With four pops mini-concerts on March 18 and a Music and the Spoken Word broadcast from the Epcot Center on March 19, the Tabernacle Choir entertained at the American Gardens theater of the American Adventure. The concerts and broadcast provided the taped material for a series of national television broadcasts, scheduled for later this year.
The first of these broadcasts is a segment on the Walt Disney World Easter Parade from the Magic Kingdom, to be broadcast March 26 by the ABC television network.Only a day removed from the chilly temperatures of their Utah home, choir members baked in bright sunlight as they sang a medley of patriotic and folk songs, then a segment of Disney favorites on March 18. They were joined by characters from animated films. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Pinocchio, Winnie the Pooh, Uncle Remus characters, Chip 'n Dale, Snow White and a dozen others cavorted to "When You Wish Upon a Star." At one point in the program, nervy Donald Duck wrested the baton from conductor Jerold D. Ottley to pep up the proceedings.
Inspired by the unsinkable critters in their hot suits, choir members overlooked the discomfort of sunburned noses, scorched eyes, aching feet and heavy jackets, to step briskly onstage at 1, 2:30, 5, and 7 p.m., and just as briskly depart a half hour later to the merry strains of "Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho."
Disney characters with the Tabernacle Choir? Not so incongruous a combination as one might at first think. Choir commentator Spencer Kinard said the two organizations see eye to eye in their desire to promote the American family and the American dream.
In the circular, domed reception hall of the American Experience, next to Howard Chandler Christy's painting of patriots signing the Constitution, stands a plaque containing these words of Walt Disney: "Our greatest resource is the minds of our children."
And in a short commentary during the mini-concerts, Kinard commended the Disney organization for practicing what its founder preached. "Who else is recording material designed to educate and entertain families?" he asked. "In a time when its strength and sanctity are being undermined, there is still no effective substitute for the family."
One of the most touching moments came when Ottley turned to lead the audience in a few bars of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and three little children seated nearby with their parents burst into lusty "Glory, glory hallelujahs."
Wendy Wolfe, senior marketing representative for the Disney productions, who worked closely with choir officials in preliminary arrangements, explained what further would result from the Disney-Tabernacle Choir collaboration.
"We may use a segment of our Fourth of July program, put together by Beuna Vista, our syndication distributor," she said. "The Hallelujah Chorus that the choir recorded at one mini-concert will go into our Christmas Parade program; and the American medley will be part of the Children's Miracle Network Telethon in June."
Courtesy of their Disney hosts, choir members enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of the complex's Caribbean Beach Resort, in many cases accompanied by family and friends. This sojourn made possible yet another professional appearance in the area: a concert for the American Society of Neuro-Radiologists in Orlando for its annual convention, March 21.
On Sunday night, March 19, the choir divided into five groups to provide music and talks at firesides enjoyed by 4,000 to 5,000 in five mid-Florida stakes - Orlando, Lake Mary, Cocoa, Lakeland and Tampa. The concept of choir firesides was first tried out with success in New Zealand and Australia. "These gatherings make it possible for the members, missionaries and their investigators to have a Tabernacle Choir experience, even though they can't get into the actual concerts," said choir president Wendell Smoot.
