Beaver Valley Choral Society announced this month that Sharon R. Burchill is now BVCS Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. Mrs. Burchill is an accomplished musician, teacher, and conductor who is committed to continuing the legacy of musical excellence and integrity that the Society is known for. She has pledged to “support and strengthen our community partnerships, which have flourished over the past decade. We will continue to enhance our community through our music, our support of music education, and our care and concern for our neighbors.”
Preceding her new post, Mrs. Burchill served as the Associate Director of the BVCS for nine years, and founded the Treble Youth Chorale and the SummerSing,! an annual community event. Additionally, she was the Director of Youth Choruses, Ensembles, and Education. She sits annually as the guest choral conductor of the BVCS/Rochester Area School District Summer Choral and Instrumental Music Academy.
Mrs. Burchill currently is the High School Choir Director at Aquinas Academy in Gibsonia, the conductor of the Pueri Cantorum and Gradus Cantorum at Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish in Pittsburgh, and maintains a thriving private voice and piano studio, teaching children and adults of all ages.
Raymond J. Rotuna resigned as artistic director and conductor, but will continue in administrative rolls as vice president of the Board of Directors and the newly created position of executive director of Community Enhancement Programs and Project Development. His new role will also encompass current and familiar functions, including executive director of the Vision Plan, executive director of the Summer Academy, chair of the BVCS scholarship programs, and co-administrator of the annual Community Carol Sing.
Under Mr. Rotuna’s leadership the BVCS flourished. In 2011 he assumed the position of artistic director and conductor, with the pledge to build upon the foundation of excellence left by the late Philip H. Inman, and to continue singing to the glory of God, as Phil wished.
To quote Mrs. Burchill, “Ray’s artistic vision took the choir in exciting directions. His professional leadership behind the scenes, in creating programs and community enhancements, has solidified the BVCS presence in our Valley and beyond. His humor and quick wit kept us all laughing as we worked.”
The BVCS is eternally grateful for Ray’s leadership from the podium, in the community, and in the board room.
BVCS President Leeland K. Pfeifer assumes the newly created position of assistant conductor. He will assist Mrs. Burchill with the Principal Choir and Orchestra, and will continue as director/conductor of the Chancel Choir and coordinator of the BVCS Solo Series..
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For more information about any event fee and program details or the Beaver Valley Choral Society’s many community and music education opportunities for adults and children, visit us at www.bvchoralsociety.org, on social media: Facebook.org/beavervalleychoralsociety, or write to Beaver Valley Choral Society, PO Box 1628, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
“BVCS Leading in Musical Arts”