The Drummers of Disneyland

*An unofficial tribute to the drummers that have performed at the Disneland Resort throughout the decades.

“Disney Drum Camp”

I have been a drummer at the Disneyland Resort for 30 years now, and consider myself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the best (and possibly most underappreciated) drummers in the world. I liken my experience at Disneyland to attending a drum camp that never ends, where it is inevitable that you get better when surrounded by so many other talented drummers. I have learned something from every single drummer I have worked with at “the park”, and I hope you benefit as well by checking out some of the videos/media links included in this unofficial tribute to “The Drummers of Disneyland.”

Get Added

Did/do you work at “the park” and want to be included on this page? I intend to eventually include all drummers that were hired as cast members since Disneyland opened. If I haven’t gotten to you yet, you can expedite your addition by clicking on either of the links below (if you have a Google account, it will make it easier to provide some of the info).

Google Account Link No Google Account

Hired In The…

1970’s

Joe Shaw

Entertained Guests

1973-2013

Ray Templin

Entertained Guests

1979-2006

Bruce Healey

Entertained Guests

1977-2017

Paul Johnson

Entertained Guests

1985 – Present

Dean Koba

Entertained Guests

1982, 1991- Present

Coming Soon

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Jimmy Ford

Entertained Guests

1997 – Present

Ron Bruner

Entertained Guests

1996 – Present

Coming Soon

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Entertained Guests

Dan Wahl

Entertained Guests

2009 – Present

Michael Pettingale

Entertained Guests

2003 – Present

Coming Soon

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Fernando Miller

Entertained Guests

2011 – 2019

Alex Blake

Entertained Guests

2011 – Present

Keelan Tobia

Entertained Guests

2018 – Present

Vanessa Vendiola

Entertained Guests

2014 – Present

Jorge Zuniga

Entertained Guests

2011 – Present

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Golden Horse Shoe Revue (Drum Set), Pearly Band (Snare Drum), Royal Street Bachelors (Drum Set, Strolling Snare), The Brass Brothers (Drum Set), Fun with Music Show (Drum Set/Percussion), The Glory Land Band (Snare Drum), The Hook N’ Ladder Company (Snare Drum and “toys”), The Candlelight Orchestra (Drum Set/Percussion, The Disneyland Band (Snare Drum and Bass Drum).

In addition Joe has performed at Disneyland with Les Elgart & His Orchestra, The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, The Disneyland Big Band and The Myron Floren Orchestra.

Joe’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

I was 31 years old when I first subbed at The Golden Horseshoe and I was 71 years old when I retired from The Disneyland Band. I realized that everything I had experienced in the music business was valuable to me at Disneyland as a drummer. In a marching band, a snare drummer in a stand up/strolling group or on the drum set playing shows, to Dixieland Bands, Rock Bands, full size orchestras, to recording sessions using all of the above skills. It all affected me in a positive manner. Being able to raise our large family of six kids and all that it takes to do that, was financially possible. The influence of all the band members was inspiring for me and the challenges of playing stand up snare with another drummer on Bass Drum made me play in a new way, anticipating the Bass Drummers style and concept. Ray Templin was always doing the same thing by hearing and anticipating what I would be playing next. Ron Bruner, Sr. played Bass Drum with the Gloryland Brass Band and later in The Disneyland Band. The Gloryland Brass Band gave us much more freedom in a jazz feel and style. We learned to anticipate each other to a high degree, which gave us the musical rewards as drummers.

I enjoyed the challenges of being pulled from one group to play another show for someone who was ill or unable to make their show. It made me appreciate all the playing I had done prior to Disneyland and the work I had enjoyed while at Disneyland.

I can look back on all of those years as rewarding and would not have had so many musical experiences anywhere else.

Swinging the Rudiments,

Joe Shaw

What I Have Learned Working With Joe:

Joe is the first drummer I remember seeing perform at Disneyland, and at the risk of sounding sappy, it was magical. I was probably 7 years old, and he was playing things on the snare drum that I couldn’t comprehend at the time (yet I still work on now!) The experience was inspiring, and probably the subconscious catalyst that lead to my own Disney drumming career. I eventually got to do a lot of subbing for Joe in the Disneyland Band, and did my best to steal ideas from and emulate his approach to kicking a band with just a snare drum. For my 2015 Disneyland Band audition I wrote and performed a tribute piece called “Shawin’ Up The Blues.” It was a tribute to Joe’s fun spirit, and swinging snare drum idiosyncrasies that had a major influence on my snare drumming development, and ultimately my drum set approach. Numerous times I have heard drumming legends say how focusing on your snare drumming is crucial to sounding good on the drum set, and I have never heard anyone groove/swing harder on a snare drum than Joe Shaw. So make sure and check him out below to get some of the same benefits I have been so fortunate to experience first hand(s)😉 – thanks Joe!!

Check Out Joe:

Disneyland Band (Main Gate 2011)

Ray Templin

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Disneyland Band (Bass Drum, Percussion, Piano and Banjo)

Ray’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

I came to California from Chicago in 1979 to pursue a career as an actor. Called Disneyland seeking possible sub work, auditioned and was hired to play ragtime piano on Main Street. Subsequently played piano in a character show at Plaza Gardens Pavilion for the Park’s 25th anniversary. Disneyland band member Bruce Healey was vacating the bass drum / percussion chair to become a staff arranger and I was asked to sub – mostly on bass drum – while replacements were sought. I played bass drum and cymbal and was featured on piano for the stage concerts. Time passed, I wasn’t getting much acting work so, when asked to join the Band permanently, I accepted. My life changed. That Band was an amazing group of talented players who had done it all from the big bands to recording studios to circuses to shows to clubs and I was in awe. I learned so much and was inspired daily. Joe Shaw, the snare and set drummer, was from the Chicago area, also and we both had come up through the local dance, wedding and rock bands and clicked right away. We could sense what each other was about to do and played so tightly that many listeners were surprised that there were actually two drummers. I’m very proud of that. The Band usually stayed together all morning and broke down into smaller groups to cover other areas of the park after lunch. This is when I played piano or banjo in The Delta Ramblers, Five Alarm Jazz Band, Lost Arkyologists and Swing Soufflé or solo on the steamship Mark Twain and in New Orleans Square. It’s interesting how you can be aiming in one direction when life turns left and you either go with it or be stubborn. Although I was able to get out and do acting and voice work over the years, I am so glad that I took that turn toward Anaheim.

What I Have Learned Working With Ray:

Ray was one of the first guys at “the park” to make me feel like an underachiever – but in a good way! When surrounded by multi-talented factotum’s like Ray, it was inevitable that I would eventually find ways to expand my horizons and learn new skills. Besides being a wonderful drummer, pianist, actor, and voice over artist, Ray was just fun to work with. He was supportive to us new comers, and always brought great humor to the ups and downs of theme park work. Make sure to check out the videos on Ray’s YouTube channel where he continues to bring levity to some of life’s most important issues!

Beyond “The Park”

Ray: “I warmed up the audience and led the band for 1000 performances of the “Pecos Bill Wild West Review” at the Golden Horseshoe as prospector “Grungy Rufus.” When Fantasyland was re-designed in 1983, Disney Imagineering hired me to re-create many character voices. Unknown to many co-workers, I am the most heard male character voice in the Fantasyland rides, including the German Ringmaster on “Dumbo’s Circus Train.” Outside the “berm”, I owned Ray Templin’s Bar on three seasons of “Matlock” and did voice-overs on two seasons of “Married…with Children.” Lots of “industrial” videos, messages on hold and even a stage show with the Muppets!”

Check Out Ray:

Disneyland Band

Disneyland Audition Story

Ray’s YouTube Channel

Bruce Healey

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

The Disneyland Band (Slingerland 14X14 Snare Drum, Ludwig 12X26 Vistalite Bass Drum), Snow White Band (Christmas Parade), The Mouseketeers Stage Show (percussion/keyboards), The Kids of the Kingdom Stage Show (percussion/keyboards), “Fun With Music” Band (Leader)

Bruce’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

“Drumming at Disneyland got my foot in the door to many other opportunities including promotion to the Music Department in late 1980.”

What I Have Learned From Bruce:

Bruce is the epitome of humble. Did you know that he wrote the music for Fantasmic!? I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t, but only because Bruce doesn’t go around touting his many musical accomplishments. You might also be surprised to know, that Bruce’s illustrious Disney arranging and composition career had the humble beginning of performing on snare drum and bass drum in the Disneyland Band back in the late 1970’s. After working full time performing for 2 years in the park, Bruce moved behind the scenes and became the most accomplished and prolific composer the Happiest Place on Earth has ever employed. Maybe even more impressive however, is the humility and professionalism that Bruce conducted himself with (and conducted!) in every rehearsal that I was fortunate to take part. Never once did he have a “dig me” moment. His focus was always on making great music, and treating everyone involved with respect and kindness. While I may have “learned” all of this from Bruce, I still need more practice – and accomplishments!

Visit Bruce’s Composition and Arranging Publishing Website:

ALLSUN MUSIC CO.

Paul Johnson

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Side Street Strutters (Drum Set), Jambalaya Jazz Band (Drum Set, Strolling Snare and Bass Drum), Royal Street Bachelors (Drum Set, Strolling Snare)

Paul’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

“Performing every day for thousands of guests keeps me spry and agile!”

What I Have Learned From Paul:

I have had the opportunity to work with Paul both in a “2nd Line” two drummer setting, and also on banjo while he was playing kit. Having these perspectives has been fun and enlightening because Paul is a musician’s drummer: he makes it easy to play, makes you sound good, and also pushes you to play to your potential. He does this with a relaxed approach which prioritizes groove over chops, and he has incredible instincts for what the musicians need…and want! Some of that may be due to talent, but it certainly doesn’t hurt that he listens to (and has exposed me to) a crap-ton of music. Observing Paul practice over the years backstage has also been educational, because he is usually either grooving to recordings or perfecting simple ideas. That is not to say that Paul doesn’t have chops though! Along with trying to absorb and emulate his “Gold Standard” musicianship, I have stolen some of his licks too!!

Check Out Paul with the Side Street Strutters on YouTube:

Pennies From Heaven

Dean Koba

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Jambalya Jazz Band (Drumset/Snare and Bass Drum), Royal St. Bachelors (Drumset/Snare Drum), Swingtown Big Band (Drumset), Bayou Brass Band (Coctail Kit/Drumset), Disneyland Band (Snare and Bass Drum), Side Street Strutters (Drumset), 40th Anniversary Show (Drumset/Leader), Dickens Brass (Snare Drum), Aladding Parade (Timpani), Magic Kingdom Corps (Snare Drum), Very Merry Christmas Parade (Snare Drum), Toy Soldier (Snare Drum), All American College Band (1982 -Snare and Kit)

Dean’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

“Steady work, ability to do short tours, meet my wife!“

What I Have Learned From Dean:

I have been learning from Dean for over 30 years. He does his homework, and I have been copying (cheating?) off of his homework for many years. This started even prior to working at Disneyland, when Dean was completing his Masters in Jazz Studies at USC while I was working on my undergrad degree. Even back then Dean has always seemed to “be in the know” of who is who on the performing scene (in many genres of music), what books/recordings and videos drummers should check out, and most importantly he has continued to grow as a musician. I have been fortunate to benefit from this unofficial mentorship, and if you are an aspiring professional musician, I highly encourage you to surround yourself with as many “Deans” as you can – musicians that are always studying their craft, evolving, growing, and therefore challenging you to grow as well.

Check Out Dean:

DEANKOBA.COM

Jambalaya Jazz Band

Bayou Brass Band

Jimmy Ford

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH

Orleans St. Band (Snare & Bass Drum), Swing Souffle’ (Drumset), The 50th Celebration Band (Snare Drum), Main St. Straw Hatters (Snare Drum), The Yuletide Dickens Brass Band (Snare and Percussion)

Jimmy’s Experience Working at “The Park”

“Disneyland has been a great connecting source to perform with top notch musicians as well as earning a living playing drums.”

What I Have Learned Working With Jimmy

My first full time gig at Disneyland was trading off on snare drum and bass drum with Jimmy Ford in the “Orleans St. Band” in 1997. What a formative gift that was to play alongside (and study from) a world class jazz musician in that New Orleans inspired 2nd Line setting. I personally have a history of being a chronic over intellectualizer when I drum, where as Jimmy is all feel and heart. While he may not have cured me, working alongside Jimmy has been a positive influence in my advancement of learning to kick a band, and to just play music. I still get to play with Jimmy on occasion when I sub on banjo in the Straw Hatters, and it is always a treat. He continues to inspire and encourage me in a spirit that I hope to pass along to the next generation of Disneyland Drummers. Make sure to try and find Jimmy performing on Main St. whenever you visit the park.

Beyond “The Park”

Jimmy owned and operated the Ford Drum Company for 15 years (I love my Ford kit!), Before working at the park Jimmy toured for 5 years with the legendary Lionel Hampton. Coincidentally, my high school jazz band (Hemet) opened up for Lionel Hamtpon with Jimmy about 10 years before Jimmy and I started working together (I think it took a couple of years of working together before we pieced together our previous connection!)

Check Out Jimmy

The Strawhatters

Orleans St. Band

@NAMM 2020

Ron Bruner

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

The Lion King Parade 96-97, Bayou Brass, Gloryland Brass Band, Christmas Clarinet Choir, Main St. Merchants Association Municipal Brass Band, Disneyland Band

and the Pearly Band.

Ron’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

My experience at Disneyland began in ’96 when I was asked by an old friend to come and audition for the Lion King Parade. Playing the Djembe which is an indigenous African drum which I literally had to learn how to play. I came at the beginning of the last year of the parade. Shortly after that I began subbing in the Bayou Brass Band a few days a month for Dean Koba. This really got me acclimated to the Disney music culture.

During that time the Park auditioned drummers to create two new New Orleans Second Line styled bands of which I was hired to sub in the Gloryland Brass Band. Which after a few months I became the regular. During that time I was able to sub every now and then in the Disneyland Band. After about 5 years a new group was formed, The Main St. Merchant’s Association Municipal Brass Band. And in 2006 upon Ray Templin’s retiring, I was granted the Bass Drum chair in the Disneyland Band. I must add that the common denominator for me from the Gloryland Bass to the Disneyland Band was Snare Drummer Joe Shaw. I should’ve gotten college credit for years I spent working alongside him.

During that time an afternoon group called “The Pearly Band” began in which I was granted the Snare Drum chair til this current day. This group was featured in the original Mary Poppins movie. Of course there was a Mary Poppins show developed around this ensemble.

What I Have Learned Working With Ron:

Ron and I became full time musicians at Disneyland right about the same time in the mid 1990’s, both of us playing in “opposing” New Orleans Second Line jazz bands – him in the “Gloryland Brass Band”, and me in the “New Orleans St Band”. From the very first time I heard him play, Ron started teaching me (unofficially) how to put more groove and feel into my own drumming. Whether Ron is playing snare drum or bass drum (or even a Kadiddlehopper!), you can be sure it will have a pocket! While Ron doesn’t go around name dropping or bragging about his musical credits/accomplishments (read more below in “Beyond the Park”), he has been a constant reminder to me that it is a good practice to ask drummers that you admire about their experience and musical influences. About 10 years ago I asked Ron one day what is favorite funk/rock grooves were that informed his pocket, and I am to this day still trying to make my way through all of his favorite music suggestions – which will never happen because like all great drummers, Ron is constantly growing by checking out (and recommending to me) new artists. Be sure to check out some of the music from Ron’s band “Strange Jazz Universe” because his theme park drumming is only a smattering of Ron’s many constantly evolving musical accomplishments.

Beyond “The Park”:

Ron has performed, toured, and or recorded with The Temptations, The Supremes, Gary Bartz, Chameleon (Elektra Asylum), Johnny Gill, Howard Hewett, Rockie Robbins, Randy Crawford, Chapter 8, Wayne Vaughn, Jody Watley, Helen Baylor, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy and others.

Check Out Ron:

Strange Jazz Universe

Disneyland Band

Dan Wahl

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Trash Can Trio, Green Army Patrol (Snare, Quads and “Toys”), Festival of Holidays Toy Drummers (Snare Drum)

Dan’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

“Being a musician for Disney has introduced me to new friends and colleagues (musicians or not) that I know I will have for life.”

What I Have Learned From Dan:

I can count on 2 things when I get to drum with Dan – he will be solid, and it is sure to be fun! Fun is why we started drumming in the first place, right? Dan unwaveringly reminds me of this when I get to drum with him, because I can see it and hear it when he is performing. But maybe even more inspiring is Dan’s willingness to bend over backwards to help others out. I might feel special from all of the favors he has done for me over the years, if it weren’t for the fact that I have witnessed him readily help others on so many occasions. For me, Dan personifies a quote from one of my favorite authors: “It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others” ~ Napoleon Hill

Check Out Dan Having fun drummming:

Green Army Jeep Drumming

Green Army Man Show

Michael Pettingale

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Green Army Patrol (Snare, Quads and “Toys”), Trash Can Trio, Jambalaya Jazz Band

MIKE’S Experience Working at “The Park”:

“Working and performing at the Disneyland Resort has taught me many positive things that I have taken into my personal life. Let’s start with learning to adjust, adapt and be prepared for anything. Atmosphere entertainment is a bit different than performing on an indoor stage. You are often performing outdoors in areas where there is no stage, so you are constantly adjusting to things like weather conditions, changing show locations, the proximity of the crowd and its size. I also learned to never come into work expecting that your day is going to be the same as the day before. Depending on who you are working with that day, you may have to switch to a different part, so you better be prepared to adjust your mindset and jump into a different part than you’re used to playing. Another thing I learned was how to adjust my playing technique to avoid muscle fatigue. In the Trash Can Trio and Green Army Patrol show, for example, we weren’t always playing on a surface that matched the type of rebound you would expect from a tuned drum. The consistency of the playing surface of the instrument can change over time due to warm weather, over-usage, and other factors. Finding different ways to modify and adjust my technique helped me to continue performing without my chops getting “stripped”, and continue to match the sound of the other drummers performing with me. My ability to improvise and listen is another skill that improved while working at Disneyland. The first time I played with the Jambalaya Jazz was without a rehearsal since they needed someone to play bass drum at the last minute. The band leader said don’t worry about having to learn the music beforehand, and said I can learn it that day. I went nervously into that first day with an open mind. Thanks to the wise tutelage of Mr. Matt Matson, I learned the show without any music after a few sets. By the end of the day, my listening of his playing was so locked-in that I was able to predict what he was going to play next. That was the first time I could ever remember having that connection with another musician. Another thing I learned is how to take criticism, and see it as just feedback and nothing more than that. As a musician, performer, and human being in general, it’s easy to take oneself too seriously. Everyone has their triggers, and if we’re not aware of them we can take criticism personally. I’ve learned that whether I think I’m right or wrong about a mistake that I may or may not have made, it’s important to listen to the person giving the feedback whether it be a lead, stage manager, maintenance choreographer, or a fellow musician. I’ve learned to be generous with my listening, get clarity on what they’re saying without judgement, and respond by looking at how it can improve my next show. Lastly, the biggest thing I learned is to find a way to have fun no matter what you’re doing. It doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold outside, it doesn’t matter if you are physically tired, it doesn’t matter if you are dealing with personal issues outside of work, your feelings about the people you’re playing with don’t matter, and it doesn’t matter if you played the same show for the one-hundredth time. It also doesn’t matter how accomplished you are as a musician. You are expected to smile, come out of your shell, engage with the audience, and entertain at a high level. The guests are not there to revel in your musicianship. They are there to be entertained and have fun!“

What I Have Learned From MIKE:

I love that Mike’s drumming and listening experiences are so vast and different from my own. Besides having a solid marching percussion background, Mike has gone deep down the Brazilian music rabbit hole, and is an incredible percussionist. Check out these YouTube links to check out some of the Brazilian recordings Mike has turned me on to: Baden Powell, Airto Moreira. But I think what I appreciate about Mike the most is his judgment free conversation and advice. There are very few people on this planet that I can open up to completely without fearing ridicule or judgment. Mike is one of those guys, and by example has challenged me to try to be less judgmental and a better listener to others.

Check Out Mike at the Park:

Green Army

Fernando Miller

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

The Disneyland Band (Snare Drum, Bass Drum), Green Army Patrol (Snare, Quads and “Toys”), Trash Can Trio, The Pearly Band (Snare Drum, Bass Drum), Mickey’s Soundsational Parade (Snare Drum), Festival of Holidays Toy Drummers (Snare Drum), Food and Wine Festival’s The Jammin’ Chefs, Calling all Drummers

Fernando’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

“I reached a professional level I never thought I would achieve. Nothing like waking up and going to work to play music.”

What I Have Learned From Fernando:

Usually when someone tells you how unbelievably awesome a movie is, it becomes impossible for it to live up to the hype. I heard about Fernando long before I met him, and Fernando is that rare quality “movie” that didn’t disappoint. I have never had the good fortune to work with anyone as metronomically meticulous or contemptibly competent as Fernando. He has reminded me that we are all better off being surrounded by co-workers who challenge us to grow and be better, and in his case particularly in the area tempo. Fernando appears to be naturally gifted in the area of tempo/inner pulse (and he might be), but I have also witnessed prior to many shows him reviewing and reinforcing the tempo for every song that we are about to perform. I have too often had the jazz mentality that I would just “feel it” when we got on set, but some (maybe all?) gigs really demand that you do your “metronome homework” so that you aren’t winging it on stage, and thereby ending up with a tempo that has the potential to crash the band. It is incredibly unfortunate that Fernando has had to stop working as a performer at Disneyland due to irreparable nerve damage, but I know that the positive affects he has had on myself and countless other drummers in his pursuit of excellence will last for many years to come.

Check Out Many of Fernando’s great resort performances:

Disneyland Band

Green Army Patrol

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade

Festival of Holidays Toy Drummers

Food & Wine Festival’s The Jammin’ Chefs

Alex Blake

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Soundsational Parade (Snare Drum), Disneyland Band (Quads and Snare Drum), Food and Wine Festivals Jammin Chefs ( A huge stove with pots and Pans), Festival of Holidays Toy Soldier show and drumline (Snare), Operation Playtime Green Army Partrol (Snare, Quads, Toys), The Tale of the Lion King (Djembe)

Alex’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

“I have been super fortunate to continue my love for drumming with the Disneyland resort but the best part is always learning from others. We all come from different backgrounds and experiences and being exposed to others ideas and styles always has the ability to teach you something new.”

What I Have Learned Working With Alex:

At first glance, you might think Alex and I are identical twins. I kid, because the dude is easy on the eyes and ripped, but the truth his I feel like we are more similar than we are different. He is constantly working on bettering himself on his break time at work, obsessed with excellence (arguably more successful in this endeavor), and openly communicative – which is refreshing in a world where people are more inclined to discuss issues they may have with you behind your back, rather than discuss them with you directly. While Alex and I have disagreed on issues on multiple occasions, the times that I have had to admit I was wrong have been humbling reminders of the importance of keeping an open mind to learning from others – especially those who have spent considerably less years on this planet than you, but can still teach you a great deal because of their vast and different life/musical experience. Besides Alex’s performance suggestions that have helped me to improve, check out the following links Alex has shared with me that have inspired and challenged me to expand my musical experiences:

Neo Soul/Hip Hop Mix

La Guira Master

Beyond “The Park”

2009 DCI Undefeated World Champion and Undefeated Drum Title (Blue Devils)

2010-2011 Drumline Live Touring Cast

2018 Grammy Award Winner for Best Music Film as a Musician for Beyonce’s Coachella “Homecoming”

Check Out Alex:

Keelan Tobia

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

The Disneyland Band (Snare Drum), Green Army Patrol (Snare, Quads and “Toys”), Mickey’s Soundsational Parade (Snare Drum), Festival of Holidays Toy Drummers (Snare Drum)

Keelan’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

“When you work as a musician at the Disneyland resort, you not only inherit the prestige of past performers, you also represent one of the most acclaimed brands related to music and entertainment. My responsibilities in the park made my playing more intentional, and have helped develop my ears to the nuances of being in an ever-changing ensemble. “

What I Have Learned From Keelan:

Keelan’s ratio of snare drumming ability to cockiness is way out of wack! When I found out that I was going to be working with this young gifted snare drummer, I knew it would be an opportunity for me to learn some new skills, but I wasn’t expecting to get a lesson in humility too! His sincere deference and willingness to listen/respond to feedback is admirable. While I am certainly inspired to work on improve my snare drumming every time I work with Keelan, I am also challenged to work on improving my own snare ability to cockiness ratio.

Check out Keelan and Subscribe to his YouTube Channel:

Disneyland Band on Main St.

Keelan Tobia x RJ Reyes collab

Vic Firth Duos: Brandon Zackey and Keelan Tobia

YouTube Channel

Vanessa Vendiola

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade (Drum Set), The Disneyland Band (Bass Drum, Tenor Drums)

Vanessa’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

Since becoming a musician at the Disneyland Resort, I have had to elevate my listening ability quite a bit. Most of my education and training has been in marching percussion and the context for entertainment at Disneyland is so different! I’m thankful to have been introduced to different musical styles and paired with other drummers from various backgrounds, that have also been really supportive of my growth post “age-out.”

What I Have Learned From Vanessa:

I was actually a big fan of Vanessa’s long before she was hired to work at Disneyland. Being a drum line dad at Chino Hills HS often had me checking out the competition (Ayala High School), so I had the pleasure of seeing Vanessa perform many times with Ayala’s indoor drumline. One of my favorite performances of hers with Ayala was in their 2004 show “Transgression.” At the very end of the show (spoiler) Vanessa pulls out a knife and reveals that she was the murderer! Anyhow, it was her incredible charisma in that show that stuck with me, and working with her now professionally, it is a reminder of how as performers we can have lasting impressions on our audience/guests by always trying to add a little “extra” to every performance in order to make ordinary “extra-ordinary”! (Click HERE to see Vanessa playing tenors in Transgression)

BEYOND “THE PARK”:

In addition to playing in the Disneyland Band, Vanessa continues to teach at local drumline programs and freelances with both Sidle Entertainment and LA Marching Band. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, she has been further exploring her interest of home design and organization.

JORGE

ZUNIGA

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Disneyland Band (Snare, Tenors and Bass Drum), Mickey’s Soundsational Parade (Snare)

Jorge’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

👍 😎

What I Have Learned Working With Jorge:

As I write this, the Disneyland Band is remounting after a year off due to the Pandemic of 2020. We are in the middle of a grueling series of overnight rehearsals, yet I find myself grateful not only for the work, but also for the opportunity to be an understudy to Jorge as I try to learn the snare parts he has crafted during the 5 years leading up to the temporary closing of Disneyland. I am humbled by his command of the snare, and also happy to see that he is continuing (in his own style) a tradition of excellence in the Disneyland Band snare chair set by his predecessors. The combination of his drum corps experience with the Blue Devils and his South American drumming influences (he jokingly refers to as somewhere way below the border) has resulted in a hybrid drummer that I have no doubt will continue to inspire me, but more importantly entertain 1000’s with innovative ideas at Disneyland and beyond.

Check Out Jorge:

Disneyland Band (2018)

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The Drummers of Disneyland

“Disney Drum Camp”

Get Added

Hired In The…

1970’s

Joe Shaw

Entertained Guests

Ray Templin

Entertained Guests

Bruce Healey

Entertained Guests

1980’s

Paul Johnson

Entertained Guests

Dean Koba

Entertained Guests

Coming Soon

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1990’s

Jimmy Ford

Entertained Guests

Ron Bruner

Entertained Guests

Coming Soon

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2000’s

Dan Wahl

Entertained Guests

Michael Pettingale

Entertained Guests

Coming Soon

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2010’s

Fernando Miller

Entertained Guests

Alex Blake

Entertained Guests

Keelan Tobia

Entertained Guests

Vanessa Vendiola

Entertained Guests

Jorge Zuniga

Entertained Guests

Joe Shaw

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Joe’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

What I Have Learned Working With Joe:

Check Out Joe:

Ray Templin

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Ray’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

What I Have Learned Working With Ray:

Beyond “The Park”

Check Out Ray:

Bruce Healey

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Bruce’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

What I Have Learned From Bruce:

Visit Bruce’s Composition and Arranging Publishing Website:

Paul Johnson

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Paul’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

What I Have Learned From Paul:

Check Out Paul with the Side Street Strutters on YouTube:

Dean Koba

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Dean’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

What I Have Learned From Dean:

Check Out Dean:

Jimmy Ford

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH

Jimmy’s Experience Working at “The Park”

What I Have Learned Working With Jimmy

Beyond “The Park”

Check Out Jimmy

Ron Bruner

GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:

Ron’s Experience Working at “The Park”:

What I Have Learned Working With Ron:

Beyond “The Park”: