Children’s Choir Holds Spring Concerts

“Nature Song” is the theme of this spring’s Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir concerts to be held 7 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 10 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 11 in Lehman Auditorium.

Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir at EMU
The renowned Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir rehearses for its Apr. 10-11 spring concerts at EMU.

One hundred forty children from the Preparatory, Treble and Concert choirs will delight audiences with songs of nature, adventure, animals and gardens.

The Preparatory Choir, directed by Joy Anderson, will offer “The Firefly Song” composed by Alumna Laura Anderson and folksong “Rissedly Rosseldy.” The combined Preparatory and Treble Choirs, directed by Julia White, will sing “Marienwurmchen”, a German song about a ladybug, “Music Alone Shall Live,” a round arrangement, and “Song for the Pirate Child.” The Treble Choir will combine with the Concert Choir to sing Stephen Foster’s “Merry, Merry Heart”, plus the Jamaican Calypso “Linstead Market” and “Black Snake Wind,” a Hopi Indian song.

The Concert Choir will sing the baroque “Give Ear Unto Me” by Benedetto Marcello, “Song for the Mira,” a story-song about life on the river in Cape Breton, “Tai Yang Chu Lai La,” a Chinese song from last summer’s Hawaii tour, and a favorite, “Jerusalem,” by Parry. New selections for the Concert Choir will include “Tango” and Spanish language song, “Cantar,” and the set will conclude with “Clap Yo Hands” by George and Ira Gershwin.

Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir at EMU
Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir

All choirs will join on “For the Beauty of the Earth” and “The Garden Song,” made popular by Peter, Paul and Mary in the 1960s. Principal Accompanist Maurita Eberly will play for the choirs, with John W. Fast, Preparatory Choir accompanist, assisting.

Beth Chandler, a flute professor at James Madison University, will be featured instrumentalist at the concerts. Dr. Chandler will offer several solo flute solos and will also accompany the SVCC on song selections. Professional folk musician Bill Wellington will play the banjo.

Former choir manager Judy Leaman will be honored at Sunday’s concert for her 15 years of service to the SVCC.

All seating is reserved, and tickets may be purchased through the EMU box office at (540) 432-4582 or online at www.emu.edu/boxoffice. Presale tickets for adults are $12 (regular seating), students & seniors (65 and older), $10, children 12 and under, $7. Tickets at the door are $2 more.