In February, students from the Lake Oconee Academy band and chorus performed at the Daytona 500, known as the “Super Bowl of NASCAR.” When Band Director Courtney Pilgrim discovered this opportunity last year, she knew it would be an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for her students.
On Feb. 14, 56 students and 20 adults headed off for the four-day trip.The Daytona 500 fun kicked off with the chorus performing at the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) race, where they took center stage in the infield to sing “God Bless America.” “Singing in front of such a large audience was both exhilarating and terrifying, but the kids did a great job and were absolute rockstars through the entire process,” music teacher Amy Reber said.
She recalled a moment when a local elementary student, who was about to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, exclaimed, “Wow! They sound like angels!” Reber went on to say, “It was a very sweet moment, and one that meant a lot to our students who were quite nervous.”
“I had a great time performing in the chorus and band at the Daytona 500,” senior Jewell Morris shared. “Getting to sing in such an energetic environment and in front of such a large audience was surreal. I’m so thankful for the LOA fine arts department for making these outstanding opportunities possible.”
After the ARCA race, students were rewarded for their performance with a night out at Dave & Busters, where LOA rented out a party room for students and parents. After Dave & Busters, it was back to the hotel to prepare for an early Sunday morning departure of 5:30 a.m. to head to the Daytona International Speedway for check-in and warm-ups for their band performance.
The LOA band, composed of students from sixth to 12th grades, performed a 40-minute set outside the Chevy Gate as spectators entered the Daytona 500.
“I think we all felt a little out of place being from a small school walking into the actual Daytona 500, but as soon as we made it through the first song, our performance mode was set,” sophomore Marlee Lyon recalled. “There is a certain feeling you can get only from performing for a crowd. That, mixed with the overall atmosphere, created an exciting experience that I will never forget.”
After the band performance, students had the opportunity to sign the start and finish lines of the track where the NASCAR drivers would soon race. They also enjoyed a Pitbull concert, explored race cars, and witnessed the Blue Angels soar overhead. To add to the excitement, Air Force One made several low passes for the crowd as President Donald Trump arrived for the race.
Several students even appeared on Fox Sports as commentators discussed the upcoming race. The students also had the chance to see race car driver Denny Hamlin up close as he prepared for the big event. To fully celebrate all their hard work and dedication, students and parents also enjoyed a trip to SeaWorld on Monday.
“This trip was an unforgettable experience,” Pilgrim said. “The students had the incredible opportunity to perform at one of the largest sporting events in the world. I’m deeply grateful for the students’ hard work, which made the performance so remarkable. I’m also thankful to our supportive parents and the school administration for allowing us to perform at such a prestigious venue. We created lasting memories and had experiences that many people still dream of.”