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Westfield Academy and Central School Director of Bands, Roger Chagnon III, doesn’t shy away from taking more than 60 band members on an out-of-state overnight trip because “it strengthens the bond between the band members and allows me to take learning outside of the classroom.”
The triennial trip that Chagnon takes with WACS Senior Band members is an event that is worked toward and anticipated for years. “Students fundraise for three years between trips to make this experience affordable and attainable for all who wish to participate,” he said. “We were able to keep the entire trip under $100 per student due to the outstanding work by the Band members in the preparation and leadup to the trip.”
The 2026 Senior Band Trip to Cleveland took place from April 23 to 25. The 65 students from WACS were able to join forces with their friends at Bay School under the direction of Darren Allen to create a 100-plus student ensemble, Chagnon said.
Other highlights of the trip included a visit to the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, an evening of “Williams and Spielberg" movie music at Severance Hall with the Cleveland Orchestra, and a private tour of BlakWall Studios with the rock band Welshly Arms. Students also visited the world’s largest candy store, B.A. Sweetie’s Co., and “had time to frolic by Lake Erie,” Chagnon said.
The WACS Director of Bands said the students were awed by the Cleveland Orchestra. “It was incredible seeing live musicians playing perfectly in time and on beat. The songs were also amazing. The music from 'Jurassic Park' brought a tear to my eye,” said sophomore Crosby Stellhorn. “It was very emotional. There was also a 15-year-old cello player, and it was inspiring to see that because he is my age and he’s on stage performing with a professional orchestra.”
Enabling his Senior Band members to experience musical performances in a large city is very rewarding, Chagnon said. “Experiencing any culture outside of our little Westfield bubble is paramount for students to be constructive and engaged citizens of the world. For some students, this is their first time on a trip or in a hotel without their families,” he said. “Navigating the schedule and balancing our experiences prepares my students for their next steps in life and gives them a small glimpse of the greater possibilities available to them.”
Chagnon and his students agree that Cleveland is a great place for musicians to visit. “I love hearing the students discover how incredible this city is and how close it is to home,” he said. “Students in turn take their families to Cleveland and get to show them the sights that they’ve experienced with the Band. It is truly a musical city!”
Chagnon said that hearing student comments such as, “That was the most incredible performance I have ever seen!” or “I am definitely coming back here with my family!” makes all the effort completely worthwhile.”
As Junior Isabella Kurtz. said: “I had so much fun spending time outside of class with my bandmates in such a musical city.”
Chagnon said that he is always impressed with the way the students conduct themselves. “I am always incredibly proud of our students; how they carry themselves in public, the kindness they exhibit in all circumstances, the genuine smiles that permeate the Band, and the level of performance that this small-town Band reaches humble me every year,” he said.
The amount of planning that is required for the triennial trip might seem daunting, but Chagnon says that both he and the students embrace the challenge. “Students start the year in September with the Band Trip already on their minds, and it is always fun to hear them create plans with their friends as we get closer to departure,” he said.
Also, music selections must be considered carefully in the years that the band is traveling, Chagnon added. “For the years that we travel, I must choose repertoire very carefully as not every member of the Band can commit to the trip,” he said. The music must be attainable for our level, while still challenging the players and allowing them to grow as musicians.”