Dream Weavers

Hong Kong's Magic Music Man

Charles Thomas brings Disney Youth Programs to Asia
by Ken Schlager

CharlesThomas says he has one of the coolest jobs ever. Thomas, a Disney veteran of almost 20 years, moved to Hong Kong last year to develop Disney Youth Programs at Hong Kong Disneyland.

"It's been more fun than any human should have, to be able to take what you know and love, and figure out how to make it work in another culture," Thomas says.

Thomas began traveling to Hong Kong in 2006, just prior to the one-year anniversary of Hong Kong Disneyland. During those trips, he assessed the local opportunity for Disney Youth Programs, including music, education, and celebratory student group experiences. "Children and education are two top priorities for Asian families. Therefore, discovering unique ways that Disney could meet a need within schools in Hong Kong, and be culturally relevant, was one of the greatest challenges and opportunities for us," Thomas says.

So, what has been accomplished? "In just one year, we've launched seven Disney Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.) programs; we've hosted many school choirs for performances; and we are now focused on further developing opportunities to showcase not only Hong Kong bands and orchestras, but also groups from Mainland China, Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan, and the United States."

Thomas has come a long way since he got hooked on the Disney experience during a family trip to Walt Disney World in 1973. After finishing college, he tried his hand at theater and in 1988 auditioned to be a Walt Disney World parade performer. It was supposed to be just a summer job. "I was planning to teach after that experience," Thomas says. "One thing led to another over the next 20 years. Eventually, I became a Guest Talent Coordinator, hosting the guest performing groups through Disney Magic Music Days." Later came opportunities to work with music educators in planning their Disney trips and to lead several teams in Disney Youth Programs.

When it comes to Disney Youth Programs in Hong Kong, Thomas says, "My dream is that Disney Magic Music Days is the place that every performing ensemble in this part of the world—as well as other areas—aspires to perform!"

Thomas says the music students he encounters in Hong Kong are very much like the disciplined, dedicated, and passionate music students he meets elsewhere. "While the approach to teaching may be specific to the region, the only difference I've seen so far in the students, is that with study and homework being quite heavy in Hong Kong, they may have less time to rehearse and practice!"

Charles Thomas, Dream Weaver

Role: Disney Youth Event Management Director

Grew up in: Hattiesburg, Mississippi

At Walt Disney World since: 1988

Performed as: French horn player, drum major

Training: Bachelor's degree in Music Education, University of Southern Mississippi