“A Little Spring Music”

SATURDAY, april 20th, 2024 | Concerts at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

(the 7:00 PM concert will have senior recognitions and awards)

At Cave Spring Baptist Church In Roanoke, VA (map it)

About The Concert

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About The RVCC

The Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir includes local youth in grades 1-12 divided into 3 Training Choirs and a Concert Choir. Students are accepted into the choir through classes and auditions held throughout the year.

Now in its 37th year under the direction of Ms. Davidson, the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir has earned national recognition for choral excellence and is a highly respected arts organization in the Roanoke Valley and in the state of Virginia. Since its founding in 1987, we estimate that over 2,000+ children, ages 6-18, have participated in the choir program. 

Singing in a children’s choir can be life changing for so many children. Along with the artistic expression and musical skills, the choir program teaches confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. The culmination of these qualities leads to skilled young singers, diligent musicians, and emerging community leaders.

MISSION STATEMENT:  To provide youth with exceptional musical instruction and performance opportunities in a safe and inclusive environment.

VISION STATEMENT:  To develop confident leaders and team members who apply their talent and experience to strengthen and elevate their communities.

Recent featured performances for the RVCC Concert Choir include the 2008, 2014, and 2020 Southern Division American Choral Director Conventions, and the ACDA National Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2015. Festival and Solo performances in Canterbury and London in 2017 and solo performances at Carnegie Hall in 2016 and 2022.

Come and hear this nationally recognized choir as they celebrate the joy of singing with our community!

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The Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Singers

The Concert will feature 151 singers ages 4-18, divided into five choirs. We are so proud of them. they have worked hard this semester, and are beautiful singers!

The “Little Singers” is our youngest choir, and is made up of 16 singers, ages 4-6.

The “A Choir” (Early Elementary Program) is made up of 19 singers in 1st-2nd grade.

The “B Choir” (Upper Elementary Program) is made up of 24 singers in 3rd-4th grade.

The “B+ Choir” (Youth Program) is made up of 42 singers in 5th-9th grade.

The “Concert Choir” (Advanced High School Program) is made up of 50 High School singers.

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Senior Chorister Bios

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Featured Concert Guest Performers

Thank you to the following professional musicians for sharing their talents with us.

Julee Hickcox - Flute

American flutist Julee Hickcox, born in Singapore and raised in Hong Kong until age seven, began formal flute studies at 15 at the North Carolina School of the Arts. Julee has now been a key member of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra for 25 years. Ms. Hickcox has performed with various orchestras, including the prestigious orchestra of the Wintergreen Performing Arts Music Festival, Mill Mountain Theatre, Opera Roanoke, and has showcased her talent as a piccolo soloist, notably performing Vivaldi's C Major Concerto with the RSO. Julee loves performing regularly with the Roanoke Valley Children's Choir!

Caroline Jarrell, Violin I

Caroline Jarrell, violinist, is a native of Hampton Roads, Virginia, having performed with ensembles including the Virginia Symphony, Virginia Arts Festival, Virginia Opera and Music by Anthem to name a few. New to Roanoke, she has made appearances with multiple ensembles including the Roanoke Symphony and Opera Roanoke. Caroline is thrilled to be joining RVCC today as she has a passion for working with young musicians and is a former coach and executive director for the

Camellia Delk, Violin II

Camellia Delk has been playing the violin for 31 years. In 2005 she graduated with a B.S. in music from Radford University. After graduating, she recorded and toured with various rock bands for over a decade. Currently she teaches private lessons (violin, viola, guitar & piano) and is a freelance violinist/violist in Southwest Virginia.

Kelley Mikkelsen, Cello

Cellist Kelley Mikkelsen has been Artist-in-Residence at the Banff Centre, Yale, Princeton and Harvard Universities, and has performed at many prestigious institutions and music festivals. She has recorded under ten different labels, was named three times as New Yorker Magazine's Best of...CD selections, and received the Charles Ives Award of Excellence from the Academy of Arts. Formerly cellist of the Cassatt String Quartet (NYC), she currently serves as Principal Cellist of Roanoke Symphony, Opera on the James, Opera Roanoke, and the WSO.

Grace Renée Pfleger, Mezzo Soprano

Grace Renée Pfleger is an opera singer, music therapist, and Miss Roanoke Valley 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and will soon graduate with a Master of Science in Music Therapy. Grace performs as a Young Artist at Opera Roanoke, starring in their Spring production of Hansel and Gretel this May, while also making appearances throughout the community in parades, galas, and singing the national anthem at sporting events. Grace will be competing for the title of Miss Virginia this June at the Berglund Center. She is proud to be an alumna of the RVCC (Class of 2017). Her time in the choir taught her musical discipline, a deeper love of music, and long-lasting friendships. You can follow her journey on Instagram and Facebook. @missroanokevalleyva

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Staff

• Kimberly Ruse Davidson, Artistic Director

• Kirsti Davidson, Operations Manager

• Carla Crouse, Accompanist

• Kim Roudebush, A-Choir Director

• Susan Nixon, Music Librarian

• Michelle Sublett, Treasurer

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RVCC Board of Directors

• Carolyn Chrisman, Chairman

• Dr. Lee Learman, Vice Chairman

• Susan Smith, Chair Emeritus

• Barry Green, Chairman Emeritus

• Kim Davidson, Artistic and Executive Director

• Kirsti Davidson, Operations Manager

• Sarah Boswell

• Michael Hemphill

• Cynthia Lawrence

• Kianna Marshall

• Barbara Moore

• Asha Riego de Dios

• Rick Riego de Dios

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Volunteer Committee Chairs 2023-2024

• A/B/B+ Choral Festival: Madeline Walk

• A/B/B+ School Tour: Jessica Hilbish, Jennifer Hatch

• Attendance (A/B Choirs): Jessie Yu, Jenny Jones

• Attendance (B+ Choir): Kaitlin Classey, Stacy Westervelt

• Attendance (C Choir): Jaime Hodges, Laurie Otey-Williams

• Alumni Communication: __________________

• C Choir 2024 trip: Michelle Sublett

• Concert Decorating: Mariellen Hubbard

• Concert PowerPoint: Cheryl Alban

• Cookie Monday for C Choir: Maria Gonzalez

• Concert Backstage Team: Kianna Marshall, Sarah Boswell

• Concert Program Design: Donna Wardell

• Concert Round-up: Pam Ruble

• Fall Retreat: Maria Gonzalez, Lisa Moore

• Formal Costumes (A/B/B+): Madeline Walk, Stephanie Dubyk

• Formal Costumes (C Choir): Michelle Cordle, Beth Hally

• Fundraising for Personal Accounts: Lydia Anthony, Stacy Westervelt

• Fundraising Events: Katherine Havener, Kim Hostetter, Ashley Cochran

• Grant Proposals: Asha Riego de Dios

• Historian: Maria Gonzalez

• Music Librarian: Susan Nixon

• Patron Support: Patrick Hodges

• Poster Distribution: Kim Hostetter

• Professional Photography: _________________

• Professional Videography: _________________

• Recruitment: Trent Currin, Ashley Cochran

• Risers: Jennifer and Mike Elliott

• Scholarship Committee: Leanne Hall

• Spiritwear: Kim Hostetter, Kathy Lynch

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Donate

The Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Donations help us be able to continue to share music with children in our community. Your donation to the RVCC helps our program stay strong and can help to change a child’s life through music, teamwork, and friendships.

Thank you for your support and for being part of the RVCC Family!

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RVCC Patrons

THANK YOU TO OUR MANY PERSONAL, CORPORATE, AND GRANT DONORS!

Our warmest appreciation to Cave Spring Baptist Church for hosting our Spring Concert. Our most sincere thank you to Bethel Baptist Church for their in-kind support of rehearsal and music storage space for the RVCC.  Thank you for supporting a community Arts Organization!

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Join The Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir

The RVCC loves welcoming new singers! Go to the “How To Join” page for information and to sign up.

Current Opportunities For New Members

🎵 Monday, April 1st or April 8th: OBSERVE A REHEARSAL

We invite you to come observe a rehearsal! Students can sit in the back with a parent to watch, listen, and see what choir rehearsals are like as we prepare for our upcoming concert. You can come anytime during the rehearsal for your age group. (Location is Bethel Baptist Church, 1601 S Colorado St, Salem, VA). Fill out the “Sign Up For Newcomer Event” form on the “How To Join” page that is linked on the button below to sign up to observe a rehearsal.

• 1st-4th Elementary Choir Rehearsal = 4:30-6:00 PM

• 5th-8th Youth Choir Rehearsal = 5:30-7:00 PM

• 9th-12th Concert Choir Rehearsal = 7:00-9:00 PM

🎵 Saturday, April 20th: 37TH ANNUAL RVCC SPRING CONCERT

We offer two complimentary concert tickets to any new students interested in joining the choir program. Our 37th Annual Spring Concert is on Saturday, April 20th with performances at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Cave Spring Baptist Church.

Fill out the “Sign Up For Newcomer Event” form on the “How To Join” page that is linked on the button below, and we will email you a voucher code that can be redeemed online for concert tickets to either performance.

PLEASE BE OUR GUEST AT THE CONCERT!

🎵 “COME AND SING” EVENT!

Newcomer Introductory Classes

• FRIDAY, MAY 17TH AT 6:00 PM

• MONDAY, MAY 20TH 6:00 PM

Learn about singing in a choir by attending an Introductory Newcomer Class with the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir on Friday, May 17th or Monday, May 20th at Bethel Baptist Church in Salem, Va.

At the classes, we will be teaching an overview of the musical skills that singers learn about in the choir program - vowel sounds, vocal warm ups, proper singing techniques, breathing exercises, and music theory. It's a great way to quickly get to know more about the choir and see if it is something you would like to join for the upcoming choir year, 2024-2025.

Parents are welcome to attend and sit with your child during the class. You can sign up for the newcomer introductory class by filling out the form linked on the button below.

Choir Year Length: The choir year is August 2024 - April 2025, split into two semesters, which follow the school year.

Rehearsal Schedule:

• 1st-4th Elementary Choir Rehearsals = Mondays, 4:30-6:00 PM

• 5th-8th Youth Choir Rehearsal = Mondays, 5:30-7:00 PM

• 9th-12th Concert Choir Rehearsal = Mondays, 7:00-9:00 PM

*All weekly rehearsals are on Mondays at Bethel Baptist Church in Salem, VA

Program Cost: Tuition for our Elementary or Youth Program is $75 per month ($300 total).

The first tuition payment is due when you register.

Financial Aid: You can apply for a scholarship or find the information for our reduced tuition rate on our website. Scholarship applications are due ASAP in December - the earlier the better! ChildrensChoir.com/scholarships

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RVCC 2023-2024 Performances and Events

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