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.

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.