Julia J. White

Review: "Shenandoah" is the SVCC's ninth recording since its founding by Artistic Director Julia J. White, and it represents highlights of the 220-strong, 3-choir ensemble from its 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons. Included are 8 lightly-accompanied selections from the Concert Choir of 2003-04, 5 selections from the Preparatory and Treble Choirs, and 8 songs from the Concert Choir of 2004-5, for a total of 21 songs. Some of our favorites are J.S. Bach's "Wir eilen, mit schwachen doch," the beautiful Swahili Lullabye/Prayer "Allunde, Alluia," Charles E. Ives' "The Circus Band," the traditional spiritual "Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet," the Chinese Folk song "Chinese Fisherman's Song," the Calypso song "Shake the Papaya Down," the sea chantey title tune, the traditional Hawaiian song "'Ullili E" and James Papoulis' lovely "Can You Hear." Wonderful harmonies, a bright, clear, spirited sound and a well-chosen songlist all add up to another enjoyable, feel-good album from a great childrens' choir, the SVCC!

Songlist: Wir Eilen Mit Schwachen Doch Emsigen Schritten, The Wind, Dance To Your Daddie, Inscription Of Hope, Allunde Alluia, The Song That Nature Sings, The Circus BAnd, Glory To Thee My God This Night, Give Ear Unto Thee, Shenandoah, Little Wheel, My Hearts In The Highlands, Ulili E, A Psalm Of Life, Can Your Hear, Praise To The Lord, the Almighty

Review: Another wonderful collection from 200-strong, 3-choir SVCC, pride of Harrisonburg, PA, directed by founder Julia J. White. Some very hard to pick favorites among these 19 feel-good, lightly accompanied songs are: George and Ira Gershwin's "Clap Yo' Hands," the early American melody "Amazing Grace," Dave Mallet's lovely round "The Garden Song," Stephen Foster's "The Merry Heart," the German folk song "Marienwurmchen" (Ladybug), Vijay Singh's lively "Song for a Pirate Child," the Traditional Torres Straight Island song "Sesere Eeye" and David L. Brunner's beautiful "Jubilate Deo." The SVCC's bright, clear, spirited sound is as fine as any children's choir in the world, and every song is delightful!

Songlist: Clap Yo' Hands, Amazing Grace, The Garden Song, Tai Yang Chu Lai La, Give Ear Unto Me, The Merry Heart, Tsuki/ Firefly, Marienwurmchen (Ladybug), Allunde, Alluia, Linstead Market, Song for a Pirate Child, Jerusalem, The Turtle Dove, Old Dan Tucker, Under the Greenwood Tree, Song for the Mira, Sesere Eeye, Praise His Holy Name, Jubilate Deo