More Surprises in Store!

Welcome to another exciting issue of Disney onStage. After our first two issues focused on instrumental groups, this edition shines the spotlight on choral ensembles, highlighting Disney's outstanding choral workshop offerings. Inside, you'll also discover one of Disney's most popular holiday traditions and read a letter from a member of one of the 200 choral ensembles that shared the magic of the recent holiday season in The Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir Program at Epcot. More than 25,000 choir members raised their voices in this dramatic, standingroom- only production. It's easy to see why the program has become so popular.

You'll also read about the amazing music-education advocate Charles Thomas and his adventures in Hong Kong, where he is spending 18 months at our newest Park, introducing Disney Magic Music Days and our Disney Youth Education Series to a whole new audience. And, yes, Charles already has hosted a high school band from the United States! Start making your plans now.

Part of the magic of Disney is providing surprise thrills for our visitors. In this issue you'll read about Tennessee's Hatley Family, which was randomly selected to spend a night in the Cinderella Castle Suite during our Year of a Million Dreams celebration. More surprises are always in store. Imagine your band marching down Main Street U.S.A. at The Magic Kingdom Park, when suddenly you find yourself the center of attention as confetti cannons blast and the Disney characters descend upon the street. It happened on March 14 to one lucky high school marching band. A member of that group became the 2 millionth Magic Music Days guest performer at the Walt Disney World Resort! It was a magical moment for all involved. You'll read more about it in a future issue and in several of the leading music education journals.

Enjoy the issue. On behalf of the entire Disney organization, thank you for continuing to make music.

Now, on with the show!

Tim Hill
Director