Charger Band Charges to Colorado
by Tammy Gigstad
The JCNHS Band recently completed a very successful and enjoyable trek to Colorado Springs. On Wednesday, May 6, 84 excited students and 9 patient sponsors boarded 2 charter buses to begin our journey.
Our first day began with an early breakfast in Colby. The first stop in Colorado Springs was the Olympic Training Center, where the nation’s finest athletes prepare for Olympic competition. The center is also home to the paraplegic Olympians as well. After a quick lunch, we drove through the Garden of the Gods. Students were able to climb and take a quick hike around some very impressive rock formations. The afternoon ended with a walking tour of the Air Force Academy grounds. This impressive campus hosts some of America’s finest students. The chapel was especially beautiful with gorgeous stained windows and special areas dedicated to several styles of worship.
After checking into our hotel, some students enjoyed the pool, hot tub and free pop, popcorn and appetizers. We then donned blue jeans and headed for the Flying “W” Ranch, where we enjoyed a barbeque meal. After the meal the Flying “W” wranglers (an extremely talented quartet who not only sang, but played their guitars, bass, fiddle and mandolin very well) entertained the group. Mrs. Gigstad was called up on stage to represent JCN and lead the audience in embarrassing Jeff Hale by singing “Happy Birthday”. Back to the hotel and a busy Day One was in the books!
Day Two began with our group riding the cogwheel rail up Pikes Peak. Due to the large amount of snow this year (40 feet instead of the usual 20 feet!), we were only able to travel up to around 12,000 feet altitude. The rail usually goes up 14,000 ft in elevation. Our guide on the train explained several historical and scenic tidbits of information. Freshman Ryan Weishaar celebrated his birthday on the Peak! After our rail ride, the students had some free time shopping and eating lunch in Manitou Springs. Then it was off to a very EXCITING ride up a very curvy and steep road to the Cave of the Winds. Once both buses safely made it to the top of the canyon, we were divided into groups of 20 for a 90-minute walking tour of the cave.
Then back to the hotel to prepare for our evening activities. We ate dinner (thanks to the profits made from marching in the St. Patrick’s Day parade) and then headed to the Colorado Fine Arts Center to see the popular musical, “Crazy for You”.
Day Three had an early start as we headed to Denver for a 10:00 am performance at the Music Festival. Our band performed our two contest pieces and received an excellent rating. After a quick lunch, the students traveled to nearby Elitch Gardens Amusement Park where roller coasters and other fun rides awaited. After a busy day, we started for home, arriving in Winchester @ 3:30 am Sunday morning!
Our trip can seem quite hectic, but I try to expose the students to as many area sights as possible as well as different styles of music. Costs prohibit a longer trip, so we make the most of our time!
A trip such as this requires not only the exceptional behavior from the students, but the support and help from our administration and our capable sponsors. We received many compliments on our students as they represented our community and school. The students sincerely thank the administration for their support in providing funds toward the bus cost and for providing a school van. Our sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. Gary Bedigrew, Nancy Ballinger, Lynette Brickell, Kay Noll, Lori Navinskey, David Funk and Steve Noll. The sponsors made sure our students were safe and accounted for at each stop. I could not have asked for better help! David Funk and Steve Noll drove the school van, which stored our extra snacks and drinks and our small instruments.
The band would like to thank the following families for providing much appreciated snacks and drinks: Wilson, Gerety, Irvine, Stutz, Wolfe, Kay/Danny Noll, McAfee, Domann, Childress, Clark, Schneider, Tomlinson, Hensleigh, Becker, Wallace, Deviney, Navinskey, Leon/CeCe Noll, Koons, Patsy Gomez and Baker-Fales. Hopefully, the band parents have seen some great photos and memories from our Colorado adventure!
