The East Rockaway High School music department made its mark at this year's Music in the Parks competition, bringing home top awards across all three ensembles during an Apr. 24–26 trip to Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia.

The three-day excursion kicked off on Friday with an educational stop at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where students toured the campus and attended a presentation on the university's music department programs – giving young musicians a glimpse into what their future in music could look like.

On Saturday, students took the stage before a panel of judges in the formal competition before enjoying a full day at Six Flags Kings Dominion. The trip concluded with an Awards Ceremony at the Kings Dominion Theater, where East Rockaway's ensembles swept the top honors:

* Band — 1st Place: Excellent
* Band — Best Overall Band
* Chorus — 1st Place: Excellent
* Orchestra — 1st Place: Excellent
* Orchestra — Best Overall Orchestra

The Music Department's annual overnight trip rotates to a new destination each year, and students work throughout the school year to help fund the experience through a series of fundraisers.