The All-American College Marching Band
Vol 1. No. 12 Date: 9/12/82
COLLEGE MARCHING BAND FORMED
FOR EPCOT CENTER OPENING
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Seventy-six trombones, 108 coronets and some of the most talented drummers, clarinetists, saxophonists and horn players in the nation will gather at Walt Disney World October 17 - 24 for the Grand Opening of Epcot Center.
Some 450 college musicians from every state will form the All-American College Marching Band scheduled to take part in opening festivities featured in a one-hour television special October 25 on the CBS television network.
Participants were nominated by band directors from 146 colleges and universities.
On October 23, the band will represent the United States in an international music festival saluting the opening of World Showcase. Ceremonies include parades and live concerts on the World Showcase promenade where a series of international pavilions highlight the cultures and traditions of many nations.
On October 24, the band and international groups will be joined by the West Point Glee Club, and numerous celebrities for the Grand Dedication Ceremonies scheduled to take place in Future World.
Rehearsals will be conducted by Dr. Art Bartner, director of marching bands at the University of Southern California.
Cast call for extras to star in Universe of Energy filming. If you would like to volunteer, a film crew will be filming in the pavilion beginning at 9 p.m. today. To participate, call Rich Gilrane at ext. 5553 right away.
19 DAYS OUT
© 1982 Walt Disney Productions
COMMENTARY
It’s nearly impossible to overstate the enormity of EPCOT Center’s opening festivities (to say nothing of the park itself). The creation of the All-American College Band rivals that of the World Symphony Orchestra assembled for the Grand Opening of Walt Disney World itself just 11 years earlier. For a comprehensive account of the entire experience by one who actually lived it, please visit Dave Detwiler’s “Strictly Oompah” blog.
Brass Musicians during the October 22nd rehearsal.
Restored from the collection of Dave Detwiler