By Jessica Dillon
Students with Da Capo’s Harmony program recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where they performed, toured historic landmarks and museums, and experienced the nation’s capital for many of them for the first time.
The group has previously traveled to locations around Virginia, including Monticello, but students and staff said the Washington trip offered unique opportunities to learn about history and connect through music.
“It was such a joy getting to watch my students experience D.C. for the first time,” said Harmony Service Director Alyssa Prillaman. “Getting to see the light in their eyes and seeing them experience so many of our nation’s most iconic monuments and museums was just absolutely magical.”
Executive Director Tracee Prillaman also said the trip was a success.
Students said they especially enjoyed performing with other groups, exploring museums and meeting new people.
“The trip was really good,” said Lucas Moore. “It was my first ever trip with Harmony, and it was just a fun time to experience new places with my best friends, and just learning more music was a thrill.”
Madison Jamison said students learned from the different museums they visited and had opportunities to meet people outside their usual circles.
“We got to meet new people that we might not have met in Ridgeway, and we learned so many new things at the different museums,” she said.
Anastatia Kichula said she enjoyed singing with another choir and performing at a church during the trip.
“I met so many new people, and I was in lots of new places,” she said.
For several students, the trip marked their first visit to Washington.
“That was my first time ever in D.C., so I definitely had a lot of fun,” said Autumn Carson.
Students also reflected on the diversity they experienced in the city.
“You saw everybody from around the world,” said Kesh Kumar. “As someone who’s of Indian descent, it felt good to see people who were like me. Growing up in a town like this, you don’t really see people like me a lot.”
Emma Epperly said her favorite part was visiting museums and learning more about the country.
“It was just an amazing experience,” she said.
Jagger France said he was nervous at first because it was his first trip to Washington, but he enjoyed visiting the museums and learning more about history.
Lucas McEntire said he enjoyed meeting singers from other groups and riding the Metro.
“I love taking these tours so I can actually go and meet the alto sopranos and even tenors sometimes,” he said.
Several students also praised the food at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“The food there was amazing,” said Lizzy Anthony.
Tia Giles said the museum helped students connect with different cultures and experiences.
“I saw a lot of things about my culture and everybody else’s, and it was amazing to experience that with my friends,” she said.
Students also said performing during the trip was one of the highlights.
“One of my favorite experiences was when we got to sing ‘Sleigh Ride,’ because the director was my seventh-grade district director,” said Layla Hairston.
Lilly Anthony said she enjoyed visiting Chinatown and overcame her fear of escalators during the trip.
Tyler Swanson and Megan Tate also participated in the tour.
