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.

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!

Starting Monday, January 8th, The BVCS Principal Choir and Treble Youth Chorale will meet at 7pm in New Brighton United Methodist Church, 1033 Sixth Avenue, New Brighton PA. They will be joined by the BVCS Orchestra later in the season. Membership in the Principal Choir is open to all adults, ages 18 and above. Other ensembles include our Treble Youth Chorale (ages 8-13) and Adult Principal Orchestra.

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, please join us at an upcoming Monday practice. If you would like any additional information, please complete the Contact Form using the following link:   Beaver Valley Choral Society ‘Contact Form’.  You can also reach 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!

“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.

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.