The Disneyland All-American College Band was formed in 1971. Since then, thousands of student musicians have been given the opportunity to experience what the music industry is like as they perform daily five days a week at the Disneyland Resort throughout the summer. This adventure also includes daily rehearsals and clinics each morning followed by performances in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure throughout the day. The band is led by Dr. Ron McCurdy.
Through the past 44 years, guests clinicians have joined the band to guide and perform with members of the band. They have included Wayne Bergeron, Gregg Field, John Clayton, Jiggs Whigham, Rick Baptist, and many many more. Next year, the band will be celebrating 45 years and it is expected that a reunion of some type will take place much like happened for the 40th anniversary.
The Disneyland All-american College Band includes 21 musicians who have gone through a nation-wide audition process. Here is what is looked for each year for the band:
- 4 Trumpets
- 4 Trombones
- 5 Saxophones (double on flute/clarinet/piccolo encouraged)
- 2 Tuba/Sousaphone-will play on tuba and sousaphone
- 2 Horn/Mellophone-will play on French horn and mellophone
- 4 Percussion (doubles-piano/bass players)
- 1 Drum set player for one stage set per day; performer must double on either snare, quad, or bass drum for the four show/marching sets
- 1 Acoustic/Electric Bass player for one stage set per day; performer must double on percussion or tuba for the four show/marching sets
- 1 Jazz Piano player for one stage set per day; performer must double on percussion for the four show/marching sets
- 1 Auxiliary Percussion
Here is their daily performance schedule:
- 1:50 PM Hollywood Backlot Stage at Disney California Adventure
- 3:25 PM Castle & Main Street at Disneyland
- 5:10 PM Flag Retreat at Disneyland
- 6:00 PM Pre-Parade at Disneyland
- 7:15 PM Train Station at Disneyland
2014 Disneyland All-American College Band Performances:
2014 Disneyland All-American College Band Photos: