We haven’t gotten to go on a trip in three years and I look forward to a great sendoff for my senior marching band season.”

The music programs have all set itineraries for their first overnight trip since the pandemic. The students will travel by bus to Virginia to perform and enjoy themselves.

“I am excited because we haven’t been able to go on one since freshman year,” senior band member Mia Simmons stated. “It’s a great time to bond with our friends and sections.”

However, the announcement of the trip destination was somewhat disappointing to some, as some student were hoping for a return to Disney World, a pre-pandemic tradition.

“Due to the current state of the world, I think that the school is trying their best to make us happy and still enjoy our trip, but I still wish I was going to Disney,” said junior chorus member Carley Miller.

But the itinerary of this year’s trip compensates for its relocation, as it includes Busch Gardens, a popular amusement park, and a beachside barbeque in Virginia Beach.

“I’m looking forward to going to the amusement park with my friends,” said chorus member Callie Rautenbach. “I really like rollercoasters, and I’ve heard that Busch Gardens has some good ones.” 

Additional highlights on the itinerary include The Smithsonian Museums, historical sites in Williamsburg, and a dinner and dance cruise near Virginia Beach.

“I am excited to hang out at the beach with my friends and play my cello in a different environment,” said junior orchestra member Jackson Pross.

Music students are awaiting roommate selections and are eager to learn, perform, and enjoy themselves far away from NASH.

“Virginia Beach is somewhere I haven’t been, and it sounds really exciting,” senior chorus student Abby Politeski said.

With music program trips back on the calendar, hundreds of students in NA’s bustling’s music programs are looking forward to a fun spring getaway.