For members of the Tamaqua Raider Band, the chance to parade in front of Walt Disney World’s famous castle was nothing short of magical.

“That is something that will always be a standout moment in my life. I was able to lead such a large group and such an important group to me down Main Street,” said Laura Mace, one of the band’s senior drum majors.

160-plus musicians, cheerleaders and colorguard members flew to Florida this week for the performance. The trip includes four days in the Disney parks – and the chance to be a part of the show.

“It’s in Disney. The stakes are higher, you’re playing for thousands of people on that parade route,” said Mark Beltz, band director for Tamaqua Area High School.

Taking a family of four to Disney isn’t easy. Taking a marching band is a monumental task. The Tamaqua band does it every five years.

On Tuesday, the band, along with another 40 parents and staff, flew from Philadelphia to Orlando. They were split between two flights, on two airlines, landing within 20 minutes of each other.

Even before the band took off on Tuesday, their instruments and uniforms were making the journey to Florida. Two parents made the 24-plus hour trip to Orlando driving a moving truck with all of the gear.

It all costs over $200,000 to put together. The band goes once every five years, so fundraising begins not long after the previous trip ends.

Beltz said it would not be possible without the school district, and the Tamaqua Band Booster Club, which raises funds, coordinates travel schedules, and acts as the band’s road crew.

“This trip could have come to an end real quick if everyone didn’t agree to let this group play a larger stage,” Beltz said.

The band received school district approval for the trip two years ago, just before COVID hit. They pressed ahead with their plans despite uncertainty about whether the parade would happen at all.

“It was definitely a challenge to do this. I’ve done this trip a lot of times and this was by far the most difficult,” Mark Beltz said.

Another challenge is practicing in the middle of the winter. The marching band season usually ends in November, but in January the Raider band was outside, marching in winter coats.

“It was definitely cold, but I think it was worth it. It made our band so much better,” Mace said.

On Thursday, they traded the coats for their traditional band uniforms, and 30 degree cold weather for 80 degree heat.

They marched out in front of Cinderella’s Castle, decorated for the park’s 50th anniversary..

They played God Bless America, and Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll,”showing off their fun and serious sides for the first time. Thousands of strangers got to see the band represent Tamaqua.

“You get to perform in front of people who don’t know what we’re about, the size of our band, and how big we are in our own community. We get to bring that here, and that’s nice to show everybody,” Mace said.