CAPE GIRARDEAN PLAYING AT DISNEYLAND

Amid a fairytale backdrop, John Light is polishing his resume and meeting some of the most famous musicians in the world.

"It's kind of nice to be able to play with some talented musicians at Disneyland during the day and hang out with some of the musicians on the "Tonight Show" or maybe go to "The Price is Right," said the Cape Girardeau native.

Light is spending his summer entertaining thousands of guests playing trumpet in the 1994 Disneyland All American College Band. "This should be a boost to my career as a musician," said Light, who is a 1989 graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High.

When the 11-week program is over at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., Light will finish his vacation in Cape, then return to the University of Northern Texas where he is a graduate student in music education.

Added Light,"The College Band Program provides students with the opportunity to perform in a venue that is not only fun and rewarding but also educational. When we're not performing, clinicians and record producers come in and sometimes talk to us."

Five days a week the musicians rehearse, attend clinics presented by leaders in the entertainment industry and treat Disneyland guests to a high-energy performance.

The All American College Band is led by Dr. Arthur C. Bartner, Director of the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band. Bartner has imparted his talent, knowledge and experience to the All American College Bands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World since 1974. He played a major role in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics.

Throughout Disneyland's eight themed "lands", the band and dancers perform six times each day. Their repertoire encompasses several varied musical styles ranging from Count Basie and Duke Ellington medleys to a Phil Collins tribute to arrangements of such Disney classics as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Beauty and the Beast", "Aladdin", and Disney's latest animated feature "The Lion King."

Light was among 22 musicians picked from 3,000 who tried out for the All American roster. Since its inception in 1971, approximately 1,500 college students have participated in this educational opportunity which is part of an innovative music education program.