The Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir (SVCC) began its first season with 38 members in September of 1992 under the direction of Julia J. White. In twelve years the program has grown to include 191 in five choirs. Angel Choir I (ages 6-7, 25 members), Angel Choir II (ages 7-8, 13 members), the Preparatory Choir (ages 8-11, 43 members), the Treble Choir (ages 10-15, 40 members), and the Concert Choir (ages 11-18, 70 members) make up the organization.

The SVCC has sung at the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival five times, with the American Boychoir three times, at the U.S. Capitol, at the White House, and by invitation at the 1996, 1998, and 2003 Virginia Music Educators Meeting. In 1997 the SVCC was chosen to perform at the nationally-televised Pageant of Peace National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington, D.C., with Placido Domingo and the U.S. Coast Guard Band. In May 1998 the SVCC appeared by invitation at Carnegie Hall's Children's Choir Festival with several other children's choirs and Jean Ashworth Bartle, director of the Toronto Children's Choir. In March 2000 the SVCC was one of two children's choirs to sing at the Southern Division of the American Choral Directors Association meeting in Orlando, Florida. The SVCC was headline choir for the American Kodaly Educators National Conference in Williamsburg in March 2001 and performed and toured in Florence and Rome, Italy, in July, 2001, at the Tuscany International Children’s Chorus Festival. In March, 2002, the SVCC sang under the direction of David Willcocks of London at the American Choral Directors Southern Division Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, along with the Florida State University Singers. The Concert Choir will serve as Honor Choir for the Children in Harmony Choral Festival in Orlando, Florida, in May, 2004.

Monday evening choir rehearsals for the auditioned choirs include instruction in vocal production, diction, breathing, score study, musicianship, theory, and performing skills. Singing a capella as well as in two to four parts, the choristers experience a broad range of choral literature including classical music, folk songs of many countries and cultures, and sacred and secular songs with an emphasis on themes of love, peace, beauty, friendship, and nature. Kodaly-based solfege instruction is used in the choir program and all members are expected to complete weekly solfege and memorization assignments. Progression from choir to choir is based on vocal and skill level, commitment, and preparation. All members are encouraged to study an instrument privately as well as participate in church and school ensembles.

In addition to tuition, the choir is supported by ticket and CD sales, sales from the P. Buckley Moss print, Court House Chorus, and the Sing in the Spring Gala (auction & dessert). The SVCC is a member of Chorus America, the American Choral Directors Association, and Arts Council of the Valley and is used for teacher training for James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University.

When Children Sing, Our Own Song, A Sparkling Christmas, Christmas Comin’, Here’s To Song, and Winds of Peace are SVCC recordings available in compact disc.

The SVCC is part of Eastern Mennonite University's Music Department. For more information on the choir or CDs and cassettes contact Judy Leaman, Manager, at (540) 432-4650 or visit www.emu.edu/svcc.

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