On Friday August 15, the 2014 Disneyland All-American College Band concluded it’s summer of performances at the Disneyland Resort. The day began with their jazz set in Disney California Adventure before moving over to Disneyland for the rest of the day. As has happened on several other years, fans began lining up well before the final Train Station set began at 7:15. By 7:15, the area had hundred of fans waiting to see and hear the band’s final performance.
The arrival of the band was greeted with a standing ovation as they marched down the street and up onto the stairs of Main Street Station in Town Square. The set began with the band’s theme song, Bubbles Was a Cheerleader. The atmosphere could best be described as a going away party. Both the band and the fans were having fun.
Bubbles Was a Cheerleader
Upon the completion of Bubbles Was a Cheerleader, the band moved down from the station and into the street to really get started. The first song in the street was a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. The Michael Jackson Medley was fun, beautiful, and entertaining as the band played the night away.
Michael Jackson Medley
The next song was the newcomer to the Train Station set this year. Let it Go, from the Disney animated hit Frozen, was generally played twice on any given day of performances. The director, Dr. Ron McCurdy, was clearly not as focused as he sometimes is and almost missed some of the introductions. However, this just added to the relaxed and party-like feel of the evening as he quipped to the trombones who he had almost forgotten, “let it go.”
Let it Go
The final song of the evening, as is usual for the Disneyland All-American College Band, was their tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire. This song always ends a day of performances, and in this case a summer full of performances, on a high note…. literally. The trumpet solo at the end ends on a very high note and always amps up anyone who is there. This year was no different as people cheered on the band throughout the song, sang along, and enjoyed the bittersweet moment of a great performance ending a summer with the 2014 Disneyland All-American College Band.
Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute
The final performance of the 2014 Disneyland All-American College Band did not disappoint. It was a lovely evening with a fantastic band and fantastic fans. There was also a very touching moment as the band rushed Dr. Ron McCurdy before the final song and gave a big group hug.
Next year will be 45th anniversary of the college band program. Dr. McCurdy teased that he is hoping for a reunion (much like was seen for the 40th anniversary of the band) with a huge performance of Bubbles Was a Cheerleader to celebrate. Stay tuned to DAPs Magic and we will have details on this reunion as they become available.
The Disneyland All-American College Band may have ended but the end of the summer of experiences for these students often leads to new opportunities and experiences. Wander around the Disneyland Resort and watch the various ensembles performing on any given day and there is a fairly good chance that there is a former member of the college band performing. It is a wonderful part of the Disney and Yamaha (the Disneyland All-American College Band is presented by Yamaha) legacy as it provides quality music for guests and contributes to the future of music in and out of the parks. It is a legacy that will hopefully never go away.
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More photos and videos of the 2014 Disneyland All-American College Band can be found here.
Bubbles Was a Cheerleader – 40th Anniversary of the Disneyland All-American College Band
Photos of the 2014 Disneyland All-American College Band
Courtesy of Richard Takenaga on the Fans of the Disneyland All-American College Band facebook page.
