Students, family members and children filled the seats of Pottle Auditorium in anticipation for the Wind Symphony’s first concert based solely on Disney music. 

Southeastern’s Wind Symphony held “The Magical Music of Walt Disney” at the Pottle Music Building Auditorium on Saturday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. Famous pieces that were played included selections from “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Tangled,” “The Lion King,” “Frozen” and “Tarzan.”

“It’s the first time we put together an entire concert of Disney music,” said conductor Glen J. Hemberger. “All of our students love Disney music, and there were some wonderful arrangements we got ahold of. We thought we would try it, and it was incredibly successful.” 

The concert itself was very interactive with some wind symphony members dressed up as iconic Disney characters such as Jack Sparrow from “Pirates of the Carribbean,” Princess Elsa from “Frozen,” Mickey Mouse and many others. During the performance, some characters interacted with the musicians and audience members. Musicians held up props and entertained the audience throughout the concert.

At the end of the show, everyone who dressed up had the chance to leave the stage and socialize with those in attendance. 

“The genie is my favorite Disney character,” said assistant band director and jazz band director of Mandeville High School David Gambino. “It was fantastic to be the genie and to entertain kids. It was nice to return to the stage after several years of being away.”

Audience members were really involved with this concert and it also attracted a younger audience. 

“I think we definitely got a much younger crowd this time,” said Bethany Wilhelm. “A lot of times at concerts it’s a mixed group, but we definitely got a lot of kids involved this time which is awesome.”

According to audience members, they had a fun experience and enjoyed the pieces that were played. 

“It was a fun concert to go to,” said audience member Rick Schatelain. “It kind of reminded you why you play music, to strictly entertain. It was loose, not quite so tight. It was really fun to watch the kids enjoy the music and pretend to conduct.”  

While they have prepared for weeks in advance for this performance, it was well worth the turnout.

“I’m the biggest Disney fan,” said vocalist Tara Hymel. “I absolutely love Epcot and Illuminations. To conduct that piece was a dream come true. We started preparing since the beginning of the semester in August. It’s a lot of hard work, but it paid off.”

Some of the wind symphony members themselves had strong expectations of how this performance would go. 

“I really expected everyone to act the way they did,” said alto saxophonist Erica Reine. “Everyone was really excited and involved with the performance.”

For more information about the Wind Symphony, visit the Southeastern website or the Southeastern Wind Symphony Facebook page.