The recent Washington, D.C. music trip was more than just a sightseeing tour; it was a whirlwind experience that blended performance, patriotism, pop culture, and education across nearly every imaginable discipline. From playing music at national landmarks to witnessing history come alive before their eyes (and ears), Xaverian students had an unforgettable experience that combined cultural engagement with personal discovery.

The trip kicked off with a high-energy visit to Six Flags, where the Flash roller coaster quite literally took everyone’s breath away. Students swapped musical notes for thrill rides and carnival games, but the screams of roller coaster riders quickly gave way to the awe of historical immersion as the group rolled into the heart of Washington, D.C.

While some students initially raised eyebrows at the number of museums listed on the itinerary, those doubts vanished fast. At the National Archives, students stood mere inches from the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence, primary source documents that most only see in textbooks. Others found unexpected excitement at the National Museum of American History, where movie props like Captain America’s shield and Dorothy’s ruby slippers sparked a surge of pop culture nostalgia, connecting entertainment to American storytelling and history.

Music remained central throughout the trip. Students had the rare opportunity to perform at the Lincoln Memorial and the National Museum of the Marine Corps, experiences that elevated their musical practice to moments of national reflection. Later, at the Kennedy Center, students watched Matilda the Musical, accompanied live by the National Symphony Orchestra, with none other than Danny DeVito narrating the performance. His unexpected one-liners drew laughter, but it was the live music that brought the performance to life, adding depth and energy that tied directly back to the students' artistic growth.

Beyond performances and museums, the group toured iconic landmarks, including the White House, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. At each stop, history was not just learned, it was experienced. At the Marine Corps Museum, interactive exhibits, such as simulated weapons training, provided students with hands-on insight into military history and physical education. Seeing real uniforms and vehicles from past wars offered powerful connections to the civics and social studies curriculum.

Perhaps the most lasting part of the trip, though, wasn’t the landmarks or even the star-studded performances; it was the camaraderie. Whether sharing food truck ice cream near the National Mall, laughing over missed roller coaster photo ops, or soaking in the gravity of Arlington National Cemetery, students made memories that blended friendship, education, and creativity in a uniquely Xaverian way.