On July 26-27, the 3rd All-Years All-American College Orchestra Alumni Reunion was held at Walt Disney World. Thirty-seven alumni and six special guests comprised the orchestra, with alumni dating from 1985-1998. This year we celebrated the legacy of founding director Jim Christensen, who was in attendance along with his wife Karen, and sons Brad and Chris. Ron Logan, former VP of Entertainment at Disney (and co-founder of the program) was also in attendance.
Disney Performing Arts graciously hosted us again, providing all necessary equipment as well as rehearsal and performance space at the Saratoga Springs Performance Hall. A special thank you to Rene Perez from DPA for his efforts in allowing our event to happen.
Friday’s events included a morning rehearsal at Saratoga Springs, followed by lunch, and then an evening at EPCOT. A group picture was taken at the American Gardens stage, and then a small ceremony took place where two picture plaques were hung in backstage EPCOT in memorial and celebration of Bob Radock and Jim Christensen. Ron Logan provided a very touching tribute to both of our honored and distinguished founders of the college music program. We were then escorted to a special location on a lagoon dock to watch the Illuminations fireworks display.
Saturday’s events started with another morning rehearsal, a free afternoon, and then a 6:00 performance held at Saratoga Springs Performance Hall. Featured guests included singers Michelle Amato and Kurt von Schmittou, and guitarist Nicholas Marks.
The set list included:
Disney on Parade Overture
Broadway Overture
Everything’s Coming Up Roses
Besame Mucho
George Gershwin Medley
Friend Like Me
Beauty and the Beast
Star Wars: Main Title
Video of the performance:
Conducting duties were split by Douglas Droste and Bob Hasty. Bob spoke a lovely tribute about Jim Christensen and his character, service, and dedication to the All-American College Orchestra program.
An after-concert reception was held at the Turf Club Lounge at Saratoga Springs Resort. Additional photos can be found on the AACO Facebook site.
Following is the list of alumni who attended:
Special Guests
Jim and Karen Christensen (Brad)
Ron Logan
Singers
Michelle Amato
Kurt Von Schmittou
Guitar
Nicholas Marks
Violin I
Peter Wilson 1990
Jennifer Schramm 1992
Bob Hasty 1986/1987
Antoinette Meringolo 1993
Nicole Deguire
Violin II
Anna Ventura 1993
Douglas Droste 1993
Anne Mouslmani 1985
Viola
Abigail Cross 1992
Heather Neaveill-Kramer 1990
Renee Fletcher 1993
Diana Herak
Cello
Chris Christensen 1992
Eboli Giannini 1992
Woodwinds
Alan Fuller 1987
Jason Mingledorff 1992
Paul Morganroth 1993
Kristin West 1993
Jonathan Napper 1997
Stephanie Schraier 1997
Roberto Iriarte 1992
Akshay Chokshi 1993
Horn
Troy Messner 1992
Kathy Thomas 1992
Anita Miller
Trumpet
Jeremy Miloszewicz 1993
Joseph Reardon 1990
DeShannon Higa 1993
Neal Webb 1985
Bryan Uhl 1993
Dawn Kramer 1993
Jim Derrick
Trombone
Chuck Brooker 1989
Paul Leskowicz 1993
Keith Fitzgerald 1998
Bass
Greg Zabel
Piano
John Olearchick
Drum set
Greg Parnell 1992
Percussion
Clay Price 1997
Glenn Paulson 1986
Mark Goldberg 1985
Harp
Donna Cooper 1985
Special thanks to the reunion committee: Doug Droste, Kathy Thomas, Kristin West, and Abby Cross.