Brendan Howe – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … The Upper School choir and chamber orchestra at Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, set off to South Dakota on a music tour, April 23-26. They performed—to great applause—at several churches and schools throughout the trip, while also doing some sightseeing.

Throughout the four days of the trip, the students were able to bond and make cherished memories. One of the most valued memories shared by the students was the bus ride to their hotel on the first day after they visited the Devil’s Tower National Monument in Devil’s Tower, Wyoming. They erupted into song on the bus for a bonding experience shared by everyone there.

“On the bus ride, we were all singing and just having fun … It was a good vibe,” said Gavin, MHA freshman student, when asked what his favorite memory was from the trip and why.

“I really like our spontaneous singing in the bus. It was a lot of bonding with everyone there. It was fun and just a vibe in general,” responded Emalee, MHA junior student.

“My favorite memory was coming onto the bus after our picnic at Devil’s Tower Monument … I think it was Daven or Brody who said, ‘Let’s all sing Gospel songs!’ and they all started singing different songs,” recalled Debbie Miranda, MHA Music director. “It got us singing for a good hour, and it was so much fun. I could really see the joy that was in their hearts. It was truly a blessing.”

MHA student Brendan remarked, “On the topic of music, people were truly blessed by our music program. Some people gave us a standing ovation, and others even cried. This shows that perhaps we left a mark on our audience that would inspire them to share the blessings of music wherever they go. It doesn’t even have to be a big performance.”

He continued, “Not only shown by the bus ride, but when the students arrived at the lobby of the hotel, they would have worship. People would look and even tell us how good we sounded and how touched they were by our music.”

The group was able to see some iconic tourist destinations. Devil’s Tower National Monument was the most liked destination amongst the students for its beautiful and unique nature, though some people thought the place was a little eerie due to the Native American folklore told of the location.

The group visited Mount Rushmore National monument in Keystone, South Dakota, three times, as it was too foggy to see the first two times, and Crazy Horse Memorial in Crazy Horse, South Dakota. The students enjoyed seeing the history of Native American past while also being able to see history in the making as the monument is still under construction. They also visited the National Presidential Wax Museum, also in Keystone, which was Miranda’s personal favorite.

At The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota, students were able to “… learn the history and science of fossilization and was just interesting to see,” commented Lily, MHA sophomore student. At the Rush Mountain Adventure Park in Keystone, the students took a tour of large caves, soared through the clouds on the park’s zipline, defended the world from bandits and aliens on a 7D Darkride, and raced down the mountain on a mountain coaster.

Overall, the students had a lot of fun and made many memories. The music they performed would also have a lasting impact on their audience. The students can’t wait for the next trip.

—Brendan Howe is a student at Mile High Academy.  Photos supplied by Emalee Zachawerus.