On July 31-August 1, 2026, the 6th All-Years All-American College Orchestra Alumni Reunion brought alumni, families, and special guests together at Walt Disney World Resort. The orchestra featured alumni from 1985–1997, with 1993 AACO conductor Rick Goodstein returning to share conducting duties with Bob Hasty and Doug Droste.
Special to this year, former members of the World Dancers performed alongside the AACO alums on the "George M. Cohan Medley. Also, Lucas West, a finalist on NBC's The Voice and son of Kristin West '93, sang "New York State of Mind."
Disney’s Imagination Campus once again graciously provided equipment, rehearsal space, and performance facilities at Saratoga Springs Performance Hall. Special thanks to Rene Perez for helping make the reunion possible.
The weekend included a Thursday evening social at the "1993 Party House," rehearsals at Saratoga Springs, a day at EPCOT (including a group photo with the World Dancers), and a Saturday evening concert. Featured guest singers Michelle Amato and Ian Gibb again joined the orchestra for the performance, capping another memorable AACO reunion.
Set list:
Disney on Parade Overture
Disney Classics Overture
Beauty and the Beast
Broadway Overture ‘93
New York State of Mind, featuring Lusas West
Fantasmic
George M. Cohan Medley
Encanto Medley
When You Wish Upon a Star (encore)
Recordings:
DISNEY ALL-AMERICAN COLLEGE ORCHESTRA
ALUMNI REUNION
2026
Rick Goodstein, conductor
Bob Hasty ‘86/87, conductor
Douglas Droste ‘93, conductor
Singers
Michelle Amato
Ian Gibb
Violin I
Peter Wilson ‘90
Jennifer Schramm ‘92
Antoinette Meringolo ‘93
William Bush ‘97
Bob Hasty ‘86/87
Nicole Deguire*
Violin II
Mary Lubaroff ‘88
Anna Ventura ‘93
Dawn Oyedipe ‘93
Douglas Droste ‘93
Sofia Ventura*
Elena Ventura*
Cati Ventura*
Brian Griffin*
Viola
Abigail Cross ‘92
Renee Fletcher ‘93
Diana Herak*
Cello
Eboli Giannini ‘92
Carolyn Engle ‘85
Matthew Lavin ‘93
Bass
Chris Dively ‘93
Woodwinds
Paul Morgenroth ‘93
Jason Mingledorff ‘92
Kristin West ‘93
Robert Hardt ‘93
Rachel Miller ‘93
Akshay Chokshi ‘93 (no Fri)
Donovan Hancock (flute)*
Horn
Kathy Thomas ‘92
Geoff Barthle*
Carlie Gudino*
Nicholas Lowther*
Trumpet
Jeremy Miloszewicz ‘93
Bryan Uhl ‘93
James Bettencourt ‘89
Jim Derrick*
Trombone
Jeff Thomas*
Pat Herak*
Dale Edwards*
Piano
Lucas West*
Drum Set
Gregory Parnell ‘92
Percussion
Mark Goldberg ‘85
Jack Fletcher*
* ”Friend of AACO”