Xaverian Musicians Win Big in Orlando

Over the April vacation, nearly 100 Xaverian student singers and instrumentalists traveled to Orlando, Florida to compete in the WorldStrides Heritage Festival. There they performed under the direction of Dr. Robert Thorp, Chair of Xaverian’s Fine Arts Department and Director of Bands and Music, Mr. Murray Kidd, P '22, Xaverian’s Director of Choral Activities, and Mr. Timothy Roberts, Director of the Xaverian Chamber Orchestra  competing against schools from California, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and New York. They won a series of prizes, including the top award for the competition, “Sweepstakes for Total Program.” Other prizes included a sweepstakes trophy for instrumental ensembles, the “outstanding band” award, and silver medals for Xaverian’s eighth grade band and the Xaverian chorus.

While in Orlando, students also had the opportunity to enjoy area tourist attractions such as Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the Kennedy Space Center, Universal City Walk, and Gatorland. The chorus also performed during Mass at The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. This is the second year that Xaverian has competed in Orlando's Heritage Festival during spring break. Plans are presently underway for 2025 travel and competition opportunities for the student performers.