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Based at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and having impressed Carnegie Hall audiences, the Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir (SVCC) combines hundreds of children's voices into a well-controlled, vibrant whole under the fine direction of Artistic Director Julia White. And what could be more appropriate for the holidays than inspired (and inspiring) young voices and Christmas music? On Silent Night, the SVCC strut their stuff in fine style, providing nearly a full hour (57 minutes!) of first-rate choral music.

The release opens with an excellent a cappellarendition of Gaudete, an ethereal treat that demonstrates solid musicianship. From those first few bars, I knew that I was in for something very special. These kids range in age from 6-18, so I definitely did not expect perfectly polished refinement in execution; that being said, the SVCC is completely captivating and professionally poised. In truth, the childish intonations make Silent Night shine especially brightly as a family-friendly seasonal release. Again, Director White extracts an incredibly high level of musicianship from her young charges, and the choir sings with tremendous enthusiasm and heart.

Silent Night does a great job of mixing up the holiday offerings, blending a cappella presentations (Carol of the Bells is terrific!) with vocals supported by accompaniment and several fine instrumentals, too. Although some choral albums include heavy-handed organ accompaniment, the SVCC more wisely works with an understated piano and emotive harp. These gentle instruments provide the ideal supporting structure for children's voices, and they deliver wonderfully delicate seasonal instrumentals as well (the As Lately We Watched/O Holy Night medley is especially rewarding). Even though this is a children's group, the song selections are largely a relatively serious affair; no kids hooting Ruldolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer here. The bounciest pieces appear right at the end, with a rhythmically rompin' Jingle Bell Swing and a sweetly-delivered Sleigh Ride. Interestingly, the title track Silent Night is not a choral piece at all, but an exquisite instrumental harp selection in the album's final few minutes.

When Christmas rolls around, it just feels right to be listening to a children's choir presenting a full array of seasonal fare, and the intensely talented Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir makes it a delightful and heartwarming ride. I highly recommend Silent Night, especially to those who love choral music for the holidays.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

Julia J. White
Maurita Eberly, Principal Accompanist
Anastasia Jellison, Harpist

Produced by Julia J. White, Joy Anderson, and Maurita Eberly

From the Website:

The Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir (SVCC) began in 1992 under the direction of artistic director and founder Julia J. White. In 15 years the program has grown to include 230 children in three auditioned choirs and five young children's classes:

Beginners, Kindergarten age (non-audition)
Explorers, ages 6 to 8 (levels I and II, non-audition)
Preparatory Choir, ages 8 to 11
Treble Choir, ages 10 to 15
Concert Choir, ages 11 to 18

The choirs rehearse on Monday evenings where they receive instruction in vocal production, diction, breathing, score study, musicianship, theory and performing skills with a strong emphasis on the Kodaly approach. Singing a capella as well as in 2 to 4 parts, SVCC choristers experience a broad range of choral literature including classical music, folk songs of many countries and cultures, and sacred and secular songs with an emphasis on the message of love, peace, friendship and nature. All members are expected to complete weekly theory and memorization assignments.

Progression from choir to choir is based on vocal and skill level, commitment and preparation. The Preparatory and Treble Choirs perform twice a year (Christmas and Spring). The Concert Choir maintains a rigorous performing schedule which includes local and out of town concerts and tours.

In the past several years the choir has performed at:

Carnegie Hall, New York City (2007)
Heritage Festival for Advanced Treble Choirs, New York City (2006)
Pacific Rim Children's Chorus Festival, Honolulu, Hawaii (2005)
Children in Harmony Choral Festival, Honor Choir, Orlando, Florida (2004)
Virginia Music Educators Association Conference, Norfolk, Virginia (2003)
American Choral Directors Association Southern Division Convention, Charlotte, North Carolina (2002)
Tuscany International Children's Chorus Festival, Florence and Rome, Italy (2001)
American Choral Directors Association Southern Division Convention, Orlando, Florida (2000)
White House Christmas Tours, Washington, D.C. (1999)
Carnegie Hall, New York City (1998)
Pageant of Peace, National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Washington, D.C. (1997

Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir

Silent Night

Artist site

Track List