The Beaver Valley Choral Society cordially invites all enthusiastic singers in the general public to sing along with BVCS members in this year’s “WinterSing: Local Legends – The Music of Pittsburgh Area Composers,” an enjoyable series of virtual sessions in February that helps develop musicianship and vocal technique.
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”