2022 Reunion Recap

On July 29-30, 2022 the 4th All-Years All-American College Orchestra Alumni Reunion was held at the Walt Disney World Resort. Alumni and special guests comprised the orchestra, with alumni dating from 1985-1997. Inspired by The Lion King, the unofficial reunion title was the "Circle of Life Reunion." Representing our founders Jim Christensen and Bob Radock, were their children, Chris and Brian (respectively). Also, three children of alumni performed, thus the "circle of life." Ron Logan, former VP of Entertainment at Disney (and co-founder of the program) was also in attendance and spoke to the orchestra about its history.

Disney's Imagination Campus 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 DIC for his efforts in allowing our event to happen.

The weekend began with a Thursday evening welcome party hosted at the "1992 Party House." Friday's events included a morning rehearsal at Saratoga Springs, followed by lunch, and then an afternoon/evening at EPCOT. A group picture was taken at the American Gardens stage, then we were treated to special seating in the audience area for the new Harmonious nighttime spectacular.

Saturday's events started with another morning rehearsal, group lunches, a free afternoon, and then a 6:00 performance held at Saratoga Springs Performance Hall. Featured guests included singers Michelle Amato and Ian Gibb.

Set List

• Disney on Parade Overture
• Disney Classics Overture
• Broadway Overture '93
• Beauty and the Beast
• The Lion King Medley
• Fantasmic
• Disney's Hercules Orchestral Suite

Performance Video

Conducting duties were split by Douglas Droste and Bob Hasty.

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 and Friends in Attendance

Singers

Michelle Amato, Ian Gibb

Violin I

Peter Wilson '90, Jennifer Schramm '92, Emily Randle '93, Antoinette Meringolo '93, Bob Hasty '86/87, Nicole Deguire

Violin II

Mary Lubaroff '88, Anne Morey '85, Dawn Oyedipe '93, Douglas Droste '93, Anna Ventura '93, Sofia Ventura

Viola

Abigail Cross '92, Renee Fletcher '93, Diana Herak

Cello

Chris Christensen '92, Eboli Giannini '92, Kat Caithamer '90

Bass

Chris Dively '93

Woodwinds

Alan Fuller '87, Jonathan Napper '97, Kristin West '93, Paul Morgenroth '93, Akshay Chokshi '93, Roberto Iriarte '92, Melody Quiroga

Horn

Kathy Thomas '92, Anita Miller, Tommy Langston, Josh Sanchez

Trumpet

Jeremy Miloszewicz '93, Joe Reardon '90, Neal Webb '85, Jim Derrick

Trombone

Jeff Thomas, Pat Herak, Will Nestler

Tuba

Walter Morgenroth

Drumset

Greg Parnell '92

Percussion

Brian Radock, Clay Price '97 (Fred Ganter '90)

Piano

Lucas West

Special thanks to the reunion committee: Doug Droste, Kathy Thomas, Kristin West, and Abby Cross.