A Man and a Mouse

"I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing–

that it was all started by a mouse."

--Walt Disney

Do you hear the people sing?

The last time I worked in Disney World, I felt that I did not take advantage of all the opportunities offered. I told myself that if given another chance, I would do more with the company. Volunteer more. Play more. Laugh more. Do more.

And that chance came to fruition.

For the past two months, it has been quite the endeavor. I go to grocery bingo, I battle endless crowds at Wal-Mart, I play in the parks until 2 o'clock in the morning. Somewhere in between there I do work as well.

And...I attempt to be part of the Candlelight Processional Cast Choir, which I knew it would be a challenge. There are about 300 vocalists chosen per voice part, and the coveted spots are extremely limited.

This past Tuesday morning, two Youth Sales interns screamed with delight as they discovered they were both selected to partake in the cast choir this holiday season. This honor means that Kristin and I will be singing along with the guest narrator (as previously mentioned, will be Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi, Susan Lucci, to name a few) and will instill the Christmas spirit into every guest within hearing at the park.

The Cast Choir sings in the center of Epcot's stage, creating a tree of green robes. Each emerald-clad cast member solemnly holds a flickering candle. On either side of the tree formation are guest student choirs from across the country (all draped in a differentiating gold robe). Funnily enough, I help organize these group trips with Youth Sales!

NPH of Christmas Past

Each performance holds about 50 cast vocalists to create the tree, meaning that all of us will rotate shows. We should each sing in four to six performances, depending on voice part. Rumor has it we can have a top three choices for the shows we would be part of, and you can bet NPH will be number 1, number 2, and number 3 on my slot sheet.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of the 2011 Candlelight Processional. Though details are sparse at the moment, prepare for several updates as they become available!

An example of a past Candlelight Processional

Regina Girls Sing

This week will mark the Regina's first Young Alumnae Choir concert. Through the summer, girls from the graduating classes of 2006 through 2008 have been singing, commiserating, gossiping, eating, and back to singing. Needless to say, those were wonderful Monday nights (miss you, alto section!) It is amazing how the years apart have not changed these friendships or (more importantly for this event) the vocal arrangements.

Thursday's concert will host memorable songs that had previously been performed in Regina history, such as Les Choristes, Disney hits, and back by popular demand, Moses Hogan. There will also be Elton John classics among countless others. A little something for everyone!

This is a free event to the public held in Regina's auditorium Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Please support the bake sale in the foyer, where the all funds will benefit the RDHS Music Department.

Good luck lovely ladies, I know you will be magnificent.

If you are in the area, come listen to the fabulous Regina alumnae as they grace the stage once more and make the music come to life!

(click image to enlarge)

Tango with Tigger

Why is it that the work week seems to drag to a complete standstill, but when it comes to the weekends, blink and they are over? This weekend came and went faster than I could count the memories, but it was a winning 48 hours.

Naomi and Eeyore in the "Pooh-rade"

Saturday morning marked Naomi's birthday, where we went to a surprise breakfast at Crystal Palace. Though it started with the usual delicious fare of food, over the course of two hours it escalated to an absolute dance off between Pooh and friends.

When I say "Dance Off" I mean the characters actually gave their all and shook their tail feathers. They bounced, they jived, the Lindy hopped, they tangoed. After much deliberation, Eeyore was crowned winner of the Hundred Acre Woods Dancers, with a 3-1 vote. I, of course, felt it was my duty to place my vote with the best Tango partner Disney has to offer (he definitely proved that Tigers do not have two left feet!)

The characters not only danced and played along with our childish antics, but they constantly returned to our tables to enjoy our company, often pulling up a chair and listening to stories. They engaged and entertained, and probably found us mutually amusing.

It was a magical experience and hopefully made it a birthday Naomi would remember!