BUFFALO, W.Va. -- Next spring, the Buffalo High School Marching Band will lead a parade through the happiest place on earth.

The 30-member band has been selected to lead Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and a slew of Disney characters through the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., next April.

"It's a great unspoken compliment that we made it in Magic Kingdom," said Mark Hopkins, BHS band director. "They don't put you in Magic Kingdom unless you meet Disney's strict entertainment standard."

For many of the students, it's an opportunity of a lifetime to be part of a professional production and a time-honored tradition in Disney parks, Hopkins said.

The only drawback is the cost, Hopkins said.

The band needs to raise about $7,000 for transportation, in addition to about $450 per student to cover the cost of their hotel, park entrance and meals.

For some of the students and their families, it's just too much, Hopkins said.

"We have five students who are finding this almost a nightmare instead of a dream come true," he said.

The band is looking for individuals or businesses to sponsor a student who cannot afford to make the trip.

"We've already received sponsors to pay for two of the needy students; it would be a godsend to have someone sponsor a student's way," Hopkins said. "Anything at all is always appreciated."

Band members and the school's music booster have been working together to hold fundraisers in the school for the trip.

Students will leave April 5, at the start of their spring break, and return April 10.

The 30-member band has been selected to lead Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and a slew of Disney characters through the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., next April.

"It's a great unspoken compliment that we made it in Magic Kingdom," said Mark Hopkins, BHS band director. "They don't put you in Magic Kingdom unless you meet Disney's strict entertainment standard."

For many of the students, it's an opportunity of a lifetime to be part of a professional production and a time-honored tradition in Disney parks, Hopkins said.

The only drawback is the cost, Hopkins said.

The band needs to raise about $7,000 for transportation, in addition to about $450 per student to cover the cost of their hotel, park entrance and meals.

For some of the students and their families, it's just too much, Hopkins said.

"We have five students who are finding this almost a nightmare instead of a dream come true," he said.

The band is looking for individuals or businesses to sponsor a student who cannot afford to make the trip.

"We've already received sponsors to pay for two of the needy students; it would be a godsend to have someone sponsor a student's way," Hopkins said. "Anything at all is always appreciated."

Band members and the school's music booster have been working together to hold fundraisers in the school for the trip.

Students will leave April 5, at the start of their spring break, and return April 10.

They are scheduled to perform in the afternoon on April 8. About 15 parents are expected to travel along as chaperons.

"It's an opportunity for students to go backstage where the Disney crew is getting ready for the parade, and see what goes into putting together a professional production," Hopkins said.

"They'll get to wear the shoes of a professional assembly, and experience the excitement and rush of marching down the streets of the park."

This is not the BHS marching band's first trip to Disney World. Hopkins has brought past groups to lead parades in Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

But Magic Kingdom is the cream of the crop, especially during the spring break season, he said.

"Many groups apply for that time frame, and to be selected shows what a talented group we have," he said.

Hopkins submitted the student's performance video in September and received a letter of acceptance in late October.

"I wouldn't have sent in an application unless I though we had a fair shot, because I don't like a 'no,'" he said.

Hopkins tries to take BHS band members on a major trip about every three or four years. This keeps the financial burden down for parents, and also gives new students a chance at professional experience, Hopkins said.

Past students from Hopkins' marching band have been selected to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York City, the Fiesta Bowl with the West Virginia University Mountaineer Band, the Rose Parade, and at Universal Studios.

"There are only 280 students in our high school, so when our small marching band goes to competitions, most of the time we're competing against schools two or three times our size. It's pretty exciting when we [make these achievements]," Hopkins said.

Reach Veronica Nett at veroni...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5113.