The PianoCade, led by Mr. E. S. Thompson, featured sixteen spinets (each manned by two players) and from one to three grand pianos for performances. The PianoCade had thirty-five performers, but the kids sat two to each spinet, so there were only seventeen pianos on stage. The group that was eventually filmed had six boys (including Phil Odom) and twenty-six girls. The PianoCade first appeared on national television on The Ed Sullivan Show from New York City, Christmas evening, December 25, 1955, playing a selection of Christmas favorites. Walt Disney watched the performance, and along with others in Hollywood, sent telegrams of congratulations and indicated interest in having them appear on the Mickey Mouse Club.