Even though they were backstage, getting to see parts of Disneyland that only the performers and actors get to see, it wasn’t until the gates opened on to Main Street, U.S.A., that the full effect finally hit the members of the Bonney Lake High School marching band.

“We were announced on the loudspeakers and we came through and it was all eyes on us,” said mellophone player Zach Potts, 16.

“That was the most people I’ve ever played for,” said baritone player Ryan Randolph, 14, with a smile.

Fresh back from the band’s first ever long trip, the members of the Panther marching band were excited to talk about the trip, which included three days at the park, the parade performance, a workshop and even a recording session in the Disney studios.

“It was a really great experience,” Randolph said, adding that his favorite part of the trip was meeting the voice actor who portrays Donald Duck. “I would do it again anyday.”

“Best experience I’ve ever had,” echoed lead trumpet Bard Winne, 15.

The trip, part of a four-year rotation with Sumner High School, was part of the Educational Discovery Tour and has been in the planning stages for more than a year, according to band director Don Neptun, who even selected special Disney tunes for the band to play during the trip.

“They treat us like professionals and they treat us like stars,” Neptun said of the experience. “All we had to do was the fundraising.”

Neptun said the all-inclusive trip cost each student approximately $800, which many raised partially through fundraising.

While playing for the masses at Disney was a great experience, Neptun said the highlight was the recording session, during which the band sat in the actual Disney studio, playing along with a movie being shown on a big screen before them, just like the pros do.

“They were blown away,” he said of the kids.

Still living primarily in the shadow of their older and better known cousins at Sumner High School, Neptun and the band members all said the trip to Disney was an opportunity to get the Panther marching band a little recognition of its own.

“It helped give us a name,” Randolph said. “We’re not that other band from Sumner, we’re Bonney Lake.”

Neptun said the trip also served as a reward for the older students who helped build the program.

“We’re still a pretty young program, but these kids here helped create who we are,” he said.

Everyone involved said they had a great time at the park and on the trip, but it was being able to play for such appreciative crowds that really made the event memorable.

“To be able to play music for people and have them enjoy it … that in itself is a blessing,” Neptun said.