Sixteen students from Sacramento Adventist Academy were invited to sing at the Candlelight Christmas Processional at Walt Disney World in Flordia in November.

Bel Canto, SAA’s honor choir under the direction of Dr. Beverly Wesner-Hoehn, decided to send an audition tape to Walt Disney World for the processional. The students had to perform selected music by Disney and pass an audition three weeks after school started in August, to receive the invitation to join the mass choir, made up of 300 students from across the country. Bel Canto was the only California choir chosen to sing at this prestigious event. “It was an amazing experience working with their directors and speakers,” said William Fandrich, a sophomore at SAA. “We are all thankful for that wonderful time.”

Bel Canto sang on center stage Nov. 26-28 with the full Disney orchestra and 280 other students for this festive event, which included songs and Scripture readings. Closing the concert with the mighty “Hallelujah Chorus” by Handel, the choir blessed more than 3,000 people who attended each night. All anthems were standard well-known Christmas carols arranged specifically for the event, and all Scripture readings were of the birth of Christ from the King James Version. Several prominent actors and athletes rotated as narrators throughout the three-day event, including John O’Hurley, from “Seinfeld” and “Dancing with the Stars,” and former NBA basketball star, David Robinson, of the San Antonio Spurs.

“Being able to perform with the mass choir at the Candlelight Processional was a great experience and opportunity,” said Elyse Mack, an SAA senior. “It was so much fun singing with serious performers and interacting with Disney’s staff. The theme parks weren’t bad either.”

The students also participated in a Disney Sings workshop for choral singing techniques and vocal styles. On Sabbath, they had the joy of worshipping at the Forest Lake church, where they sang for the service.

To fund this trip, the students were responsible for raising the tour money. God opened doors and windows, providing funding through several sources. One student, Jolene Toialoa, SAA senior, received a full scholarship through an anonymous gift coming one week before the necessary funds were due. “The Disney trip was an unforgettable one,” said Toialoa, “and I was thankful to be able to take part in this.”