Doors open at 1:30pm; enter through the Ohio Avenue church entrance. Activities take place in the
Fellowship Hall. Admission is free, but donations of non-perishable food items will be collected for Families
Matter Food Pantry of Center Township.

Community Christmas Celebration is hosted by Beaver Valley Choral Society and Grace Evangelical Lutheran
Church. Additional support is provided by Brighton Hot Dog Shoppes.

The Fellowship Hall will be decorated for this special occasion. Grace Lutheran’s stunning nativity scene is
displayed to remind all of the true, sacred meaning at the heart of Christmas. Then travel the enchanting
Candyland Trail to Santa’s workshop. The trail is filled with artificial Christmas trees, decorated with lights,
and all sorts of candy canes and other sweet treats.

There’s an area where children can sit and create crafts, write letters to Santa and send greeting cards to
deployed military personnel. Kids can even have their faces painted.

Steaming hot chocolate and wassail is provided by Beaver Falls Coffee & Tea. Rochester’s Philly Pretzel Factory
is supplying their famous, delicious pretzels. And Choral Society and Grace Lutheran volunteers who staff the
event are also stocking the mammoth cookie table.

1:30pm — The Celebration begins with an opening prayer from Grace Lutheran Pastor Greory Clagg,
followed by our National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.
1:45pm – Diane and Larry Brosius present a theatrical reading of the Clement C. Moore poem, “The Night
Before Christmas,” in front of the Fellowship Hall stage.
2:00pm – Santa Claus arrives by fire truck, driven by the Rochester Volunteer Fire Department. Boys and
girls can visit The Jolly Old Elf and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s special chair on the Fellowship Hall stage.
3:30pm – During the final half-hour Grace Lutheran Town Crier Gary Paumer invites everyone to attend
“Carols by Candlelight,” the Choral Society’s Advent concert, that starts at 4pm in the church sanctuary.
St. Barnabas Broadcasting Beaver County Radio will be on hand with a live, two-hour remote broadcast,
starting at 1:30pm.

Those attending the Celebration can take a spin on the radio station Prize Wheel to win
a gift card from a local business. Beaver County Radio will also livestream the “Carols by Candlelight”
concert.

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

• Saturday, December 7 at 4pm – Grace Lutheran Evangelical Church  393 Adams Street, Rochester PA 
• Sunday, December 8 at 4pm – College Avenue Methodist Church 345 College Avenue, Beaver PA 
• Sunday, December 15 at 4pm – New Brighton Methodist Church, 1033 Sixth Avenue, New Brighton PA 

Selections will be performed by the BVCS Mary Inman Honors Handbell Choir, Principal Choir, Orchestra and Treble Youth Chorale. Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sharon R. Burchill leads the 85-voice choir and orchestra. Deb Silverstein will be directing the eight boys and girls who comprise the Treble Youth Chorale and Judy O’Data directs the seven member three-octave Handbell Choir. 

“Carols by Candlelight” begins with Bill Ingram’s prelude arrangement, ”Christmas Music for Twelve Bells,” featuring the Mary Inman Honors Handbell Choir. That is followed by “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” as arranged by Trevor Manor; the Lloyd Larson arrangement of “Long Ago Prophets Knew;” the traditional carol, “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming,” arranged by Mark Lehnowsky; “Come Thou Redeemer of the Earth,” written by BVCS chorister Kirk Haberman; and “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” written by Heather Sorenson.  

At intermission the Treble Youth Chorale performs the African American spiritual “Rise Up Shepherd, and Follow,” arranged by Audrey Snyder; “The Pembroke Carol,” written by Anna Lapwood.  and Sara Teasdale; and “Jubilate! Bells are Ringing” arranged by Ellen Foncannon.  

The second half of the concert begins with David Rasbach’s a capella arrangement of “We Shall Light a Thousand Candles;” followed by Joseph M. Martin’s choral medley “Shepherd Carols;” then the title piece, “Candlelight Carol,” written by John Rutter. The concert concludes with Benjamin Harlan’s exuberant finale, “Carol Fantasia.”  

Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

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

Congratulations, Gracie!

The BVCS Principal Choir, BVCS orchestra and Treble Youth Chorale share a part in presenting this special
musical program. BVCS Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Sharon R. Burchill, directs the BVCS principal
choir and orchestra and Deb Silverstein directs the Treble Youth Chorale.

Come join us – it promises to be an exciting, enjoyable and uplifting experience. New members are welcome
to join any of the BVCS ensembles for this special Pops concert. Interested adult and Treble Youth Chorale
singers should come to the first rehearsal at the church on Monday, April 8 at 7pm. Instrumentalist should
contact Deb Silverstein to indicate their desire and receive music.

The program begins with the choir entry and orchestral prelude, “Let Freedom Ring,” as arranged by Ed
Huckeby, followed by the Mark Hayes arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Then the concert begins
with the Phillip H. Inman a capella arrangement of “America the Beautiful;” “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor”
by Roy Ringwald. Greg Gilpin’s “E Pluribus Unum;”
The Andrews Sisters’ wartime hit, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” arranged by Ed Lojeski; the Dennis Allen
arrangement, “Salute to the Armed Forces,” a medley that features anthems of five branches of America’s
military; the Al Jacobs/Tom Scott arrangement of “This is My Country;” and closes with Irving Berlin’s “God
Bless America,” as arranged by Joseph Martin.

At intermission the Treble Youth Chorale continue the Patriotic Theme with “Rally ‘Round’ America,” written
by Janet Gardner; “The Instrument Song,” a traditional favorite; and Douglas E. Wagner’s “Ten Songs of
America,” a medley featuring ten patriotic songs.

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.

Sharon Burchill, BVCS Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, conducts the 93-voice 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. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” is presented at these locations:

• Saturday, March 16 at 4pm: St. Titus Church, Mary Queen of Saints Parish, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa 15001
• Sunday, March 17 at 4pm: New Brighton Methodist Church, 1033 Sixth Avenue, New Brighton 15066
• Saturday, March 23 at 4pm: College Avenue United Methodist Church, 345 College Avenue, Beaver 15009

Cordial concert reception follows the performance at Aliquippa and Beaver locations.

This will be a concert you don’t want to miss, featuring the music of composers Jeffrey Ames, Craig Courtney, Patti Drennan, Maurice Durufle, Hans Leo Hassler, John Leavitt, Joseph Martin, Mary McDonald and David Schwoebel, with arrangements by J. Mark Baker, Howard Helvey and Thomas Quigley.  Featured selections from “Great is Thy Faithfulness” include “Even the Heavens are Weeping;” “Great Day!” “Great is Thy Faithfulness;” “In Remembrance;” “O Sacred Head Surrounded;” “O God Our Help in Ages Past;” “Procession and Hymn for Palm Sunday;” “To Live His Song;” “Today the Son of Man is Slain;” “Tune My Heart to Sing Thy Grace” and “Ubi Caritas.”

The Treble Youth Chorale’s program during intermission includes Melchior Teschner’s “All Glory, Laud and Honor;” “He Will Hold Me Fast,” by Ada Habershon and Matt Merker; and “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love,” a Ghanaian folk song arranged by Anne Krentz Organ.

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.

“Joy of Every Longing Heart”

 Beaver Valley Coral Society will be  presenting its Advent concert series, “Joy of Every Longing Heart,” at the following area churches:

• Sunday, December 10 at 4pm — Our Lady of the Valley Parish / Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver PA  15009
• Saturday, December 16 at 4pm – Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 393 Adams Street, Rochester PA  15074
• Sunday, December 17 at 5pm – Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish / Saints John & Paul Catholic Church, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park, PA  15143

Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.  All listings are performed by the BVCS Principal Choir, Orchestra and Treble Youth Chorale.  Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sharon R. Burchill leads the 81-voice choir and orchestra.  Deb Silverstein directs the twelve boys and girls who comprise the Treble Youth Chorale.

“Joy of Every Longing Heart” includes new and familiar favorites, featuring music written by Pittsburgh composers Dr. Joseph Wilcox Jenkins (“When Joseph was a-Walking”) and Glenn Rudolph (“The Dream Isaiah Saw.”)

The choral program also includes “Introit for Christmas,” Timoth W. Sharp’s arrangement of Pavel G. Tschesnokoff’s ‘Opus 25, No.6;” Peter J. Wilhousky’s a capella arrangement of “Carol of the Bells;” and “When Will Messiah Come?” a jubilant Hebrew folk dance written by Ed Kee and Dale Matthews.

In addition to accompanying the Principal Choir, the BVCS Orchestra will perform the prelude “In Dulci Jubilo” arranged by David Guardiniere; and Paul Barker’s arrangement of “Ding Dong Merrily on High.”

The Treble Youth Chorale will perform during intermission: “Prepare the Way of the Lord” by Michael Burkhardt; Jayne Southwick Cool’s “Lumen Christi;” “Wexford Carol,” a traditional Irish folk melody arranged by Ken Berg; and the traditional Catalan dance Noel, “What Shall I Give to the Christ Child?”

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

Get that special holiday spirit this year! Bring the entire family to Rochester Area High School, 540 Reno Street, Rochester during the afternoon of Saturday, December 2, when the Beaver Valley Choral Society and Rochester Area School District present the 2023 Christmas Carol Sing and
Light-Up Night!

Doors open at 2:30pm for a fun-filled afternoon of merriment and holiday cheer, starting with the Beaver Area Army Jr. ROTC Honor Guard who conducts the Presenting of the Colors followed by singing our National Anthem and the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Beginning at 2:30pm St. Barnabas Broadcasting Beaver County Radio airs a live two-hour remote broadcast from the Carol Sing!

The kids get excited at 3pm when Rochester’s Volunteer Fire Department escorts Santa and Mrs.Claus to the school gymnasium. All boys and girls can personally meet with the Jolly Old Elf in the festively decorated workshop, gingerbread house and decorated Candyland. The Joel Sherman family farm of Chippewa Township is providing Santa’s giant sleigh, on display in the workshop. During the entire afternoon enjoy some complimentary Christmas cookies, punch or hot cocoa. There are lots of activities for children including face painting, craft making and writing letters to our
military personnel stationed around the world.

At 3:45pm children of all ages can watch Diane and Larry Brosius present a stage production reading of Clement C. Moore’s “Night Before Christmas.” Then at 4pm everyone heads for the natatorium for the 2023 Christmas Carol Sing! This fantastic sing-along event showcases a variety of familiar sacred and secular carols, presented by the members of Beaver Valley Choral Society’s principal choir, orchestra and Treble Youth Chorale; in
addition to Rochester’s chorus and band students.

At 5pm Rochester’s kindergarten students present their annual Christmas concert inside the auditorium. The festive, merry afternoon draws to a close at 6pm with the official Rochester High School Light Up!

This free community festival is created by the leaders of Rochester Area School District and Beaver Valley Choral Society. Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe and Rome Monument are corporate sponsors. In lieu of admission, Carol Sing! goers are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for the Fill-the-Bus food raiser that benefits Families Matter Food Pantry, Monaca. A special bus parked on Reno Street in front of the school, is provided by Frye Transportation of Industry.

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

Oct 14, 2023 – Old Economy, Ambridge

Members of the Beaver Valley Choral Society will perform tonight with Grammy Award-winning cellist Eugene Friesen as part of a concert given at historic Old Economy in Ambridge, PA. The concert, An Evening with Eugene Friesen and Friends, features music from Mr. Friesen’s recent CD,  In  Harmony, revisiting Harmonist music.  He will be joined in the performance by vocalist Elizabeth Rogers and pianist David Bruce Smith.

Concert time is 8:00 p.m. in the Feast Hall at Old Economy in Ambridge. Tickets available to at the door.

That specific date coincides with a performance by a community choir who presented its debut concert at the former Beaver College in Beaver on Tuesday evening, October 23, 1923.  The BVCS 91-voice Principal Choir and Orchestra are directed by BVCS Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sharon R. Burchill.

Mezzo-soprano Caroline Friend is guest soloist for the evening. Members of the Academy Chamber Orchestra, led by Artistic Director and Concertmaster Dr. Warren Davidson, join the Beaver Valley Choral Society for this special concert.

Concert highlights include “Celebrate the Day” by Pepper Choplin and selections from the George Frideric Handel oratorio, “Messiah” – ‘Overture’; ‘And the Glory of the Lord;’ ‘Behold a Virgin Shall Conceive;’ ‘O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion;’ ‘For Unto Us a Child is Born;’ ‘Sinfonia Pastorale;’ ‘There Were Shepherds;’ ‘And Lo the Angels;’ ‘And the Angel Said unto Them;’ ‘And Suddenly with the Angel;’ ‘Glory to God;’ and ‘Hallelujah.’

The audience will be invited to sing along with the “Messiah” portion of the concert, especially the “Hallelujah (Chorus).”

The concert is open to the public. A goodwill offering will be accepted.

Sharon R. Burchill is BVCS Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. Deborah Silverstein directs the BVCS Treble Youth Chorale.

BVCS is an all-volunteer musical organization whose members range in age from eight through adult — the entire family can join. Auditioning is not a requirement, just a love to make music. Singers should be able to sing tunefully and instrumentalists must be proficient on their instrument and be able to read music.

If you are interested in becoming a member of this prestigious group or would like any additional information, pleae plan to attend our first pratice on Monday, Augut 8th, 7:00 pm, at New Brighton Methodist Church.  Please come early and meet some of our current members.  You can also complete our Contact Form using the following link:   Beaver Valley Choral Society ‘Contact Form’.  or each us by email standard US Mail:

info@bvchoralsociety.org

Beaver Valley Choral Society
PO Box 1628
Beaver Falls, PA 15010

We look forward to hearing from you soon!