For the 2014-15 chorus students, Disney truly is the happiest place on Earth. This is the first year since 2011 that Starr’s Mill has been invited to perform at the Epcot Candlelight Procession in Disney World.

Only select choirs were chosen to make up the Disney Special Singers chorus in the procession, so being chosen was an honor for both chorus students and their director Dr. John Odom.  “This is a really big deal for the kids,” Odom said. “It’s not every day you get to perform with a professional symphony orchestra.”

Odom’s students are just as excited as he is. “It’s such an honor to be a Disney performer,” said junior Maggie Baechle, who sings soprano in Chanticleer, the school’s most advanced choir.

Although the audition tape that Odom sent to the producers of the show to be selected was one of hundreds, he felt confident that his choir would be chosen. “This is our fourth time being selected, so I expected them to make it,” he said. “But of course, it still came as an honor.”

Eighty-two chorus students from all grades signed up to participate in the showcase. They arrived in Orlando yesterday afternoon but will not perform until tomorrow. The students have two performances, one at 6:30 p.m. and one at 8:15 p.m. “I’ve never done two performances in one night,” junior Emily Koivu said. “But I’m sure the atmosphere and excitement will soothe my nerves.”

Odom is not concerned about his students’ nerves. “I’m more excited than nervous for them,” he said. “I am confident that they have learned their music and put in the work.”

In the performance, the chorus will perform 14 different songs, all arranged specifically for the event. They will be accompanied by the Disney Symphony Orchestra, and the show will be narrated by celebrity actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg.

Junior Gunita Rahman, a three-year chorus member, is excited to be so close to a celebrity. “One of the things I’m most excited about is being on stage with Whoopi Goldberg,” she said.

The 2,000 seat amphitheater has already sold out for both performances Odom said. “People come from around the world for Christmas at Epcot, and this is one of the highlights of the Christmas season,” he said. “It will truly be an international audience.”

The students have been preparing for this performance since September. In addition to their regular chorus classes and rehearsals for other upcoming performances, they had hourlong rehearsals for the Disney performance each Monday.

“I know all of the work we have done will pay off when we’re standing on that stage,” Rahman said.