Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir (SVCC) announces several staffing changes. The choir, based at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), offers an advanced choral education program for more than 160 children from around the Shenandoah Valley.
Maurita Eberly, whom choir director Janet Hostetter calls “SVCC’s beloved accompanist,” is leaving her position to move to California.
“We will deeply miss Maurita’s kind presence, her excellent musicianship and her faithful support,” Hostetter says. “Maurita has given 16 years of her career to SVCC and we cannot thank her enough.
Tracey Schimmel Reed, an alumnus of SVCC, will assume the principal pianist role in the fall of 2016. Reed accompanied the Prep Choir during the 2015-2016 season and toured with members of the Concert Choir to Baltimore this summer.
“She brings a high level of technical skill, an innate sense of musicianship and tremendous enthusiasm for SVCC,” Hostetter says.
Joshua Bennetch begins as Prep Choir pianist in the fall of 2016. A native of the Shenandoah Valley, Bennetch graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree in music and from the University of Texas at Austin with a master’s in music.
Caitlin Morneau will assume choir manager’s duties. Morneau holds a vocal music degree from the University of New Hampshire. Since her graduation in 2010 she has worked administratively in Washington D.C. area non-profits and continues to perform professionally. In addition to working as SVCC’s part-time choir manager, she will pursue a degree in EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.
Upcoming auditions
SVCC is an advanced choral music education program for children who love to sing in an accelerated learning and performing environment. The program includes more than 160 children in three auditioned performing choirs and two non-auditioned early elementary classes. Singers come from around the Valley, from Winchester to Lexington.
Auditions are for children and youth in grades 2-12 (school year 2016-2017) who love to sing, want to learn how to sight read and enjoy performing. The auditions for fall 2016 will be Aug. 25 at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, room 203. “To schedule a brief audition appointment, email svcc@emu.edu or call 540-432-4650. No prepared solo is needed. Prospective choristers should come prepared to sing familiar songs such as “Happy Birthday” and also to participate in an echo game.
Acceptance into the Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir is based on interest, commitment, enthusiasm and musical ability. Children who love to sing, can match pitch and have positive, cooperative attitudes are invited to audition.
The Explorers program for children ages 5-8 are non-auditioned, non-performing classes that use movement, games and fun to teach children good singing technique, music reading and music fundamentals.