Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir

“B+ Choir”

5th-9th Grade Singers

Youth Choir Program

The Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir has been providing the highest quality music education and choral program for youth in our community since 1987. Our Youth Choir Program for singers in 5th-9th grade is called the “B+” Choir. There are about 40-50 students in the “B+ Choir”, made up of brand new students and returning RVCC singers moving up from one of our younger choirs. In this third level Training Choir in the RVCC, continued study in artistic vocal skills of beautiful tone, unison vowels, proper breath support, and basic music reading skills are taught. Songs are sung in unison, two-part, or 3-part harmony. We sing a variety of song styles and genres including songs from other countries or in a foreign language, classical choral music, Broadway or movie favorites, holidays songs, patriotic, gospel, inspirational, beautiful melodies, and even upbeat popular hits - lots of great musical styles! The “B+” Choir learns and performs 2-3 solo songs, as well as 5-6 combined songs in both RVCC annual concerts. The “B+ Choir” rehearses with RVCC Director, Ms. Davidson, working hard to develop their musical skills, vocal techniques, and prepare their songs for exciting upcoming performances.

Performance opportunities each year include the annual Holiday and Spring Concerts with the RVCC, the annual Community Carol Sing-Along, the ABB+ School Tour in December, the “Just for Kids” Free Community Concert, and the Music in the Parks Festival in Williamsburg, VA in the Spring.

The Youth Choir rehearses throughout the school year once a week on Mondays from 5:30-7:00 pm at Bethel Baptist Church (1601 S COLORADO ST, SALEM, VA). The RVCC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit music education program funded through donations, grants, and student tuition. Tuition is paid throughout the year (August-April) and comes out to be about $80 per month (or $65 per month with the reduced tuition rate). Financial aid scholarships are available and can be applied for online here.

I don’t know anything about reading music And I’ve never sung in a Choir before. Can I still join the RVCC Youth Choir Program?

YES! We welcome all new singers to join! You absolutely don't need any previous experience or music reading skills before starting choir. The “B+ Choir” program for 5th-8th graders is the perfect place to learn if you are brand new to music. We seat returning singers next to our new members so you will have a buddy to help you during rehearsals. We teach in a way that works for everyone, so new singers can easily learn how to read the music and sing in the choir at this intermediate level. You will learn so much about music in your first year and make lots of new friends!

How To Join the “B+ Choir”

(5th-8th grade)

There are 3 options to start the process of joining the choir. You can register right away if you’d like, you can watch the video Newcomer Welcome Class to learn more, or you can attend an in-person Newcomer Welcome Class offered in May, August, and December every year. You can do 1 of them, or all 3, in any order! You will ultimately need to register in order to join the RVCC.

What We Teach In Our Choir Program

Singing in a children’s choir can be life changing for so many children. Along with the music, choir teaches confidence, teamwork, and leadership. It is a wonderful place to meet new people, build new friendships, and find a place in the community. It is our goal to provide the highest level of music education and excellence in all areas. We have been teaching music and building character in the Roanoke Valley since 1987. It is a joy to work with children and create beautiful music together!

As a member of the choir, each child learns all the foundational elements needed to grow a life-long love of music. Musical skills taught in the “B+ choir” program include:

• How to read written sheet music

• Essentials of Music theory

• Vocal techniques for beautiful, healthy singing

• Proper vowel sounds, tone quality, and breath support

• Singing in multiple foreign languages

• Singing two-part and three-part harmony

• Coordination skills through choir choreography

As each student develops their musical skills in this nurturing group choral setting, they are also growing important developmental and character qualities that will stay with them throughout life.

• Personal Confidence

• Increased ability to focus

• Determination and Perseverance

• Executive Functioning Skills (Organization, motivation, self-discipline)

• Leadership and Teamwork

• Creativity and individual expression

Highest Level of Music Education (FAQs)

How is the RVCC Youth Choir Program different from singing in my school choir?

The RVCC Youth Choir Program for 5th-8th graders provides a similar experience to an all-district middle school choir all year long. RVCC has many highly dedicated students from about 40 different schools across the valley who are passionate about singing and really, really love choir! This allows us to perform more advanced and varied repertoire as a pre-professional choir. Director, Ms. Davidson, has directed multiple all-district and all-state choirs across the country. The RVCC is the absolute best and most professional choir experience for youth in the Roanoke Valley.

What experiences, opportunities, and education does the RVCC provide that I couldn’t get Singing Somewhere Else?

1.Professional Concert Performances and Choir Trips. There are several things throughout the year that are unique to the RVCC choir experience. The Fall Retreat Overnight Weekend Choir Camp in October and the Williamsburg Music in the Parks Choir Festival in April are two amazing choir trip experiences. The RVCC annual Concerts have professional guest instrumentalists and guest conductors, specially designed processions, entrances, props, soloists, concert plans, and beautiful music sung by each individual choir and also the combined RVCC Choirs with over 150 singers. It’s a very exciting experience.

2. Highest level of musical excellence. Our three levels of training choirs begin teaching children musical skills at a young age. As they remain in the choir program, the skills grow and build upon themselves. By the time a RVCC singer is in 7th or 8th grade, they will be ready to audition to join our Advanced High School Concert Choir. The RVCC Concert Choir program for 8th-12th graders is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country and performs music at a very comparable level to many college choirs.

3. Working with RVCC Director, Kimberly Davidson. There are tons of amazing teachers and choir directors out there, but there is something truly magical about the work Ms. Davidson does in the RVCC. It is something you can’t find anywhere else. In 1987, Ms Davidson founded this choir and has been the sole director, teacher, leader, administrator, and heart of the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir for 37 years. Ms. Davidson has a passion for teaching excellence and character skills coupled with a loving smile and heart for the singers and their families. She is able to connect with each student, inspiring everyone in the choir to be the very best version of themselves - in singing and in everyday life.

Can I sing in my school choir AND the RVCC choir at the same time?

YES! Absolutely. If you love music, it is wonderful to sing in as many places as you can! Each choir you sing in will bring different experiences and learning opportunities. You may find that by singing in the RVCC, with the extra skills you gain from the additional experience, you start to become a leader in your school or church choir.

Rehearsal Schedule

Rehearsals are once a week on Mondays at Bethel Baptist Church in Salem, VA from the end of August - April each school year. The Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir is a full-year 8 month choral program. The skills taught throughout the year are built upon each other and it is recommended to commit to the entire year of singing in the RVCC to receive the most benefits from the full program.

• B+ Choir Rehearsals = Mondays 5:30-7:00 PM

Rehearsals begin Monday, August 28th and go through Monday, December 11th, 2023, The RVCC Holiday Concert Performance is on Saturday, December 16th, 2023. We have a break from rehearsals during the holiday season. Rehearsals resume Monday, January 8th and go through Monday, April 15, 2024, The RVCC Spring Concert Performance is on Saturday, April 20th, 2024.

Performance Dates

Choir Trips

Annual RVCC Fall Retreat at Smith Mountain Lake 4-H Camp

A, B, B+ Choir Trip to Williamsburg Festival in the Park

Special Opportunity for 7th-9th Singers

New this year! All RVCC Youth Choir members who are in the 7th grade and above will automatically have the opportunity to be a Junior Concert Choir member. Starting mid-semester, these singers will stay for an extra 30 minutes of rehearsal from 7:00-7:30pm to practice with the Concert Choir, sitting next to and singing with their High School student mentor. The 7th-8th “Junior” Concert Choir singers will learn so much by singing with this more advanced group and will perform one song with the Concert Choir at each concert.

The Concert Choir is the highest level choir in the RVCC for 8th-12th grade singers. This advanced auditioned High School choir is nationally recognized, performs challenging college level repertoire in 4-part harmony, has sung for numerous honor performances around the country, and teaches students the highest level of musical excellence. Singers in the Youth Choir Program usually audition to join the Concert Choir at the end of 7th or 8th grade, after singing in the RVCC’s younger choirs for 1-5 years. This opportunity to be a “Junior” Concert Choir Member will help singers prepare for their Concert Choir audition and develop the skills needed to be a part of this prestigious group.

Tuition and Registration Prices 

B+ Choir Tuition = $75 per month ($300 for the semester)

Reduced Tuition of $75 off of the Spring 2024 semester is offered to any families who may need it. Use coupon code “RVCC75” when you register to receive this tuition discount, if needed.

• Registration is open through January 6th, 2024. There is a $75 registration fee due when you register.

• Choose the payment plan option during the last page of checkout on Active Network to set up your automatic monthly payments.

• (If registering for August for full year) 8 Monthly tuition payments will be made on the 5th of the month from August 5th, 2023 - March 5, 2024.

Reduced Tuition and Financial Aid Scholarships

We want every child who loves to sing to have the opportunity to join the RVCC!

Formal Choir Costume

“B+ Choir” Pictures

If you have any questions, you can contact the director, Kim Davidson, directly at:

Email: kimdavidson@childrenschoir.com

Phone: 540-676-7265

Past Performance Videos of the “B+ Choir”

“B+ Choir” Solo Songs

RVCC Combined Choirs

Choir FUN Videos Throughout the Year!