Drew Tretick – A Special Part of Downtown Disney

When my niece was a toddler, my twin and I had annual passes to Disneyland and so we’d visit the park on a regular basis. Being pass holders was nice because it meant that we didn’t have to rush around making the most of a one-day ticket. We really enjoyed meandering around the park at a slower pace, taking in the sights and sounds—and of course stopping to discuss the ever-changing flower beds!

In the evenings we’d wander over to Downtown Disney for dinner and shopping. On one such occasion we heard the drifting sounds of a violin. It was lovely and the melodic tune enticed us to move closer to the source. We found a young man absorbed in his music, playing with a passion far beyond that of a paid performer. The sound from his violin was heart-stirring and we stood mesmerized by his skill.

The young man was Drew Tretick, a Julliard-trained violinist. We had the pleasure of meeting him that evening, and have enjoyed renewing our friendship with him over the many years that have followed. Drew became a permanent part of our Disney experience.

My niece added a photo of the two of them to her character autograph book, which he gladly signed. When she was young, she’d sit on the ground up front enthralled by Drew’s music, and he would always oblige her with a special rendition of The American President theme from the Soarin’ Over California ride.

Years later our mom became a fan when we’d stay at the Grand Californian each year for the Women of Faith conference. She loved his music, and it was among the selections we played for her in the final weeks of her battle with cancer. To this day, Drew remembers her to us each time we see him, and expresses the fondness he had for our mom.

Drew is a personable artist. While he has performed with orchestras and celebrities, his greatest talent is the gift he has for bringing beautiful music to regular people—many of which will never set foot in a concert hall.

I’ve read that Walt Disney’s original vision for Disneyland was that it be a place where parents and children could have adventures together. Creating that venue involved introducing new sights and sounds that encouraged imagination and exploration. I believe that for some people, encountering Drew’s music while wandering through Downtown Disney is like turning a corner and being treated to an incredible view they’ve never seen before. They hear a sound that moves the soul and sometimes brings a tear to the eye, and it opens a musical landscape for them that they may have otherwise never considered. In the Disney tradition, Drew Tretick provides that new vista for musical exploration and that is why he is such a special part of Downtown Disney.

You can find Drew’s schedule and links to his incredible music at his web site, GoViolin.com

On the journey toward Home,

Tagged as: adventure, classical music, Disneyland, Downtown Disney, Drew Tretick, exploration, imagination, violinist