On July 26-27, 2024, the 5th All-Years All-American College Orchestra Alumni Reunion was held at the Walt Disney World Resort. Alumni, children and family of alumni, and special guests comprised the orchestra, with alumni dating from 1985-1993. Rick Goodstein, conductor of the 1993 AACO, returned and split conductor duties with Bob Hasty and Doug Droste. Inspired by previous AACO reunions, approximately 40 World Dancers held a reunion the same weekend and joined us for several events.
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 for his efforts in allowing our event to happen.
The weekend began with a Thursday evening social hosted at the new “1993 Party House” in Kissimmee. Friday’s events included a morning rehearsal at Saratoga Springs, and then an afternoon/evening at EPCOT. After the last Voices of Liberty set, a group picture was taken with the World Dancers at the American Pavilion, then a separate AACO picture in front of the American Gardens stage.
Saturday’s events started with another morning rehearsal, group lunches, 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
Music from “Sophisticated Ladies”
Broadway Overture ‘93
That’s What Friends Are For (Vulture Song) in memory of Chris Christensen
Spaceship Earth
Beauty and the Beast
Let It Go
Soarin’
Out There from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
When You Wish Upon a Star
A post-concert reception was held at the Turf Club Lounge at Saratoga Springs Resort.
Additional photos can be found on the AACO Facebook site.
Video and audio recording:
DISNEY ALL-AMERICAN COLLEGE ORCHESTRA
ALUMNI REUNION
2024
Rick Goodstein, conductor
Bob Hasty ‘86/87, conductor
Douglas Droste ‘93, conductor
Singers
Michelle Amato
Ian Gibb
Violin I
Peter Wilson ‘90
Jennifer Schramm ‘92
Antoinette Meringolo ‘93
Emily Randle ‘93
Steve Winkler ‘88
Nicole Deguire*
Violin II
Anne Morey ‘85
Anna Ventura ‘93
Elena Ventura*
Douglas Droste ‘93
Viola
Heather Neaveill ‘90
Renee Fletcher ‘93
Cello
Eboli Giannini ‘92
Kat Caithamer ‘90
Carolyn Engle ‘85
Bass
Chris Dively ‘93
Woodwinds
Paul Morgenroth ‘93
Kristin West ‘93
Rob Hardt ‘93
Akshay Chokshi ‘93
Will Millecchia*
Kaitlyn Meadows*
Beth Morgenroth*
Horn
Kathy Thomas ‘92
Carli Gudino*
Geoff Barthle*
Lindsey Adams*
Trumpet
Jeremy Miloszewicz ‘93
Bryan Uhl ‘93
Jim Derrick*
Trombone
Jeff Thomas*
Will Nestler*
Aaron Lefkowitz*
Tuba
Walter Morgenroth
Piano
Lucas West*
Drum Set
Gregory Parnell ‘92
Percussion
Glenn Paulson ‘86
Mark Goldberg ‘85
Jack Fletcher*
* ”Friend of AACO”
Special thanks to the reunion committee: Kathy Thomas, Kristin West, and Doug Droste
