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Disney seeks choirs to perform at Epcot

'Tis the season for Disney to finalize its search for choirs to perform at this year's Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir Program at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Each year hundreds of student choirs from around the country come to spread holiday cheer from November 24 to January 1.

"The Candlelight Processional has become an important part of the holidays for my choir," said Fritzie Wise, choral director at Tuscola (N.C.) High School, whose honors chorus has performed two straight years and is scheduled to perform again in 2007. "We love being part of a Christmas tradition that is so meaningful. We come to Disney World and perform in something that gives us joy in singing wonderful music and brings my students together in a way that nothing else could."

High school, college, university, church, and community choirs can apply to be part of this holiday tradition that has been an entertainment staple at Walt Disney World for more than 25 years.

For information on performing, visit www.DisneyMMD.com/candlelight or call 800-603-0552.

A Choral Director's 'Suite' Life

West Point (Va.) Middle/High School choral teacher Melody Raef is the winner of Disney's Royal Treatment Castle Suite Giveaway, a program created by Disney Youth Group Programs to recognize an outstanding educator for delivering creative experiences for students.

The dream experience is the result of dozens of entries Disney received in support of Raef's inspiring teaching style. "In high school, music was power," student Kathleen Harrell wrote. "She found the quiet girl in the corner who looked down when you passed her in the hallway. She found the cheerleader who got on everyone's nerves. She found them and gave them solos, a voice, not only in the melody of the song, but in the harmony of their class, and their lives. She taught us to see how important each of our classmates was, not only in the choir, but in each day that we faced together."

The 10-year choral instructor and her family enjoyed a Disney vacation, including a night in the new Cinderella Castle Suite. Once envisioned as in-park accommodations for the Disney family, the space is now a luxurious suite featuring surroundings that recall the French chateaus that inspired the design of Cinderella Castle."

Disney Youth Group Travel Made Simple

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has always embraced technological innovation, and Disney Youth Group Programs is honoring that tradition by bringing the latest electronic planning tools to youth group leaders.

Online tools including reservation forms and ticket ordering are located on the Disney Youth Groups Web site. The site features a planning area for all leaders, with tools including a countdown clock, fundraising chart, itinerary planner, and group poll. For more information, visit www.disneyyouthgroups.com.

Birthday bash: MENC turns 100

The year: 1907. The place: Keokuk, Iowa. The event: the first meeting of MENC: The National Association for Music Education (formerly known as the Music Educators National Conference).

Much has changed for MENC during the past 100 years, not the least of which is its membership. A few dozen attended the initial gathering in Iowa; the organization today boasts more than 130,000 members, making it the world's largest arts education association. MENC's Centennial Celebration took place in June at the Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World.

MENC officially endorses the Disney Performing Arts Programs. The integrity of MENC in the field of music education provides an ideal partnership with Disney Performing Arts Programs.

Disney Grad Nite '07

High school seniors who celebrated at Disney Grad Nite in April were entertained by two bands whose popularity has exploded.

The Fray, who inspired a sing-a-long by thousands of graduates in the crowd, saw their album How to Save a Life achieve double-platinum status. They're now teaming up with the company Reverb to help create an eco-friendly tour and educate fans about how they can help the environment.

Meanwhile, rock band Cartel found themselves in an odd place: trapped in a bubble for 20 days! The band called the transparent bubble on Hudson River Park's Pier 54 in New York City home while writing and recording a new album before the eyes of the world. Band in a Bubble was a groundbreaking interactive event, and it gave new meaning to the term "up close and personal."

Visit www.DisneyGradNite.com for more information.

High School Musical' Pep Rally!

Visitors to Walt Disney World Resort can now experience some of the hot dance moves and big hit songs of a popular Disney Channel movie come to life.

"High School Musical" Pep Rally is a new immersive show that features songs from the smash Disney Channel movie. Throughout the park, a multi-talented team of entertainers re-create the world of East High on a traveling stage.

Park visitors can cheer on the Wildcats while enjoying choreography, shooting a few hoops or joining in as the whole street turns into a song-filled party. The sing-along showcase welcomes visitors of all ages.

Disney Looking for 'Magical' College Interns

A 47-square-mile classroom awaits more than 7,000 college students at Walt Disney World Resort, where students gain real work experience and career insights at one of the world's leading companies.

The Disney Youth Groups department hires interns in sales, marketing and events management for Disney Performing Arts programs such as Festival Disney, The Disney Honors, and Disney Magic Music Days.

For more information on Disney's College Program and Professional Internships–and to learn how participants make vacation "magic" for Disney guests worldwide–visit www.disneyinterns.com.