Walt Disney once said, “Music has always had a prominent part in all our products.” [Wisdom magazine published December 1959] With this expression in mind, it isn’t hard to imagine why (since Disneyland’s conception), a marching band - evoking those of a bygone era - has always been part of Walt Disney’s vision of “a typical American town at the turn-of-the-century”! On the LP recording “Walt Disney Takes You To Disneyland,” Walt (himself) describes what he sees “at the end of the street, the marching band appears in full regalia!”

“Disneyland revolutionized outdoor entertainment and established a new approach to showmanship. The concept of a living stage was a radical change from the conventional amusement park, fair or fun zone. A variety of live shows entertained Guests throughout the day.”Many Disney characters - Disneyland Band, mountain climbers, Disney guest bands, and other people contribute to a constant living show throughout the Park. Whether they’re playing concerts in Town Square or marching down Main Street U.S.A., the popular 18-to-20-piece Disneyland Marching Band seems to always entertain Disneyland guests with old-fashioned concerts. Even more the “hometown band’s” gay and entertaining music (of band classics like a grand old Sousa march, and modern standards) has come to embody the “Disneyesque Magic” that keynotes Disneyland’s musical moods and shuts the world of everyday life outside Disneyland’s gates!

Now, I invite you to please “step off” and keep in “step this way” as we explore a few “keynotes” and rare Vintage Views of the Disneyland Band!

The success of the Disneyland Band is owed to its first Band Director - Vesey Walker! Many of us may be too young to remember the man who, (according to the Official Guide to Disneyland, published 1956, only months after the Park opened), had “won world-wide acclaim as band leader.” This “world-wide acclaim” was (of course) due to his resume of previous experiences, not withstanding his new career for Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. By this early time in Disneyland history, Vesey Walker may have already been known as “the pride of Main Street,” but the Sheffield, England native got his start 30 years prior, first taking up his baton with the Army Bandmaster School during World War I, and later becoming the Assistant Bandmaster to the 41st Infantry.

When the war was over, Vesey Walker came to America, and soon “found his footing” as bandmaster of the “Milwaukee American Legion Band, winning four national band championships for the American Legion and the International band contest in Geneva, Switzerland in 1934, as well a an Elks national competition and a Veterans of Foreign Wars contest,” (according to Vacationland magazine, published Winter-Spring of 1964). The album of “Walt Disney’s Disneyland Band Concert,” (published by Disneyland Records) continues Vesey’s story this way: “He came to California from Milwaukee (then one of the country’s most renowned cities of concert band music) during the 30s to take over the direction of the Los Angeles Elks Lodge 99 band, the famous “Toppers.” (This was not the first and would not be the last band that Vesey founded in his lifetime, founding the Marquette University Band and some 50 others all together.)

It was likely his performance in a Tournament of Roses Parade of Pasadena, California, that Walt Disney was first impressed with the British Bandmaster’s conducting. As mentioned, Vesey was leading the Los Angeles Elks 99 band (a role that Vesey filled for some 21 years, from 1936 to 1955). It is clear by this time, that Vesey Walker had developed quite a reputation, for he had “won more than 50 state and international prizes.” Amidst these successes, Vesey had conducted many college bands and military bands (like the Milwaukee American Legion Band, which he had led to “four national championships, plus an international one in Geneva”). Kesey led both school bands, and youth bands (like the Los Angeles County Sheriff Biscailuz Boys Band and the Inglewood Boys Band). Vesey’s own son Tommy even went on to become a drum major and Band Leader with the University of Southern California.

According to Vesey Walker’s wife, Walt Disney now inquired about Vesey Walker, and hired him “late in 1954,” to organize the band procession planned for Disneyland’s big televised opening day event, which was just a few months away. The “Disney News” (Fall of 1966) preserves Vesey’s memories of what happened next : “‘Walt asked me to put together a small band for the Park’s opening and a two-week engagement,’ Vesey says.” Next, “Some of the best bandsmen around, many of them alumni of Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, gene Krupka, Tommy Dorsey and even the Ballet Russe and Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra, got together with their leader,” according to the every same“Disney News” (Fall of 1966).

Cornet musician Ted Tracey recalled: “one day in 1955, the union called and said that a band was being formed for Disneyland and that the job was for two weeks.” Jim Barngrover remembered the date he received “the call”: “On July 10, 1955 the local musicians' office got a call for musicians at Disneyland. It was to last for two weeks and a 16-piece band was wanted. The band was put together by Tommy Walker and Tommy's father, Vesey Walker soon became the first Disneyland Band director.” Ted goes on: “We had a week to rehearse and get ready and workmen were running and stuff was being hammered together...all the time we were rehearsing.”

During their contemporaneous time with Disneyland, Vesey Walker (and son, Tommy Walker) would go on to open their own business - “Walker’s House of Music” (located at 220 North Los Angeles Street, c. 1958). The shop (managed by Gail Beverly) was advertised as a “Band and Orchestra Headquarters”, specializing in instruments, instruction, rentals, repairs, and sales. In addition, Vesey would see his son Tommy go on to serve in Entertainment managerial roles for Disneyland (in Disneyland Guest Relations and as Disneyland Director of Entertainment), in which Tommy was most influential in encouraging the education of youngsters involved in music and arts programs.

Before Disneyland even opened, the Disneyland Band was reckoned among “Disneyland rides and amusements” that “will delight the very young, the teen-ager, young married couples, the middle-aged, and grandparents alike,” as some of the following Vintage Views testify [Anaheim Bulletin “Premier Souvenir Edition - Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom - Disneyland” Insert ; Friday, July 15th, 1955].

“The Press Preview & Grand Opening”

Cornet musician Ted Tracey remembered: “Cables were running up and down Main Street for the T.V. crews. It was hot! We played the Colonel Bogey March and the Washington Post.”

Beginning in July of 1955, the Disneyland Band was originally organized to perform “only a two-week engagement”. According to “The Spirit of Disneyland” (prepared by Walt Disney Productions, in 1984), this limited contract indicated “the tentative nature of the times.” However the Disneyland Marching Band became so popular with guests. Knowing their audience, Disneyland Operations decided that the Disneyland Band would be “held over.” They would go on to play daily concerts throughout the Park, under the direction of the Disneyland Band Founding Director Vesey Walker. For instance, the Disneyland Band would perform under the Bandstand from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. Coronet musician Ted Tracey remembered how “Sometimes, on Sunday morning, Walt would sit on a Park bench, wearing a slouch hat and listen to the band.”

The Disneyland Band was present nearly seven weeks later, to welcome Elsa Marquez (the 1-millionth visitor) to Disneyland, as they played “Happy Days Are Here Again”, “Davy Crockett”, and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” at the Disneyland Main Gate. By the spring-summer of 1956, the Disneyland Band soon found themselves giving “Welcome to Disneyland”concerts for large groups (and conventions) of 25 - 5000 guests, in coordination with Disneyland Guest Relations Department (then Directed by Jack Sayers and Assisted by Tommy Walker). “55er” Ted Tracey recalled: “In the early days, the Band dressed in a tent in back of Carnation. it was HOT in the tent and our clothes NEVER dried out. We would strip down to our shorts and from the OUTSIDE, you could see the hairy legs walking around INSIDE!”

Soon, the Disneyland Band’s very first album was recorded at Disneyland (and sold through Wonderland Music Shop, by August of 1956). Vesey and his Disneyland Band (c. 1956) can readily be seen preserved on film (wearing their red, white, and blue uniforms and shako hats, and surprisingly no band name on the drum head), in the “An Adventure in the Magic Kingdom” episode of Walt Disney’s “Disneyland” television series (filmed in 1957, and airing in 1958)! The very same footage (originally filmed in color) was reused in “Disneyland, U.S.A.” (a “People and Places” feature film, released in the U.S. on December 20, 1956 through Buena Vista Film Distribution Company). As a sidelight, the custom (and authentic) wardrobe of the Disneyland Band was likely provided by Warren Ackerman’s House of Uniforms (yes, “uniforms”), then located in Beverly Hills, California.

“Melody Times”

By the year 1956, the Official Guide to Disneyland had figured “the Disneyland Band gives 1,460 concerts annually in Disneyland.” This meant a lot of performances held in various parts of the Park, and not just on Sunday (as was traditionally done around the true-life turn-of the century) but twice, daily. These old-fashioned concerts took place in both Town Square (at 11:00 a.m.) and then under the Magnolia Gardens Gazebo, before heading into the wilds of Adventureland and Frontierland for impromptu concerts. You may recollect seeing the Disneyland Band (clad in their red, white, and blue uniforms and shako hats), performing in a few odd locations during this era - from the backs of King Arthur’s carousel horses, from the lower deck of the Mark Twain sternwheeler, or even maintaining Vesey’s dictated tempo, while spinning and twirling in the Mad Hatter’s tea cups (as seen in “Disneyland U.S.A.”, released December 20, 1956). Next, the Disneyland Band would parade back down Main Street U.S.A. and through the Park (usually from noon to 1 p.m.), before their final performance during the Flag Retreat in Town Square (from about 5:45 to 6:15). The only time their routine performances were interrupted, was during Disneyland’s “Yuletide Season” (which began in 1955, when they performed 2-3 shows daily in the Mickey Mouse Club Circus at Holidayland). By 1959, Art Linkletter (host of “Disneyland ‘59” Presented by Kodak) could say : “The Disneyland Band, Directed by Vesey Walker (and man, he struts) is coming up - the ‘Marching-est Band In The Whole World’ covering every cranny of Disneyland! They play on the river boats, covered wagons, the carousel, and the jungle launches. You name it, they’re there, and so they’re here for the opening of our big parade!” A few years later, (by 1968/1969), the Disneyland Band’s schedule of appearances and route through the Park had changed little. By then, the band usually performed a Main Street Parade and Town Square Concert (from 10:45 a.m. to 11:05 a.m.), then marched through Disneyland and gave a concert aboard the Mark Twain (from 11:20 p.m. to 12:15 p.m.), after which they would head to the Plaza Gardens for a concert (from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.), and then finally participate in another Main Street Parade before the Retreat Ceremony (from 5:25 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.)!

Ted Tracey remembered: “One time we had a sax plover, who was always the first to rush off after a concert. The last strains of music would barely fade away when he would grab his music stand and rush off. Well this time, the clarinet player nailed his stand to the floor, and when the auy tiled to charge off, he couldn't move the stand!!”

“Make Mine Music”

Vesey may have found it challenging to teach his own pet Mynah Bird to talk via the recording method. However, like some sort of “musical kaleidoscope” the versatile Disneyland Band performed a variety of requests - “state songs, old-time favorites, children’s tunes and songs from Disney motion pictures”, (according to Holiday magazine, published 1957). Some of their finer music includes “The William Tell Overture”, “Basin Street Blues”, “The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You”, and novelties as “The Clarinet Polka”. Occasionally, new songs would be rehearsed and performed for the seasonal holiday festivals and special ceremonies. From 1955 to 1969, “every President of the United States since 1946 except Lyndon Johnson, 15 princes and princesses, six kings, and a number of Prime Ministers and Premiers, several maharajahs, Congo Tribal Chiefs, Ambassadors, three queens, and a number of noted Russians - save one” have visited Disneyland. (Disney News, Fall, 1969). On some of these occasions, the Disneyland Band would perform special song arrangements, as when a special “Circus band Concert” was performed for members of the National Circus Fans Association, on Friday, June 14th, 1957. On one occasion the Disneyland Band performed a song “written by King Bhumibol of Thailand” before his visit to Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Yes, all sorts of individuals visited Disneyland (from the world over), for an opportunity to hear the Disneyland Band under the Direction of Vesey Walker!

Magnolia Park (located between the Rivers of the World in Adventureland and the Frontierland Station of the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad) was the setting of the Bandstand and Gazebo from the Spring of 1956 to 1962. To understand the location of Magnolia Park in relation to other sights and sounds of Disneyland - it was quite common to hear the sounds of the Cambodian Ruins along the Mekong River, smell the aroma of fresh fried chicken (from the Chicken Plantation), and see the passenger and freight trains (of the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad) roll by - all at once!

These smiling guests are enjoying a bygone American pastime - a concert in the park - Magnolia Park, that is! From the Spring of 1956 to 1962, Magnolia Park’s resident Bandstand and Gazebo were home to old-fashioned Disneyland Band concerts in the Park during daytimes and holidays. The new encompassing stage was able to support large instruments - even a piano and drum kit. Rows of park benches were added by this time, to accommodate families and large groups of guests desiring to listen to a concert in the Park!

The Disneyland Band (lead by Vesey Walker) gives a morning concert from Town Square, Main Street U.S.A., (c. 1957)

Vesey Walker’s Disneyland Band was also known to act as “musical ambassadors from the Magic Kingdom” (as they were so-called in the biography of “Strike Up The Band”, released 1969 by Vista Records). “Appearances have included the…Hollywood Bowl Concerts, Anaheim’s big Halloween Parade, and Disney motion picture premiers in Hollywood and other cities.” The Disneyland Band performed for the Ground-Breaking Ceremony for Jack Wrather’s first Disneyland Hotel Tower (in 1961), and (led by Mickey Mouse) they helped dedicate Anaheim Stadium and salute the California Angels by marching from Center Field on Saturday, April 23, 1966! Up to 1969, the Disneyland Band had even marched in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parades (an event that Band Leader Vesey Walker was well-acquainted with).

When Holidayland opened at Disneyland, it was a common sight to see popular Disneyland acts performing from the stage within “the world’s largest candy-striped circus tent”. The Disneyland Indian Village representatives, the Trio Gonzales mariachi band, and Golden Horseshoe Revue cast all had their turn in the Holidayland spotlight. The Disneyland Band also performed in Holidayland numerous times during its presence from June 16, 1957 - September, 1961. In this Vintage View, a Pepsi-Cola sponsored event (in honor of the Jaycees youth organization) featured a performance by Vesey Walker and the Disneyland Marching Band!

Those PBX operators upstairs received a free concert every morning, as the Disneyland Marching Band played in front of the Main Street Opera House! As guests entered the Park, occasionally a young admirer (pictured) may wander near the Band Leader. Vesey Walker had a habit of allowing these young admirers to lead the band, while he gave expert advise in the form of a few “pointers” on conducting! This was usually done “around the flagpole in Town Square” (according to Vacationland of Winter-Spring, 1964), and occasionally (in the early days of Disneyland) near the Main Street Opera House. On October 4, 1956), the five-millionth Guest - four-year-old Debra Rutherford (of Quincy Washington) helped lead the Disneyland Band. Another instance of Vesey helping a young Guest lead the Disneyland Band was on Easter Day (of 1956), which has been preserved in “Disneyland U.S.A.” (released through Buena Vista Film Distribution, December 20, 1956).

After performing a concert in Town Square, the Disneyland Band (lead by Vesey Walker) would continue to march its way through the rest of the Park.

Vesey Walker and the Disneyland Band were immortalized on a number of souvenir post cards during their era.

Here, the Disneyland Band performs from the Magnolia Park Bandstand (which has been relocated to the middle of Disneyland Plaza), while some exciting developments take place just west of Sleeping Beauty Castle!

By the spring of 1959, the Disneyland Band was performing 1,692 concerts annually. As mentioned, the band was first directed by Vesey Walker who had won world-wide acclaim as a band leader. The band consisted of 18 top musicians from name bands throughout the country.

In the distance, Vesey hands the baton to a young guest, allowing him to lead the Disneyland Band!

Vesey Walker leads the Disneyland Band marching block from the Hub, and down Main Street U.S.A.

"Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom" goes the Disneyland Band!

This picturesque scene played out daily, and one Disneyland Flag Retreat Ceremony was even featured on the cover of Vacationland, Fall of 1964.

Walt acknowledged “Everything here at Disneyland and the Studio is a team effort.” It was once written about Director Vesey Walker : “The versatile and highly mobile band which he directs at Disneyland is made up of top-class professionals, many of whom came here after notable accomplishments in other areas of the music world.”

Many popular musicians have had the good pleasure to have been accounted among the members of the Disneyland Band! You may recognize the names of such top-class professionals as “Jim Barnsgrover…Forrest Clark…Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Ray Anthony, Gene Krupa, [and] Tex Beneke.” In fact, you may have heard some of these perform solos on their own, or with their very own band at Disneyland. For instance, “Cass" Aroke of the Disneyland Band performed nightly at the Gourmet Restaurant.

In these formative years, other members of Vesey Walker’s Disneyland Band now included the Clarinet section members (Jack Williams, George Landier, and Bernie Flymen), Saxophone section members (Don Baker, Eddie Stelnicki, Cornet section members (Herman Terrando, Warren Gale[who would become Assistant Disneyland Band Director in 1974], Eddie Shiner, Ted Tracey (who went on to become Staff Arranger and Librarian), Trombone section members (Jim Barngrover Jr., Ozzie Stock, Eddie Thomas, Horn musician (Ed Liston), Baritone Horn musician (Cass Arpke), Tuba section members (Jim Sexton, Donald M. Heaston), and Drums section members (Morris Castleman, George Richter). Drummer Sonny Anderson (who would become Disneyland Entertainment casting Director) performed on one of the Disneyland Band record albums.

The number of Disneyland Band members constantly fluctuated over the years of Vesey Walker’s Direction. For example, the band had 18 members (during the winter of 1957/1958), 16 members by the Spring of 1959, and by 1961 the Disneyland Band had a total of 20 musicians! However, from 1964 to 1969 (and just before Vesey’s retirement in 1970), the Disneyland Band was advertised as a “17 of the nation’s finest musicians” and later (again) as a“16-man aggregation”.

By the summer of 1966, the Disneyland Band included newer (and familiar) faces - Al Francis (a regular on clarinet) occasionally filled in on drums, Ralph Gary, Jim Barngrover, Ted Tracey, and others!

One of the newest members (late under Vesey’s Walker’s Direction) was Robbie Robinson (of Marceline, Missouri), who ultimately worked with the Disneyland Band for 23 years (beginning in 1961/1962), and retiring in 1985. Robbie had the good privilege to speak with Walt Disney on a number of occasions, and the two (no doubt) had much to talk about over their old home town.

The Disneyland Marching Band would also perform an appropriate selection of folk songs aboard the Mark Twain Steamboat.

During the late 1960s, the Disneyland Band often marched through Disneyland (from 11:20 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.), ending with a concert aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat. This common sight was reminiscent of “Walt Disney’s Disneyland Band Concert” (the Disneyland Band’s 1956 “on location” record album cover. We can almost hear the Riverboat Medley (“Waitin’ For The Robert E. Lee”, “Cruisin’ Down the River”, and “Here Comes The Showboat”) now!

The Disneyland Band (occasionally billed as the “Disneyland Town Band”) was accounted among the $1,000,000 worth of 150 entertainers that filled out Disneyland’s big show during the 1960s! By this time, their prior “parade through the Park” would change (to conform to a structured schedule of appearances), and three “Sub-Groups” of the Disneyland Band would start to make appearances in different parts of the Park - the Saxophone Quartet (of Main Street U.S.A.’s Plaza), the Polka Band (of Fantasyland), and the Strawhatters (of Frontierland’s Orleans Street, and New Orleans Square). These would be distinguished by costumes and uniforms specifically designed to carry out the atmosphere of each land. In the following sections we will briefly examine these Disneyland Marching Band “breakaway sets”.

Today at Disneyland, Atmosphere Entertainment complimenting the theme of areas is staged to entertain Guests on an immediate and personal level. According to Dave Smith (previous Chief Archivist Emeritus of the Walt Disney Archives), “In its early years, Disneyland did not have the atmosphere bands that are used today. In fact, in 1955 there was only the Disneyland Band and the small band in the Golden Horseshoe… It would be several years before other bands appeared on a regular basis.” [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016] But eventually, twice daily the band divided into three (3) groups:

1) Dixieland Strawhatters at Frontierland Gazebo

2) Town Band in Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Adventureland

3) Keystone Kop Saxaphone Quartet on Main Street

Cops in long blue coats and bucket hats completed the startling illusion.

The Keystone Cops Quartet was a breakaway “Sub-Group” section of the Disneyland Marching Band associated with the of the turn-of-the-century locale. In this way, the Keystone Cops Quartet was similar to the Dixieland “Hatters”(not to be confused with the Strawhatters) of Frontierland, as well as the “Town Band” of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland).

Before Main Street had a barbershop quartet, this quartet of Main Street’s Policemen (or, Constables) performed unique “sweet an low” instrumental arrangements in several select areas of the turn-of-the-century locale (twice daily, in the afternoons), during the late 1950s and 1960s.

The Keystone Kops Quartet also favored the sidewalk in front of the Main Street Cinema because of all the passing traffic coming right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A.

The Keystone Cops Quartet was renown for playing their golden saxophones in close harmony (on the street). All that laced with comedy, on the streets of Main Street U.S.A.! In the previous Vintage View they can be seen performing next to the Bank of America building (just through one of the tunnels to Main Street; on the East side of Town Square). Here, “Main Street’s Keystone Kops provide sidewalk entertainment for Disneyland guests,” even when some of the sidewalks are inaccessible. Their saxophones were also heard throughout the Park’s Plaza! The Keystone Cops Quartet can readily be seen preserved on film, in some footage of “Disneyland, U.S.A.” (a “People and Places” feature film, released in the U.S. on December 20, 1956 through Buena Vista Film Distribution Company). The Disneylander (May 1957) honored four by name - George Landier, Johnny Schmidt, Bernie Flymen, and Eddie Stelnicki.

Here, the Keystone Kops Quartet heads to the location of their next performance in the Plaza.

Near one of the entrances to the Main Street Emporium, the Keystone Kops Quartet prepare to play.

The Keystone Kops Quartet also performed for guests dining on the patios near the Plaza.

This isn’t a Keystone Kops Quartet uniform, but this particular ensemble was worn by Disneyland Security. It is similar in style to those worn by the Disneyland Marching Band members of the popular “breakout set.” Let’s take a closer look at the careful details applied to this turn-of-the-century-inspired costume.

Lastly, the custodian-style hat tops off the ensemble!

Though they have their origins in England, custodian-style hats like these were worn by officers in larger metropolitan cities (like New York) during the turn of the century. Here, we get a close-up of the fine craftsmanship of the crest atop the Victorian-style hat. Perhaps you recall inspecting the crest while “Mitch” the Keystone Kop (or, some other Constable) wrote you a ticket on Main Street U.S.A.!

The quartet (of all the Magic Kingdom’s saxes) had a legacy (of sorts) in the Main Street Saxophone Quintet (Gary Scudder, Barry Streeter, Dave Friedrichs, Alan Palmer, and Jeff Phillips) which premiered during the Disneyland Family 25th Anniversary Reunion held in April of 1980. During July 20-26, 1987, both the Keystone Quartet and the Sax Quintet were performing in the Park simultaneously. In 1991, the band’s saxophone section donned striped jailbird uniforms as they were transformed into the “Duckburg Burglars” for their “Disney Afternoon”-inspired afternoon sets on Afternoon Avenue.

The Fantasyland "Polka" Band was a seven-piece breakaway “Sub-Group” band from the Disneyland Marching Band. The Disneylander (VOL. 5, NO. 6; JUNE, 1961) announced their arrival: “Added to the Fantasyland scene will be the brightly attired ‘Schnickle-Fritz’ Polka Band which will parade and serenade our guests.”

They could often be identified by their Bavarian hats and lederhosen. Their unique “toot, whistle, plunk & boom” was heard around Fantasyland and the Matterhorn, and the subset was even involved in occasional evening events like New Years Eve Celebrations.

Photographs for this catalogue (one of which included the Polka Band and a guest aboard a Schwinn Hollywood) were shot at Disneyland during the Tencennial celebration of 1965. A year later, the Disneyland Band was also one subject of a Look Magazine photo shoot (in conjunction with new Disneyland 3-D post cards) on May 24, 1966.

When New Orleans Street opened with Disneyland in 1955, the Strawhatters (a Disneyland Band “Sub-Group”) added to the surrounding ambiance for Frontierland’s riverside restaurants. This they originally did - twice daily - from beneath the wrought iron Gazebo in Frontierland! “Disneyland U.S.A.” (released by Buena Vista Film Distribution in the U.S., December 20, 1956) catches this rare sight, as the Strawhatters take a break in their set, while the Disneyland Band performs aboard the Main Deck of the passing Mark Twain! The Strawhatters also performed alongside the Disneyland Band, once a day, from the Magnolia Park Bandstand. The band released one record album with four tracks on two sides - “Fidgety Feet”, Muskrat Rumble”, Jazz Band Ball”, and Mississippi Mud”.

According to the Strawhatters’ “Dixieland at Disneyland” record album (released 1957 through Disneyland Records) :

“The five members of this lively group [were]… hand-picked professionals, all of whom had established reputations with America’s “name” bands before coming to Disneyland.

Jim Barngrover : Plays Trombone. Worked with the bands of Jack Teagarden, jan Garber, Joe Venuti, Ray Herbeck, and Tommy Dorsey.

Jack Williams : Plays Clarinet. Started his career at Majestic Ballroom, Long Beach. Played with Ted Staeter, Jan Garber, Jack Teagarden and the Dorseys.

W.B. ‘Sonny’ Anderson : Drummer. Native Californian. Formerly Freddie Slack, and had as his own band, the Long Beach Municipal Band.

Wally Ruth : Saxophone and Piano man. His credits were acquired with Freddie Slack, Rudy Vallee, Warner Brothers Studio - ‘Pete Kelly’s Blues’, ‘Star Is Born’, and the Hit Parade. Seven years with Spade Cooley on KTLA-TV.

Warren Gale : Trumpet. Played in Long Beach, California since 1939, with exception of 3 years in Army Air Force Bands. Spent 6 months with Will Osborne’s Orchestra.”

Though the Frontierland Gazebo (later called the “Dixieland Bandstand”) disappeared during 1961, the Strawhatters (wearing striped blazers) continued to swing out “St. Louis Blues” and other Dixieland classics in Disneyland! Dixieland at Disneyland events were held frequently (with a number of performers being featured). It was common to see artists like Bob Crosby and his Bobcats, Teddy Buckner, Doc Souchon, The Fire House Five Plus Two, Nellie Lutcher, Santo Pecora, Matty Matlock, Turk Murphy, Kid Ory, The Young Men From New Orleans featuring the banjo man Johnny St. Cyr, and even old “Satchmo” himself - Louis Armstrong - performing from atop various watercraft while making their way down the rivers of America. For many of these artists, Dixieland at Disneyland events were like a reunion of old friends. Louis Armstrong’s Disneyland debut (in 1961) was also the first time that he and Kid Ory had performed together in 41 years.

When New Orleans Square opened in 1966, the Strawhatters continued to make appearances, even performing alongside newer bands, like the Royal Street Bachelors! The Strawhatters appeared in visual media like “Disneyland Showtime” (a c.1970 Wonderful World of Disney episode), providing the melodies for Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox to dance. Today, the Strawhatters have a legacy - the Straw Hatters! The band currently performs both in New Orleans Square and Main Street U.S.A.

A young Guest wears a boater hat while enjoying the Dixieland melodies of the Strawhatters.

The Disneyland Strawhatters and other performers would entertain guests from beneath the awning during the daytime. Occasionally (during Dixieland at Disneyland events), they would perform while floating across the Rivers of America aboard a Tom Sawyer Island rafts!

“Here we go a-marching and a-shouting merrily!” Yes, “The ‘harum-pa-pa’ of marching music quickens the steps and widens the smiles of Disneyland guests as the Disneyland Band parades up Main Street”, with Band Leader Mickey Mouse leading the march, at the beginning of the procession! It must be Vesey Walker’s day off.

(A Complete Guide To Disneyland, 1956)

The band was well-polished by 1964, and with their audience in mind, the collective members of the Disneyland Band would become renown for performing “Dixieland, pops, marches, novelty tunes, and almost any other kind of music requested by its legion of admirers. Noted for its versatility and polish, the group has memorized more than 250 pieces and has a repertory of hundreds more,” according to Vacationland magazine (published for the Winter-Spring of 1964). The Disneyland Band also performed seasonal arrangements for their marches down Main Street (before peak attendances of Guests from around the world) during the Christmas holiday season (as during the inter of 1963). Vesey Walker and the Disneyland Band were recognizable, partially owing to appearances made in both theatrical features (like “Disneyland U.S.A.”, released December 20, 1956), and television specials (like “Disneyland ‘59,” and the 5th episode of “Meet Me At Disneyland”, airing on ABC in July of 1962).

From 1955 to 1969, “every President of the United States since 1946 except Lyndon Johnson, 15 princes and princesses, six kings, and a number of Prime Ministers and Premiers, several maharajahs, Congo Tribal Chiefs, Ambassadors, three queens, and a number of noted Russians - save one” have visited Disneyland, (according to Disney News, Fall, 1969). If Vesey Walker had “won world-wide acclaim as band leader” as the Official Guide to Disneyland (published during 1956) heralded, then such praise was only compounded by the early-to-mid-1960s!

It was common to see the Disneyland Band starring in publicity shots, as one photograph which featured 19-year old Tahitian native Tarita (Marlon Brando's co-star of Mutiny on the Bounty) marching alongside Vesey Walker. By 1964, the Disneyland Band had “performed from all 50 American states and more than 100 foreign nations. And, with Vesey holding the baton, it has greeted dignitaries ranging from King Mohammed V of Morocco to former Presidents Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.” According to “Disney News” (Fall of 1964), “His most recent accolade [in 1964], and perhaps the most important, was the reaction from the nation’s bandmasters at this year’s national convention of the American Bandmaster’s Association [A.B.A., in Wisconsin] when, as he completed an appearance as guest conductor, they gave him a standing ovation.”

At some point around this time, Vesey fell ill. By December of 1965, Wally Boag (Backstage Disneyland Editor) noted the “Vesey Walker's remarkable recovery from an illness that would have permanently floored the average man.”[Backstage Disneyland, Vol.4 No.4]

During 1966, Vesey Walker was invited to perform (as Guest Conductor) on the I.T.R. Railway in Illinois, before being led by Mickey Mouse at a Pre-game “Walt Disney and Disneyland Salute to the California Angels” at the new Angels Stadium on Saturday, April 23rd, 1966! Vesey Walker would march with his band for two more years. From December 16, 1967 to January 1, 1968, the “famous band, under the baton of Jim Barngrover” would entertain guests in different part of the Magic Kingdom. The founding director, Vesey Walker would direct the afternoon concerts from December 24th thru 31st. Aside from the Christmas Parades, the band would “march through the different lands and play small concerts.” The Disneyland Marching Band performed sets at the General Electric Carousel, Small World, around Fantasyland, aboard the Mark Twain, and with the new Jungle Book Parade that occurred in Adventureland. On January 1st, 1968, the Disneyland Marching Band appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade, “in conjunction with the Helm’s Bakery float, ‘The Wonderful World of Walt Disney.’” [“Disneyland Holiday Talent Master Schedule,” prepared for the period of December 16, 1967 through January 1, 1968].

When Vesey wasn’t directing the Disneyland Marching Band, he periodically enjoyed competing in periodic D.R.C. sponsored golf tournaments against fellow Disneylanders like Ray Van De Warker, in his leisure time. This he did until his retirement in 1968.

The Disneyland Band donned their old red, white and blue uniforms that they once wore during Disneyland’s first year of operation.

As several models of KODAK Instamatic camera models were available for rental, guests captured an abundance of Disneyland Band memories during this era.

The Disneyland Band looked most “at home” assembled around the Flag in Main Street USA’s Town Square.

The Disneyland Marching Band took part in numerous Flag Retreat Ceremonies. During later winter seasons, they were occasionally joined by the Disneyland Christmas Carolers (under the direction of Dr. Charles C. Hirt and lead by Mr. Robert G. Hasty), from December 16th, 1967 thru January 1st, 1968. [“Disneyland Holiday Talent Master Schedule,” prepared for the period of December 16, 1967 through January 1, 1968]

Guests line the crowded streets for the afternoon parade lead by Mickey Mouse and the Disneyland Marching Band.

With Vesey announcing his retirement in 1968, the Disneyland Band members would need direction, but the choice was not difficult. By 1968, the second Disneyland Band Director (and Vesey Walker’s successor) was distinguished by his Performance Excellence, and selected - Jim (or, James) Christensen. Jim had been “a staff arranger and trombonist with the West Point Band and director of the prize winning University of Wisconsin Marching Band. Prior assignments as arranger-conductor in television, radio, records, commercials, and road show productions resulted in nation-wide acclaim” for Jim Christensen. Not withstanding this impressive resume, Jim also become an Assistant Director to the Disneyland Band during Vesey’s era, even directing the (then 17-piece) band for the recording the 16 tracks of “The Disneyland Band” (a record album published 1969, by Vista Records). A number of popular selections from “Walt Disney’s Jungle Book” and “Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins” were among the album’s tracks. These were also performed by Director James Christensen (on Woodwinds), Bud Smith, Francis P., Al F., Dick S., Joe Miller, D. Baker (on Trumpets), Herman T., Joe, Warren Gale, Ed Erickson (on Trombones), Assistant Director Jim Barngrover, Robbie Robinson, Don Gustafson (on Baritone), George Werner (on Tuba), Randy Anglin (on Percussion), and George Richter, and John Whited.

As to the 15-year anniversary, coronet player and Staff Arranger Ted Tracey remembered “My most memorable experience was the 15-year Anniversary... I felt like I was one of the family.”

Jim Christensen was capable to serve as Director to the Disneyland Band, as well as “composer-arranger-conductor” for the band. By the summer of 1973, the Disneyland Band was performing popular songs (as the “Mary Poppins Medley,” “Grim Grinning Ghosts,” the Circlevision theme “America the Beautiful,” and “The Old Home Guard” the latter arranged by Sonny Anderson) Tuesday thru Sunday. Songs performed also included Jim’s original compositions - “Clarinet Party” and “Trombone Concepts.” By this same time (1973), the Disneyland Marching Band was (again) a 20-piece band (with new snare and bass drummer Joe Shaw), had marched (rank and file) at last 2,000 miles, and performed over 5,000 concerts.

The band was still a Park Wide Atmosphere Band. Their daily schedule (around November 26, 1972 - December 15, 1972) included (1) a Main Street Parade & Town Square Concert, (2) a Parade through Frontierland, Mark Twain Concert, Adventureland, Castle Concert; exit Tomorrowland, (3) Character Parade, (4) Concert in Plaza Gardens, (5) breaking into Strawhatters, Keystone Kops, Polka Band, Town Band, (6) Retreat, Town Square, and (7) another Character Parade.

Jim Christensen would move on to serve as Director of Bands for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Band. As mentioned, during this time, the Disneyland Band’s Assistant Director role would be filled by (another Jim) Jim Barngrover Jr. (a Disneyland Band trombonist of Vesey Walker’s era). A few years later (during the summer of 1977), Stanford (Stan) Freese would Direct the 20 virtuosos of the Disneyland Band, to play ragtime and contemporary tunes (ranging from those of the Beatles to Harry James and Glenn Miller). Stan would become Walt Disney World Assistant Band Director.

Then, on Friday, November 11, 1977, Vesey Walker (the founder of the Disneyland Band) passed at the age of 84. For all the joy he brought to Disneyland guests for fifteen years, he would be mourned by millions who had the pleasure of meeting him or at the very least had watched him perform.

Jim Christensen would go on to conduct the Disneyland Band for twelve years, until his final performance for the first “Disneyland’s 25th Birthday Parade,” (held just before his retirement from Disneyland in 1980).

By this time, the Disneyland Band uniforms would differ depending on the season. “dressed in smart white (summer) or deep crimson (winter) uniforms the band salutes each new day at the Magic Kingdom with a vibrant and music filled march down Main Street U.S.A.” according to “The Disneyland Band” record album (published 1969, by Vista records).

Music stands were pre-arranged in picturesque Main Street U.S.A.’s Town Square, where benches offered guests a view of the Disneyland Marching Band’s morning performances. The Disneyland Band never sat, but always stood during the Flag Retreat Ceremony in the afternoon.

By 1972-1973, the Disneyland Band provided atmosphere to different areas of the Park, on four schedules.

Who’s the leader of the band? Mickey Mouse was known for leading processions down Main Street U.S.A. and around the Plaza, before heading toward Town Square, and taking time to interact with guests!

The Disneyland Band would perform the National Anthem as the flag is lowered by a member of Disneyland Security. After the ceremony, the last number performed is usually a rendition of “Til We Meet Again”.

Some time before this Vintage View was captured, Vacationland magazine (Vol.20, No.4 ; published Spring of 1977) published an article about the present Disneyland Band entitled “The Disneyland Band - Music in Sweet Accord”. During this era, the Disneyland Band gave quite a few “send offs” for 20 year employees of Disneyland.

In “step” with Disneyland’s 25th, the Disneyland Marching Band received special blue costumes (with silver highlights), and matching military style “shako” hats with plumes of white feathers on top!

A few Disneyland Band Members march along an opening parade unit for one of Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary Parades.

On July 17th, 1982, the Disneyland Band had stepped off more than 2,900 miles since their first march on opening day in 1955. And so, on July 17th, 1982, at 4:00p.m. (less than thirty years after their Disneyland debut), the popular Disneyland Marching Band had marched for three decades and given its 50,000th performance from the fabulous Carnation Plaza Gardens! This historic performance of the then-20-piece marching band, was highlighted by a special introduction by the Dapper Dans, as well as concluding presentations by representatives from the City of Anaheim, Ron Dominguez, and Ron Logan. In between, the Disneyland Marching Band’s 50,000th Performance included the following sets :

(1) Remember When

(2) Main Street U.S.A. (in collaboration with the Dapper Dans)

(3) Original Disneyland March (Legionaires of the U.S.A.)

(4) Waitin’ for the Robert E. Lee

(5) On The Mall

(6) Barnum

(7) Tribute to the Fifties

(8) Star Spangled Spectacular

(9) Whispering-Groovin’ High

(10) Nashville Concerto

(11) Glenn Miller Medley

In honor of their 50,000th performance, Charles Boyer immortalized the Disneyland Marching Band in a work of art that was released as a lithograph (limited to 1800).

In honor of their 50,000th performance, Charles Boyer (one of Disneyland’s own resident portrait artists) immortalized Band Director David Warble and the Disneyland Marching Band in a work of art entitled “27 Years and The Band Played On”! This piece was released as a lithograph (limited to an edition of 1800). Charles tribute also graced the cover of Disneyland LINE (vol.14 ; no.28), July 15, 1982. Because of their limited quantity, these were initially offered through a lottery and the remainder were subsequently offered to Disneyland Cast Members (for $7.50 each) until supplies were depleted. (Disneyland LINE, August 19, 1982, Vol.14, No.33)

By this time, the Disneyland Band performed for the Flag Retreat Ceremony four days a week, during Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of June 13 - 17, 1983. However, on Tuesday, the band was replaced by a “taped version” of their ceremony fanfare. Yes, the Disneyland Band truly “played on” - even on days when they were absent from the Park.

Though Vesey Walker had retired from Disneyland more than a decade prior, he (and his little marching band) had certainly “started something”, and it was now marching strong into its third decade running by 1986! Now, the Disneyland Band was conducted by David R. Warble, and occasionally performed “Orange County Young Listener Concerts” in cooperation with the Orange County Music Administrators and the Orange County Philharmonic Society. The Disneyland Band consisted of a number of brass instruments (trombone, sousaphone, trumpet, and tuba), a variety of woodwinds (flute, piccolo, clarinet, saxophone), and several types of percussion instruments (bass drum, snare drum, and cymbals). Though many of Vesey’s members had been with him for more than ten years (at one point), with the exception of Warren Gale, the Disneyland Band now consisted of newer members who had not performed under the direction of (the late) Vesey Walker during Disneyland’s first decade. By this time, the Disneyland Band consisted of the following members :

Eric Marienthal - Woodwinds

Bill Liston - Woodwinds

Sal Lozano - Woodwinds

Mike Whitman - Woodwinds

Lemoyne Taylor - Woodwinds

Roger Bissel - Trombone

Art Dragon - Trombone

Les Benedict - Euphonium

Warren Gale - Trumpet & Associate Producer

Gary Halopoff - Trumpet

Greg Prechel - Trumpet

Brian Atkinson - Trumpet

Joe Shaw - Drums

Ray Templin - Drums / Piano

Vesey Walker passed away during November of 1977, knowing nothing of the Disneyland Band’s third director. The Disneyland Band had now come to run through a number of forms including “marches, polkas, jazz, [and] waltzes”, according to Disneyland LINE (Vol.14, No.28 ; July 15, 1982). By 1986, the Disneyland Band was conducted by Director David R. Warble, and the band occasionally performed “Orange County Young Listener Concerts” in cooperation with the Orange County Music Administrators and the Orange County Philharmonic Society. The Disneyland Band consisted of a number of brass instruments (trombone, sousaphone, trumpet, and tuba), a variety of woodwinds (flute, piccolo, clarinet, saxophone), and several types of percussion instruments (bass drum, snare drum, and cymbals). By this time, theDisneyland Band consisted of the following members : Eric Marienthal - Woodwinds, Bill Liston - Woodwinds, Sal Lozano - Woodwinds, Mike Whitman - Woodwinds, Lemoyne Taylor - Woodwinds, Roger Bissel - Trombone, Art Dragon (who would go on to Direct the Disneyland Band) - Trombone, Les Benedict - Euphonium, Warren Gale - Trumpet & Associate Producer, Gary Halopoff - Trumpet, Greg Prechel - Trumpet, Brian Atkinson - Trumpet, Joe Shaw - Drums, and Ray Templin - Drums / Piano! Though many of Vesey’s members had been with him for more than ten years (at one point), with the exception of Warren Gale, the Disneyland Band of 1986 consisted of newer members who had not performed under the direction of (the late) Vesey Walker during Disneyland’s first decade.

In addition to the Strawhatters, other Disneyland Band Sub-Groups (or, “breakout groups”) emerged during this era. As the Disneyland Marching Band would perform in front of the Main Street Opera House, the Frontierland Marching Band could be found decked out in Frontier duds, performing near Frontierland’s Davy Crockett Arcadeduring the 1980s. Kindly former Cast Members helped us identify this as one such unique Frontierland group : “Those are Disneyland Band members on a break out set.” Apparently, they would break off into a “bass section and a woodwinds section”, “in order to provide better park coverage”. “On the far left is Art Dragon who eventually became leader of the Disneyland band.” Now, if we could only identify this group by name!

(The Collection of Bob Penfield ; The Walt Disney Hometown Museum)

(The Collection of Bob Penfield ; The Walt Disney Hometown Museum)

Two years later (during 1988), the Disneyland Band marched in yet another momentous event - a Disneyland parade in honor of Mickey Mouse’s 60th Birthday! Nearly a decade later (in 1997), Bob Penfield (in full regalia) led the Disneyland Band before his retirement ceremony.

The Disneyland Band has a legacy of sorts, becoming a Disney Parks tradition. For instance, Tokyo Disneyland opened on April 15, 1983, with its very own Tokyo Disneyland Band. Other Disney Parks have also carried this Disney tradition.

By 2015, the Disneyland Marching Band was down to 16 members (one of whom had been with the band for 44 years). As Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary marched ever closer, it was decided to “reimagine” the Disneyland Marching Band. So, the present, seasoned, Disneyland Marching Band alumn gave one final performance on July 16th, 2015 - a day before Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary!