Musical Excellence

The Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir 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 100 children in three auditioned performing choirs and two non-auditioned early elementary classes. SVCC choristers receive instruction in vocal production, diction, breathing, score study, musicianship, theory and performing skills, informed strongly by the Kodály approach.

Singing a cappella, in unison as well as in 2 to 5 parts, SVCC choristers experience a broad range of choral literature including classical music, the folk music of diverse nationalities and cultures, as well as both sacred and secular works. Chosen repertoire centers on thematically appropriate educational entry-points, with specific emphasis on peace, friendship, nature, community building and love.

Based at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the children’s choir draws students from Winchester to Lexington, across the Shenandoah Valley.

Our Mission

The Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir nurtures young people by developing excellent musicianship, creating artistic choral performances, and fostering meaningful relationships.

We believe… singing builds community. Music enriches all areas of a child’s life. Children have tremendous capacity for aesthetic experience. They can be profoundly moved by music. All children can experience musical excellence. Quality choral singing builds individual musicianship. Children are naturally artistic and want to express themselves. Singing should be a life-long activity. Singing well builds self-esteem. Singing quality repertoire fosters musical excellence. Choral singing requires discipline and fosters commitment to the group.

We value… artistry, excellence, musical competence, discipline, beauty, high expectations, commitment, joy, soaring spirits, transformative leadership, the wholeness of each child.

We envision… a world that appreciates musical artistry and excellence; A world where all children have an opportunity to sing; A world where singing unifies community; A world where choral music is valued.