Lincoln College Jazz Ensemble performs at Walt Disney World

[March 19, 2014]  ORLANDO, Fla. — The Lincoln College Jazz Ensemble became stars of their own Disney show on March 12 when they entertained guests at Waterside Stage in Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort. They traveled over 1,000 miles from Lincoln, Ill., to take part in the Disney Performing Arts program.

The student performers, under the direction of Scott Woger and Bill Rhoda, put on a musically delightful show for the guests visiting the unique entertainment area. The group's performance included several upbeat songs — one being a jazz version of "I Wanna Be Like You" from Disney's "The Jungle Book." By being part of this special show production, the students got an inside look at what it is like to be a professional in the entertainment industry.

The students also participated in Disney's "Jazz It Up" workshop, where they rehearsed and recorded jazzy renditions of several Disney songs under the direction of a veteran Disney teaching artist. This was the jazz ensemble's first visit to the resort with the Disney Performing Arts program.

Vocal, instrumental and dance ensembles from around the world apply to perform each year as a part of Disney Performing Arts at both the Disneyland Resort in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Once selected, they are given the opportunity to perform at the resort for an international audience of theme park guests. Millions of performers have graced the stages of the Disney parks in the more than 25-year history of the program.

Disney Performing Arts unlocks student potential and helps young people make their own dreams come true — whether it's performing in front of an international audience of thousands at Disney theme parks and resorts or honing their craft in enriching workshops and clinics taught by entertainment professionals. Every year, thousands of vocal, instrumental and other ensembles travel from around the world to participate in Disney Performing Arts programs at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Disney delivers workshops and performance opportunities that enrich, inspire and often lead to life-changing personal achievement.

For more information, visit www.disneyperformingarts.com or call 1-800-603-0552.

[Text from file received from The Walt Disney Company]