hile their classmates dealt with a blizzard and frigid temperatures to the north, members of the Lehighton Area High School Indian Tribe Marching Band have been basking in the Florida sun this week.

On Thursday, the band kicked off the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom with a midafternoon performance in the shadow of Cinderella's castle."The feeling of marching down Main Street was a thrilling and anxiety-filled ride," said Cera Bowman, senior euphonium/baritone. "The pressure and feeling was overwhelming with both excitement and enthusiasm to be able to represent our school in a wonderful park."The band has been in Florida since Monday, narrowly escaping Winter Storm Stella, which dumped around 2 feet of snow in Lehighton.For many students, Thursday's performance will be one they will never forget."Being able to perform in Walt Disney World is a unique memory I will cherish forever," said Ty Sharrow, senior baritone saxophone player. "Being able to see the workings of the park behind the scenes was also a privilege. It wasn't as hectic as I thought it would be."Students worked hard raising the necessary funds before being able to make the trip.Junior clarinet player Amanda Passiglia wouldn't change a thing."It was a privilege to march this once-in-a-lifetime experience with the band," she said. "This was such a positive atmosphere and worth every second."The moment wasn't lost on junior Caine Carpenter."This isn't something just anyone can do and we were fortunate to be able to do so," he said.Several years ago, Lehighton's band performed in Nashville. For the seniors, however, a Walt Disney World performance was an epic way to go out."To be able to participate in such a well-known festival in the most magical place on earth is a blessing," said Eliza Asmann, trumpet player. "It was exhilarating, yet nerve-wracking. I feel very fortunate to end my high school marching band career in this parade."