Candlelight Makes a Grandioso Return

Dating back to 1958, the Candlelight Processional & Ceremony is one of the oldest and most beloved holiday traditions at Disneyland Park. Every year, hundreds of candle-carrying choir members from local communities proceed down Main Street,U.S.A. to illuminate Town Square. Among choir members are Disney Cast Members and employees who sing in the Cast Choir to help form a living Christmas tree. Above the pinnacle of the living Christmas tree, on the roof of the Main Street Train Station, are eight fanfare trumpeters who create a grandiose presence throughtout the ceremony.
"It's not just a normal job- we make music happen in an unusual situation which makes this job a thrilling challenge," said Kurt Curtis, 14-year veteran and leader of the fanfare trumpeters for all special events at the resort, including the Candlelight Ceremony. "The height and the intensity of what we play during Candlelight make this role interesting."
"All fanfare trumpeters go through harness training and are tethered in by a full body harness for safety of the performers. We have to factor in high elevation, winds, a powerful musical score and not being able to see the conductor very well due to the blinding show lights."
The Disney Cast Choir, led by Jackie Gilhausen from Disney Vacation Club, helps set the stage with a living Christmas tree.
"The Cast Choir starts weekly rehearsals for Candlelight beginning in September," said Jackie. "I continue to participate in this annual tradition because the people in the choir are amazing and I love meeting people from all over The Walt Disney Company that come together in a program that has remained mostly unchanged from its begining!"
This year, the Candlelight Processional & Ceremony will take place on Dec. 5 and 6 with performances at 5:30 and 8 p.m. in Town Square in Disnyland Park.


DR LEE

P.S. DR LEE sang in the Candlelight for about four years,mid 90"s, was at the base of the living Christmas tree(right above the narrator)..still remember most of the music.