2019 Reunion Recap
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.
Set List
- 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
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.
Alumni in Attendance
- 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.