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 Harmnonious 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.

The set list included:

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.

Following is the list of alumni and friends who attended:

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.