Stanford Freese is a world-renowned tuba soloist and Talent Casting & Booking Director with Disney Entertainment Productions (The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into...

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Born in Minnesota, Stanford Freese (Stan Freese) is now in his 40th year working for the Walt Disney Company. Stan has served in many roles throughout his Disney career including the Director of Bands at both the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort. He served as a Show Director for Tokyo Disneyland, an Entertainment Producer for Pleasure Island and Walt Disney World, and a Musical Show Director for Tokyo Disney Seas. Stan is currently the Talent and Casting Director for Disneyland, finding talent, developing musical ensembles, and overseeing the multitude of live musical performances at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney and for a wealth of special events off property. Stan maintains his status as a principle advisor and mentor for hundreds of Disney Entertainment Division staff members who are responsible for the music and show development for Disney theme parks around the world.

Performance Achievements

In addition to his work at Disney, Stan has been a renowned tuba soloist and entertainer for over forty years. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Stan was selected by the United States Cultural Exchange Department, Washington D.C. as a tuba soloist with the Minnesota concert band that toured the Soviet Union, culminating with a command performance for the President of the United States at the White House. Stan was chosen again by the government to tour China as a tuba soloist with the Minnesota band on a goodwill tour. Stan later moved to Hollywood California, where he produced and played in television and motion picture soundtrack recordings until he was hired by Disney to move to Orlando Florida to serve as the first leader of the Walt Disney World Band. Two years later Stan relocated to Disneyland, where he became Director of Bands and began re-envisioning the musical programming for Disneyland and the upcoming Disney California Adventure theme park.

Awards and Recognition

1995: Inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame along with Prince -- also from Minnesota.

1997: Recipient of the Classic Conference Fine Arts and Distinguished Service Award

2007: Inducted into the Edina Hall of Fame

2007: Bestowed with the prestigious University of Minnesota Distinguished Graduate Award, along with Tony Dungy of NFL fame

2007: Entered the Guinness Book of World Records as producer of the largest Tuba Christmas Ensemble in the world consisting of over 500 tubas performing in concert at Downtown Disney, Anaheim California

2008: Received the Disney Entertainment Excellence Award

2009 & 2010: Recognized by the United States Army School of Music for participation and training of U.S. Army senior bandleaders for the U.S. Army Bands, Norfolk Virginia

2010: Received the Disney Entertainment Hall of Fame Award

2010: Received the NAMM Association School JAM USA Award on behalf of the Walt Disney Company

2011: Received the O.C. Lifetime Achievement Award

Performances

A Perfect Circle
Chet Atkins
Barnum & Bailey Ringling Brothers Circus Band
Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra, Sofia Bulgaria – Guest Conductor
Chuck Berry
Glen Campbell
Roy Clark
Dallas Brass
Disneyland Band
Dukes of Dixieland Band
Performed at 2008 Grammy Awards
Pete Fountain
Hee Haw – Featured Guest 1983-1991 Nashville Tennessee
Indiana Symphony Orchestra – Soloist
Minnesota Symphony Orchestra
Queens of the Stone Age
Tokyo Disneyland Band
United States Army Band, Norfolk Virginia
Vandals Punk Rock Band
Joe Walsh (Eagles)
Walt Disney World Band

Family

Stan is married and has two sons, Josh and Jason. Both are internationally recognized studio and touring musicians. Josh plays drums, writes and produces. Jason plays keyboards and sax, writes and produces.

Stan’s wife Tera owns “Integrated Project Development” -- a commercial land development company.