Schools

Dunedin Highlanders Perform at Disney 'Coronation' of Princess Merida

The Dunedin High School Scottish Highlander Band took the show on the road for performances at Disney.

The Dunedin High School Scottish Highlander Band gave a performance last weekend fit for a princess.

The Highlanders performed at Disney World for the "coronation" of Princess Merida, and then performed again at Epcot. (See YouTube videos.)

For those not in the know, the character Merida officially became Disney’s 11th princess in a royal coronation, Disney style, that took place in the Magic Kingdom theme park on Saturday, May 11, 2013.

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The performance by Dunedin High's Scottish Highlander Band was appreciated by Disney visitors as well as boosters at home who saw the YouTube video, posted to Facebook.

Susan Crews Kirkhart wrote on Facebook: "Thank you so much for posting this! I am a DHS band alum and it was great to see them perform!"

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John W. Robinson wrote: "Congratulations from the Class of 63."

Dunedin High was the only school honored with an invitation to march in the rare coronation ceremony. Only one other marching band in the country was bestowed the same honor in Disney's Christmas Day Parade in December.

Vice Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski, who attended the coronation with her family, hailed the band's performance and said those in attendance were amazed at the band's exceptional talent level.

The high-stepping Highlanders gamely sidestepped the controversy swirling around the Disney movie princess since her image got a makeover, which included makeup, full lips and a more buxom appearance. Some blogging moms have compared the new dolled-up Merida – and the products now being sold in her image – as the Kardashian of Disney princesses.

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Related Coverage:

  • Disney Awards Dunedin Students for Christmas Day Parade
  • Scottish Highlanders to March in Disney Christmas Day Parade


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