Disney Channel Strikes a Chord With "Totally in Tune"; New Reality Series to Premiere October 2001

Disney Channel Strikes a Chord With "Totally in Tune"; New Reality Series to Premiere October 2001

Disney Channel, the leader in television for kids and families, will premiere an all-new, live-action reality series, "Totally In Tune," in October 2001.

The unscripted, half-hour series follows the talented orchestra members of Los Angeles' Hamilton High, a magnet school for music. The concept for "Totally In Tune" evolved from "Disney's Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra," an annual special, which showcased talented musicians between the ages of 8 and 12. The "Disney's Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra" program culminated in 1999 after eight successful years.

Using a combination of traditional documentary filmmaking techniques and video diaries from the musicians themselves, "Totally In Tune" covers the kids' lives, both inside and outside of the concert hall, culminating in a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area to participate in a prestigious orchestra competition.

The 13- to 16-year-olds featured in "Totally In Tune," who excel in all genres of music including classical, blues, jazz and even mariachi, represent the many musically gifted students in schools around the country. Among featured members of the Hamilton High orchestra are Gala, the 16-year-old awe-inspiring visual artist and violinist; Kevin, the shy 14-year-old violinist who found his niche at Hamilton; Rosalind, the competitive, gutsy 14-year-old who hones her skills on violin and piano; Zane, the 15-year-old guitarist and oboe player who plays in a blues band; Jocelyn, the 14-year-old who struggles with the violin but wins people over with her effervescent personality; Dennis, the excitable 15-year-old Russian violinist whose expertise leads him to an intense scholarship competition; and Marcus, the extremely outspoken,15-year-old flutist.

Their experiences are typical of all high school students and include developing romances, schoolwork and family life. In addition to a love of music, they also share a bond of friendship and learn to bring their individual personalities together and work toward a common goal.

The series is produced by Evolution in association with Disney Channel. Douglas Ross, co-creator of Disney Channel's "Totally Hoops" and "Bug Juice 3," and J. Rupert Thompson, creator and executive producer of "Bug Juice," "Totally Hoops" and "Movie Surfers" series, are executive producers.

-- Posted July 10, 2001
Source: Company Press Release