News of the Day | Beaver Valley Choral Society https://bvchoralsociety.org Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:35:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 BVCS Lenten Concert Series – Beautiful In His Time https://bvchoralsociety.org/bvcs-lenten-concert-series-beautiful-in-his-time/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:27:02 +0000 https://bvchoralsociety.org/?p=1233 The Beaver Valley Choral Society presents its 2025 Lenten concert, “Beautiful In His Time“.  Sharon Burchill, BVCS Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, conducts the adult Principal Choir and Orchestra. Director Deborah Silverstein leads the sixteen children who are members of the Treble Youth Chorale and Judy O’Data directs the Mary Inman Honors Bell Choir.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. “Beautiful In His Time” will be presented at these locations:

  • SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 4PM – Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, 846 PA Route 18, Raccoon Township PA 15001
  • SUNDAY, MARCH 39, 4PM – St. James Divine Redeemer Parish, 200 Walnut Street, Sewickley PA 15143
  • SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 4PM – Trinity Anglican Seminary Trophimus Center, 823 Maplewood Avenue, Ambridge PA 15003
  • SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 4PM – Our Lady of the Valley Parish: St. Ceclia Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester Township 15074

“Beautiful in His Time” begins with the orchestral prelude, “Here at the Cross;” followed by “Palm Sunday;” “If Ye Love Me;” “O Sacred Journey” and “At the Cross of Jesus.”  The second half of the program begins with the title selection, “Beautiful in His Time;” followed by “The Call;” “Take My Life and Let It Be;” “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” and concludes with the beloved hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross.”

Founded at Beaver College in 1923, the Beaver Valley Choral Society now enters its Second Century of Song. BVCS is a 501(c)3 Christian-faith based, non-denominational, intergenerational choral and orchestral arts organization.

]]>
GRACIE BURCHILL PERFORMS IN VATICAN CITY, ROME. https://bvchoralsociety.org/gracie-burchill-performs-in-vatican-city-rome/ Thu, 06 Feb 2025 12:24:10 +0000 https://bvchoralsociety.org/?p=1221 Cecilia Grace (Gracie) Burchill, a student at Franciscan University, Steubenville, Ohio, enrolled in Sacred Music and Organ studies, was blessed to have performed as organist for a Mass held at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Gracie is pictured on the organ console at St. Peter’s Basilica, photographed the day of the Mass.
Gracie is currently participating in Franciscan University’s European Study Abroad Program that is centered in Gaming, Austria. While there, she is also serving as one of two student organists for the chapel choir and serves additionally as the Music Assistant.
Gracie was a founding student member of the Beaver Valley Choral Society’s Treble Youth Chorale and graduated into the adult choir during her high school years. Gracie’s mother, Sharon Burchill, serves as the Beaver Valley Choral Society’s Artistic Director and Principal Conductor.”
]]>
DEB SILVERSTEIN INDUCTED INTO THE BATAVIA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S MUSICIANS OF NOTE HALL OF FAME https://bvchoralsociety.org/deb-silverstein-inducted-into-the-batavia-city-school-districts-musicians-of-note-hall-of-fame/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:08:46 +0000 https://bvchoralsociety.org/?p=1202 Congratulations to our own Deb Silverstein on her recent Induction into the Batavia City School District’s Musicians of Note Hall of Fame 2024!

A native of Batavia, New York, and a graduate of the Batavia School District, Deb has had an illustrious career as a teacher and performer. Thousands of students have flourished under her direction, with hundreds of them pursuing careers in music and the arts. She has performed all over the nation and world as soloist and orchestral player on flute and piccolo. Deb has been instrumental to the BVCS as she directs the Treble Youth Chorale while also serving as Orchestra Manager and Concert Master of the BVCS Orchestra. She lends her talents to the orchestra as well, as lead flute player.
According to the nomination information, “Batavia City School District recognizes alumni and retired music educators for their accomplishments in
the field of music. Batavia has many alumni who have had successful careers in music performance,music education, musical theater, and audio recording.”
Deb was inducted into the Batavia City School District’s Musicians of Note Hall of Fame on October 24, 2024. A truly well-deserved honor for a truly remarkable musician!
]]>
Philip H. Inman added to Beaver County Genealogy and History Center https://bvchoralsociety.org/philip-h-inman-added-to-beaver-county-genealogy-and-history-center/ Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:27:45 +0000 https://bvchoralsociety.org/?p=1165
A new archive has been added to the Beaver County Genealogy and History Center shelves.
Earlier this year Mary Inman, wife of the late Philip H. Inman (pictured), donated his large collection of photographs and programs for the Rochester Area High School musicals that were produced from the Sixties to the Eighties, spanning nearly 25 years.
Mr. Inman (1932-2019) was choral teacher at Rochester and is credited with organizing the first high school musical produced anywhere.
He had the foresight to document his students’ efforts with this priceless archive. These are not amateur snapshots, but are professional photographs from the stage scenes.
Many thanks to Mrs. Inman, Ray Rotuna, and BCG&HC volunteers Miriam Young, Lauraly Burnecke, Rose Marie Kendell, Cindy Latherow and Bob Headland for making this historic History Center collection possible.
]]>
REBEKAH COX AWARDED 2024 PHILIP H. INMAN EXCELLENCE IN CHORAL CONDUCTING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP https://bvchoralsociety.org/rebekah-cox-awarded-2024-philip-h-inman-excellence-in-choral-conduicting-arts-scholarship/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 21:13:26 +0000 https://bvchoralsociety.org/?p=1154 This year’s Philip H. Inman Excellence in Choral Conducting Arts Scholarship is awarded to Ms. Rebekah Cox.  Rebekah is currently a senior at Geneva College, majoring in Music Education, and is student teaching at Riverside School District.

Rebekah has lived in Chippewa Township her entire life, and from an early age, she has always been involved in extra-curricular activities.  She at the age of seven she started piano and violin lessons.  After taking her first piano she remembers feeling so much joy during that session that she knew she wanted to play music the rest of her life.  In high school, she had the privilege to play violin in the PMEA festivals, advancing to All-State Orchestra.  Rebekah has expanded her knowledge and experience in music by participating in the Genevans choir, playing the cello, and has had the opportunity to learn and practice conducting at Geneva College.  She also has participated in various instrumental ensembles, including marching band, symphonic band, and jazz band.

After becoming a music major at Geneva, Rebekah joined the Genevans choir, which produced a new interest in choral arts.  Going on the Genevans’ Spring Tours increased her love for choral music and the sense of community that it creates.  As a result, she has developed a passion for the choral arts and a desire to share that passion for music and singing in the classroom.

Upon graduation in May 2024, Rebekah’s desire is to obtain a position as a choral arts music teacher at an elementary school where she can train, encourage, and have a positive influence on the lives of young people who need authentic unselfish leadership.  She is very thankful for her parents who instilled in her a love for life, family, friends, and God, the one who makes all life possible.

Congratulations to Rebekah Cox, our 2024 Philip H. Inman Excellence in Choral Conducting Arts Scholarship recipient!

]]>
Beaver Valley Choral Society Formally Celebrates 100 Years Of Song https://bvchoralsociety.org/beaver-valley-choral-society-formally-celebrates-100-years-of-song/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 12:23:30 +0000 https://bvchoralsociety.org/?p=1096 (As printed on the Beaver County Radio website / Matt Drzik, October 23, 2023)

Not one member of the current iteration of the Beaver Valley Choral Society was born when the organization began at Beaver College back on October 23, 1923.  This fact did not stop them from presenting a performance worth 100 years of celebration.

Before a large crowd at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Hopewell, the BVCS formally commemorated 100 years of song in the Beaver Valley by performing selections from the oratorio “Messiah” composed by Georg Frédérich Handel. The group of principal vocalists and instrument

A cake celebrating 100 years of the Beaver Valley Choral Society is cut following their performance at Our Lady of Fatima Parish on October 23.

alists was joined by members of the Academy Chamber Orchestra from Pittsburgh, along with featured mezzo-soprano soloist Caroline Friend.

Following the opening number–Lloyd Larsen’s “Celebrate The Day”–the evening opened with an introduction from BVCS President Jim Angeloni, followed by the Historical Address from Chief Historian (and trombonist) Bob Headland. A proclamation from the Beaver County Commissioners was then read aloud by Board Member (and bass singer) Rick Murphy before being presented to BVCS Artistic Director Sharon Burchill.

Additionally, the performance of “Messiah” was an interactive one. Not only did Burchill occasionally turn from the choir towards the audience to conduct them, but the BVCS provided copies of the music to those in attendance.

In all, the centennial was lauded by the attendees, who stood and applauded following the final note of the first 100 years–a century of a non-profit group of ordinary citizens who only need three requirements to be active: to pay dues, to sing to the glory of God, and to sing “tunefully”.

On this night, they sang exceptionally.

]]>
BVCS ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR OPENING https://bvchoralsociety.org/bvcs-assistant-conductor-opening/ Sat, 23 Jul 2022 20:31:35 +0000 https://bvchoralsociety.org/?p=940 The Beaver Valley Choral Society announces an immediate opening for the position of Assistant Conductor for the 2022-2023 concert season.

This is a 12-month position with annual renewal based on performance. An annual stipend is paid in full at the end of fiscal year.

The Assistant Conductor must adhere to the values and mission of the Beaver Valley Choral Society and reports to the Artistic Director.

The Assistant Conductor will carry out specific responsibilities and will be involved with the music direction of the principal choir and orchestra. The Assistant Conductor will act as director/conductor when necessary and support the Artistic Director as required.

Collegiate upperclassmen will be considered if they choose to apply.

A detailed listing of required qualifications and job responsibilities can be found on Beaver Valley Choral Society’s Facebook page. Interested applicants should send a letter of intent, current resume or curriculum vitae, with three references to BVCS President Jim Angeloni at jra_228@hotmail.com

The Beaver Valley Choral Society is a landmark community, intergenerational, Christian faith-based, non-denominational, not-for-profit choral and orchestral arts music organization that values excellence, energy and entrepreneurial spirit

]]>
BVCS Young Artist Spotlight – Shannon Witkouski https://bvchoralsociety.org/bvcs-young-artist-spotlight-shannon-witkouski/ Tue, 18 May 2021 11:30:29 +0000 https://bvchoralsociety.org/?p=820
The Beaver Valley Choral Society is proud to support talented students in our community. Our first honoree for the new Young Artist Spotlight, is our very own Shannon Witkouski.
Shannon has not let a worldwide pandemic slow down her music making. A High School Apprentice with the Beaver Valley Choral Society, and a junior at Beaver Area High School, Shannon recently placed first in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s  All-State Jazz Ensemble on vibraphone. She is the first student representing Beaver in over 10 years to qualify in that division, and is also the only female in the 17-member ensemble. Additionally, Shannon qualified on percussion for honors band, district band, district and regional orchestra, and qualified to audition for All State Orchestra.  Because of these achievements, she is now eligible to audition for the National Association for Music Education’s All East Honor Ensemble .
Shannon has been accepted to Carnegie Mellon University’s Pre-College Music Program for a second summer, and is also preparing for her upcoming auditions for summer music programs at West Virginia University and Penn State Honors Music Institute. She is a student of PJ Gatch at Westminster College, where she also studies music theory and has been invited to play with the Westminster College Percussion Ensemble.

The BVCS is proud to call Shannon “one of our own”, as she is an active High School Apprentice, performing in regular season with the BVCS Orchestra and Choir, and participating in our historic first Virtual Ensemble project in November 2020, entitled You’ll Never Walk Alone (with Climb Ev’ry Mountain), arranged by Joseph M. Martin.

We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Shannon Witkouski on your accomplishments and achievements! We can’t wait to see what is next in store for you! We look forward to making music in person again with you!

 

]]>
Beaver Valley Choral Society Featured on DCINY’s “Wonderful Choir Wednesday” https://bvchoralsociety.org/beaver-valley-choral-society-featured-on-dcinys-wonderful-choir-wednesday/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 14:13:53 +0000 https://bvchoralsociety.org/?p=772 The first virtual ensemble performance by the Beaver Valley Choral Society, “You’ll Never Walk Alone with Climb Every Mountain,” was recently honored by Distinguished Concerts International New York as part of their online “Wonderful Choir Wednesday” on January 13.

DCINY is the leading producer of dynamically charged musical excellence. With its unforgettable concert experiences in renowned venues, empowering educational programs, and its global community of artists and audiences, DCINY changes lives through the power of performance.

On the DCINY website and Facebook page, the BVCS production was praised as “a stunning performance of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’. We are definitely feeling this new wave of hope in the air!”

Jeff Binner, Progam Developer for DCINY, further added, “Wow… wow, wow, wow! Fantastic work! It is truly amazing what you all accomplished with this project, and it has me excited to work with you guys in the fall.”

That opportunity in the fall may become reality when members of the Beaver Valley Choral Society plan to travel to The Empire City in November, combining with other choral groups to perform at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall. Original plans to perform there in 2020 were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The concert is produced and arranged by DCINY. Entry into the DCINY’s performance program is exclusively by application and audition.

BVCS embarked upon the historic virtual project of the two Rodgers and Hammerstein songs during the summer and fall of 2020, when members could not gather to make music due to CoVid-19. Fifty members of the Principal Choir, the Orchestra, High School Apprentices, and Treble Youth Chorale attended online rehearsals with Conductor Sharon Burchill, in preparation for their at-home recordings.

The Artistic Leadership Team recorded guide tracks at Helsel Music Studios, Butler PA with recording and post-production engineer Bryan Helsel. The final video was shown first to the members in late November, and then shared publicly on December 2 via YouTube and Facebook. Since then more than 3,500 people have watched and enjoyed the message of hope and comfort that the BVCS musically conveys as part of its mission statement. To watch the video visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhDuidZF5_4.

Learn more about the BVCS and its on-going commitment to musical excellence and community outreach and enhancement, by visiting bvchoralsociety.org.

####

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”

]]>
Jim Angeloni to Assist Chair Beaver Valley Choral Society Scholarships Programs https://bvchoralsociety.org/james-angeloni-to-assist-chair-beaver-valley-choral-society-scholarships-programs/ Fri, 29 Jan 2021 14:12:22 +0000 https://bvchoralsociety.org/?p=770 Jim Angeloni, bass singer in the Beaver Valley Choral Society who is also an advisor to the BVCS Board of Directors, accepted the volunteer position of Assistant Chair of the BVCS Scholarships Programs.

Mr. Angeloni will assist Raymond Rotuna, Chair of the Scholarships Programs, with school selections and administrative contacts, scholarship nominations and confirmations and other related areas.

“Jim, a valued member of the choral ensemble, is an exceptional and talented individual who brings his unique career managerial abilities, along with his musical talents, to the work of the BVCS,” noted Chair Rotuna. “We are delighted that Jim has stepped up to assist in this most important community enhancement program that supports the musical and educational studies of deserving college music students of our region.”

JIm lives in Baden with his wife, Maria and teenage daughter, Katie. He is employed as a Senior Compensation Analyst for UPMC.

The Assistant Chair position was created in December 2020 to further develop the administration of BVCS’s scholarships programs. The BVCS Board of Directors approached Mr. Angeloni and offered him the position during the directors’ board meeting.

“Jim is a tremendous supporter of the BVCS mission and programs, commented BVCS Board President and CEO Lee Pfeifer. “His assistance with the administration of our scholarship programs will help ensure continued support of young musicians.”

In 2001 the Society established the Philip H. Inman Excellence in Choral Conducting Arts Scholarship in recognition of the late Philip H. Inman, Artistic Director of the Beaver Valley Choral Society from 1979 to 2011.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a music student who is focusing on the Choral Arts. Colleges participating in the scholarship program are Carnegie Mellon and Duquesne Universities and Geneva, Grove City and Westminster Colleges.

####

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”

]]>