MUSCATINE, Iowa — Muscatine High School freshman Matt Kassmeyer said he and 56 of his classmates spent their spring break taking “the trip of a lifetime.”

 Kassmeyer and his fellow MHS band students used their days off school, March 16-20, to travel to Los Angeles, where they recorded a souvenir DVD at the Disneyland music studio and performed at Universal Studios.

“We had the chance to go behind the scenes of music production and play for a professional composer,” said sophomore Alex Steffen. “He treated us like pros. He was very professional.”

Kassmeyer said the MHS band was provided with sheet music from four Disney  movies, including “Dinosaurs,” and “Fantasmic.” The students played the music as a band so it could be recorded and combined with the actual movie footage.

“They went into a real, professional recording situation, which we have never been able to provide at MHS,” said Jeff Heid, the  school’s director of bands.

Sophomore Cassie Ballensky, who plays trumpet, said the recording session was a highlight of the trip.

“It’s the first time we heard what it sounds like all put together,” said Ballensky. “You can’t do that in class.”

Freshman Keegan Dwyer said the band plans a trip every two years and the Muskie Band Boosters and MHS band teachers assist in the planning and travel.

Senior Kevin Templeton said the students flew to Los Angles as parents Tim and Karen Bower, Angie Banko and David Cali drove the band’s trailer filled with students’ musical instruments and luggage.

“I know they put a lot of work into that,” said Templeton.

The students funded their trip through community projects, such as the annual first semester nut sales campaign, a couple of smaller fundraisers, and personal investments.

Dwyer said their effort was well rewarded.

“It was everything I expected, and more,” said Dwyer, as he and his fellow band members met after class at MHS Wednesday. “This gave us a chance to see what the real world is like in music. It’s really awesome.”

Sophomore Kelly VanAcker said the students also plenty of fun.

“I really liked Disneyland and Universal Studios,” she said. “We went on rides at Disneyland and toured the Studios.”

Heid said the students made him proud.

“They were lauded for their organization and professional conduct while at the Universal Studios,” said Heid. “The staff was impressed with the quality  of students.”