Robert J. Sherman, son of American songwriter and Disney legend Robert B. Sherman, paraded down iconic Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom with the Harnett Central High School “Marching Trojans” from Angier, N.C. on Monday, entertaining thousands of Walt Disney World Resort guests.
The song that the “Marching Trojans” performed was composed by Robert J. Sherman and called “Disneyana!,” originally written for the Disneyana Fan Club which is one of the oldest existing Disney fan clubs. Sherman’s most recent work includes “Bumblescratch,” a new musical that opened in September at London’s Adelphi Theatre.
The elder Sherman and his brother Richard, commonly known as the “Sherman Brothers,” are best known for their Academy Awards and Grammy-winning music compositions for a variety of Disney classics such as “Mary Poppins,” and “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.” The Sherman Brothers also wrote songs for Disney theme park attractions such as “it’s a small world” and “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.”
Ironically, Dec. 19 would have been Robert B. Sherman’s 91st birthday. “I wish my dad was alive to see it, he would have loved it,” the younger Sherman said.
It was Robert J. Sherman’s first time marching down Main Street U.S.A. at Walt Disney World in Florida after having marched with his high school band at Disneyland in the 1980s “It was fantastic to march again and this time at Walt Disney World.”
During their four-day stay, the Harnett Central students also enjoyed exploring Walt Disney World Resort and its theme parks in addition to participating in the parade.
The group of 40 students traveled over 550 miles from North Carolina to Florida to participate in the popular Disney Performing Arts program which gives school bands the rare opportunity to march in a parade at Magic Kingdom. This was the school’s second visit to Walt Disney World Resort with Disney Performing Arts, which is part of Disney Youth Programs.
Vocal, instrumental and dance ensembles from around the world apply to perform each year as part of Disney Performing Arts at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Once selected, they are given the opportunity to perform in front of an international audience of Disney theme park guests. Millions of performers have showcased their talent at Disney Parks in the more than 25-year history of Disney Performing Arts.
