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!

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.

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

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.

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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”

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.

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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”

The music of folk musician Stephen Foster, jazz legend Errol Garner, West Aliquippa native Henry Mancini and everyone’s favorite neighbor, Fred Rogers is featured in fun and exciting arrangements in four-part vocal harmony. Song titles include “Camptown Races,” “Misty,” “Moon River” and “Choral Highlights from ‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood’.”

Individuals meet on www.Zoom.us Monday evenings at 7pm on February 1, 8, 15 and 22. The “WinterSing” sessions are led and hosted by BVCS Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sharon R. Burchill, accompanied by BVCS keyboardist Karen High. A special “WinterSing” session with Pittsburgh composer John Rokosz is slated for the evening on February 8.

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 is a graduate of Quigley Catholic High School and Duquesne University, with undergraduate and Masters degrees in Music Education. Mrs. Burchill conducts Novus, a home-schooled children’s choir and teaches choir at Acquinas Academy, Gibsonia. She joined BVCS in 2011, became BVCS Associate Director the following year and was recently appointed the Society’s Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. Mrs. Burchill also developed Treble Youth Chorale, the Society’s children’s chorus.

Mrs. High has been a BVCS accompanist on piano and organ since 2014. She is also the staff organist at Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Aliquippa and substitute pianist at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Beaver Falls. She holds Masters degrees from Duquesne University and Geneva College and works full time at Glade Run Lutheran Services, Zelienople.

Pittsburgh native John Rokosz learned classical piano at the age of six. He graduated Cum Laude from Duquesne University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition. Mr. Rokosz began writing concert music while he was a student at Duquesne and has performed extensively in the Pittsburgh area. As a member of Paul Luc, the band recorded two albums and performed on Pittsburgh radio and tv stations. Mr. Rokosz is music director at Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish at St. Francis Xavier Church, Pittsburgh, specializing in Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony. He is also owner and cofounder of White Ball Productions.

Registration for “WinterSing!” is required and can be accomplished on Beaver Valley Choral Society’s website www.bvchoralsociety.org Registration fee is $15.00 and is payable on the website. The deadline for registering is Monday, January 25.

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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”

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”