Orchestra I at Disney’s California Adventure

Orchestra I’s (Freshmen) performance at Disney's California Adventure (DCA), on February 9th, was under the baton of Maestro Rick England. Messrs Tom Forbes and Mike Danielson rested their batons for the day and handled the truck driving and stevedore duties instead. The atmosphere on the Hollywood Backlot Stage was rather cozy with practically the entire complement of the orchestra of almost 100 students in attendance filling the entire stage. The program for the morning performance began with a sneak preview of the finale for the Benefit Dinner with "Light Calvary Overture", "Traumerei" and "Zydeco Two Step" (complete with a old-fashioned washboard). An instrumental rendition of "Cakewalk" was next and the performance finished, appropriately enough, with the theme from the Disney movie "Mary Poppins". The performance was well received by all the members of the audience.

In appreciation of their efforts, the Disney Co. graciously presented the entire orchestra and accompanying adults in attendance with free passes to DCA for the day. The departure back to school in the late evening was only briefly delayed when the DCA Ferris wheel ride decided that two members of the orchestra should ride it at least five times around instead of the more usual once or twice.

Thank you, Linda and Khee Chan (Starfire Imaging), for taking these photos.