Strike up the band:

On July 17, 2010, current and former Disneyland Resort All-American College Band members will march down Main Street, U.S.A. to celebrate their 40th anniversary. What began at Disneyland Park in 1971 has become a beloved summer tradition.
Each year, the band consists of 21 of the top performing college musicians playing everything from a trombone to a mellophone to a piccdolo. Once students are accepted onto the program they are given 15 pieces of music to memorize before their first day. Throughout their time in Anaheim, students will attend workshops, perform and even "cut a record" at Capital Records in Hollywood.
This year's musical director, Dr. Ron McCurdy, a USC professor, was a student in the 1974 program at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Each year, one lucky band member is given the opportunity to return for a second summer to help the new students acclimate to their new roles. Scott Sidway has the honor of being the 2010 teaching assistant.
For Sidway the most important lesson he learned about success in the music industry wasn't about choreography or musical talent, it was that "no matter what aspect of life you are dealing with, you will truly be the successful and happiest if you treat everyone with respect. After working for Disney for 11 weeks, it became clear to me-and everyone in the band for that matter-that treating all people with respect is a key to success."



DR LEE