The Sequim High School Choir traded the Olympic Peninsula for sunny Southern California this spring, embarking on an unforgettable four-day adventure filled with music, learning, competition, and celebration. From May 21-24, 2026, choir students traveled to Anaheim, California, to participate in the WorldStrides Music Festival, where they represented Sequim School District with excellence both on and off the stage.

The trip got off to a memorable start before the choir even landed. During the flight to Anaheim, a flight attendant invited the students to perform for the crew and passengers. The impromptu performance turned an ordinary flight into a unique musical experience and set the tone for the days ahead.

After arriving in California, students traveled to the University of California, Irvine, for an AIM Experience workshop led by Dr. Irine Messoloras. During the session, students received valuable feedback designed to strengthen their performances before competition day. By the end of the workshop, Dr. Messoloras was so impressed with the quality of Sequim's choral program that she extended an invitation for the choir to join her college choirs on a future performance, the invitation itself was a tremendous honor and a reflection to the strength of the program. The day concluded with dinner and entertainment at Pirates Dinner Adventure, providing students with a fun and memorable way to kick off their California experience.

On Friday, the choir headed to the competition venue, where five Sequim ensembles took the stage: Show Choir, Women's Ensemble, Select Choir, Men's Ensemble, and Vocal Ensemble. Following hours of warm-ups, performances, and adjudicator clinics, students received encouraging feedback and praise from festival judges. Among the many compliments shared, one adjudicator compared the Sequim choir program to a Ferrari, recognizing both the talent and potential of the performers. After competition wrapped up, students shifted gears and spent the remainder of the day enjoying Disneyland.

Saturday brought a second full day at the park, but the excitement peaked that evening during the awards ceremony at the Hyperion Theater. One by one, each Sequim ensemble was recognized with the festival's highest rating: Gold. The achievement reflected countless hours of rehearsal, dedication, and teamwork from every student involved. The trip concluded Sunday with a visit to the Santa Monica Pier and brunch before heading to the airport for the journey home.

While students returned with souvenirs and memories from Disneyland, they also brought home something even more meaningful: recognition for their hard work, opportunities to grow as musicians, and the pride of representing Sequim on a national stage.

From an unexpected performance at 30,000 feet to earning Gold ratings across every ensemble, the Sequim High School Choir's California adventure was truly music to everyone's ears.