Ceremonial Brass tubist returns to Disney roots

Published Jan. 15, 2012
By Master Sgt. Adam Stump
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

1/15/12 - ORLANDO, Fla. -- A tubist with the U.S. Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass returned to his Disney roots when the group performed at Downtown Disney Jan. 15 here.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Willie E. Clark Jr., was a founding member of the Walt Disney World tuba quartet "The Tubafours" from 1990-2000.

Clark joined the full-time tuba euphonium quartet after beating out approximately 30 other people for the job. A junior in college at the University of Illinois at the time, the Harvey, Ill., native moved to Orlando to play at MGM Studios, which is now called Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The quartet was an "atmosphere group" that walked throughout the park, playing in different spots. Clark said the group would often go to a long queue line for a ride and perform for 20 minutes.

"We were some of the most photographed tuba players ever," Clark said, noting that guests would frequently take pictures of the group.

Clark said one of his favorite memories of performing was during Disney's Very Merry Christmas Parade. During one spot, TV star Regis Philbin was outfitted with a tuba while "White Christmas" was playing on the television, making it appear like Philbin was performing. The camera slowly panned to Clark, who was actually belting out the performance, providing the audience with a laugh as Philbin acted surprised.

The tubist left Disney in 2000 and was playing at the Army Tuba Conference in Fort Myer, Va., when he first thought of playing in a military band. Much like his Disney audition, Clark had to beat out 30 other tubists in two rounds of playing to land a job with the U.S. Air Force Band.

Returning to Disney was a moving experience for the eight-year Air Force veteran.

"It is beautiful," Clark said. "I love the job I have now. This was a great job as well. To see these two different worlds come together is gratifying."

Clark said he also had the opportunity to play a concert in Orlando Jan. 14 in front of the Disney employee who first hired him, which brought together his two jobs.

Clark and other members of the band are currently on a winter tour of Florida, with the theme of "American Song and Cinema." The Ceremonial Brass is typically seen throughout the National Capital Region performing at more than 1,100 ceremonies each year, including large ensembles and buglers to perform in most outdoor ceremonial venues and the Ceremonial Brass Quintet for smaller indoor settings.