THE ROANOKE VALLEY CHILDREN’S CHOIR PRESENTS THEIR 37TH ANNUAL Holiday CONCERT

“Songs of the Season”

SATURDAY, December 16th, 2023

Full Concert Video!

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“Songs of the Season”

SATURDAY, December 16th, 2023

• 3:00 Pm Concert is sold OuT.

• 7:00 PM Concert Tickets are Still available!!

At Cave Spring Baptist Church In Roanoke, VA

(Click here to look back at pictures and video of the previous concert)

About The Concert

Listen to a sneak preview of a couple of this year’s concert songs! :)

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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 holidays 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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Featured Concert Guest Performers

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

Roanoke Chamber Brass

Since 2001, the Roanoke Chamber Brass has been an established part of the arts culture in southwestern Virginia and has solidified its reputation as a premier chamber ensemble.  As musicians and dedicated educators, the Roanoke Chamber Brass strives to provide first-class musicianship and professionalism.  Whether in liturgical services, educational programs, or performing with a wide variety of ensembles and choruses, the Roanoke Chamber Brass seeks to engage their audience in a memorable experience.

Jeff Kresge - Trumpet

Steve Hedrick - Trumpet

Gretchen Wetherald - French Horn

Barry Tucker - Trombone

Charlie Krause - Tuba

 Julee Hickox - flute

American flutist Julee Hickcox was born in Singapore and lived with her family in Hong Kong until the age of seven. At the age of 15, Julee began her formal flute studies and orchestral training at the North Carolina School of the Arts, performing with the NCSA Symphony Orchestra in the U.S. and Europe. As a teenager, Julee began her professional career with the Winston-Salem Symphony and Salisbury Symphony Orchestra.

Julee has been a member of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra for 25 years, and performs in the summer with the prestigious orchestra of the Wintergreen Performing Arts Music Festival. Ms. Hickcox has performed with the orchestras of Mill Mountain Theatre and Opera Roanoke, and has appeared as a piccolo soloist with the RSO performing the C Major Concerto by Vivaldi. Julee performs regularly with the Roanoke Valley Children's Choir. Her teachers include such contemporary piccolo masters as Jeffery Zook of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Clement Barone, Jan Gippo, and Laurie Sokoloff.  

Elijah Burrell - Percussion

Elijah is a passionate percussionist who has been playing percussion and refining his skills since the age of 13.   He currently works with Alex Schmitt and the Marching Patriots at Patrick Henry High School.  Other recent collaborations include the Winds of the Blue Ridge and the Valley Chamber Orchestra. 

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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, Chair

• Dr. Lee Learman, Vice-Chair

• Susan Smith, Chair Emeritus

• Kimberly Davidson, Director

• Sarah Ross Boswell

• Asha Riego de Dios

• Dr. Rick Riego de Dios

• Michael Hemphill

• Cynthia Lawrence

• Dr. Barbara Moore

• Kianna Price Marshall

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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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RVCC Patrons

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

Our warmest appreciation to Cave Spring Baptist Church for hosting our Holiday 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.

1st-8th Grade: Open Enrollment / Registration for new 1st-8th Grade Singers is available anytime online now through January 6th, 2024. No audition or previous musical experience is needed. 1st-8th grade can register online at ChildrensChoir.com/register.

1st-8th Grade Introductory Choral Workshops: To help “catch up” on choral skills and be prepared to join in the middle of the choir year, we recommend that all new singers joining for the Spring 2024 Semester plan to attend the introductory choral workshop for your age group on Saturday, January 6th at Bethel Baptist Church. Sign up on the “How To Join” page here: ChildrensChoir.com/how-to-join

• 1st-4th Elementary Workshop for New Singers = Saturday, Jan. 6th from 9:30-10:15 AM

• 5th-8th Youth Workshop for New Singers = Saturday, Jan. 6th from 10:30-11:30 AM

9th-12th Grade Accelerated Choral Intensive / Auditions: We are offering an Accelerated Choral Intensive Workshop on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 for High School students interested in joining the RVCC Advanced Concert Choir Program. During this 2-hour workshop with director, Ms. Davidson, singers will receive specialized choral training, learn the musical skills needed to be a member of our most advanced program, and have the opportunity to audition for the Concert Choir. Find info and sign up for 9th-12th grade choral Intensive here: ChildrensChoir.com/concert-choir#join-concert-choir

Information about the 2024 Spring Semester:

Semester Dates: January 8th-April 20th, 2024

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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Winter Fundraiser: Support The RVCC’s Continuing Legacy

It has been challenging for arts organizations across the country to remain in operation due to the long lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Your donations are the reason we are still singing today.  Thank you for supporting the arts and the children in our community!

Our goal is to raise $40,000 and we are almost halfway there. Thank you SO much to everyone who has donated so far! 

*The RVCC is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and is funded by 50% donations/grants/sponsors and 50% tuition.  

“This is my 37th year directing this beloved choir. I feel so blessed to do such meaningful work. With all my heart, I want there to be another 37+ more years of the RVCC bringing choral artistry to children, bringing beautiful music to our community, and teaching children teamwork, character growth, and that wonderful feeling of knowing that you’re part of something very special. Many of the children you see on stage are here because someone like you sponsored them.   Please consider a gift to the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir and bring the gift of music to a child, their family, and our community. Every bit makes a BIG impact!” - Ms. Davidson

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RVCC 2023-2024 Performances and Events

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