Many Voices Strong

Voices of the Valley Bring The Symphony & Their Hearts to Community

By Frank Etheridge

Columbus is blessed with many beloved Christmas traditions, from tree trails to Springer shows and holiday lights. But one cherished holiday concert stands out for bringing us an incredible ensemble which spans generations and gathers children from all over the region. Recognized the world over, Voices of the Valley promises to bring you a heartwarming and rewarding night of song and fellowship this season. Housed within CSU’s Schwob School of Music, the choir’s mission is “to provide children of the Chattahoochee Valley with excellent choral training and performance opportunities.”

Mission accomplished.

Under the remarkable decade-long leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Michelle Folta, Ph.D., – who earned Teacher of the Year in Austin, Texas, as a middle-school chorus instructor

landing her current faculty position as Schwob’s associate professor of choral and general music education — Voices of the Valley has already produced several distinguished alumni and performed numerous concerts in star-studded collaborations before packed audiences to rave reviews.

“We’ve had great turnout at our concerts,” Dr. Folta said during a recent phone interview with the LocaL. “On stage, you see a bunch of happy children who love singing and making music, and who love each other. Who doesn’t want to see that?”

Hailed by founder Steve Pace as “a profound powerhouse of energy, of artistic beauty, of personal investment in caring, nurturing love for those children,” Folta instilled a “focus on high art and professionalism” in the student ensemble which has earned international acclaim. In addition to prominent

local gigs such as its annual role in the Columbus Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” and commissioned original works by acclaimed composers, VoV has twice toured Europe to sing in some of its most hallowed halls. The ensemble first went overseas in 2018 to England and this past spring toured Italy, with highlights including singing Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.

“A lot of the kids in our program come from Title I schools,” explains Folta, referring to the federal designation

for schools serving low-income and/or socially disadvantaged communities. Folta adds that the chorus raised funds to pay for passports and need-based scholarships for their musicians. “A lot of them had never left the state of Georgia. This trip was a life-changing experience. We are firm believers in the transformative nature of making music.”

All Is Bright

Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus Holiday Concert 7 p.m.— Saturday, Dec. 14 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts Free Admission voicesofthevalleychorus.org

Folta says VoV’s current roster of 80 kids is its best since before COVID and includes homeschooled kids as well as students coming from as far as Troup County and Americus. There are three separate, ability-based choirs: Prima Voce (first voice) for beginners in elementary school; Bella Voce (7th grade and up); and Sola Voce (up to age 18). The Ambassadors

consist of adult alumni of the program. In addition to Folta, VoV is led by a staff including assistant director Rachel Massey, accompanist James Camp, and assistants Natalia Crosby and Brandon Tharp.

Folta and others praise opportunities like VoV as beneficial to behavior and academics, boosting both confidence and connection.

A senior at Northside High School, Abby Dieth says the most valuable thing she’s learned from VoV “is that being supportive of each other is one of the most important aspects of a choir. This creates an environment where we feel safe to step outside of our comfort zones and try new things, as well as learn and grow together.”

Like other students, Dieth comes to weekly VoV practices, with overtime for seasonal concerts such as this month’s holiday-themed All is Bright performance. “Every time I step onto the stage,” Dieth says, “I am honored and excited to share all the work we have put into the songs and all the work Dr. Folta has put into us. It is also a moment for us to show everyone in the community that their support has not gone unappreciated and to inspire new people to join.”

Describing her teaching style as similar to a sports coach, Dieth Dr. Folta “pushes us to be the best we can be and always leaves us walking off the stage feeling proud of the work that we did.”

Asked what concert-goers can look forward to with All Is Bright, Folta advises arriving early to ensure a seat and to anticipate a “fun arrangement” of sing-along favorite “12 Days of Christmas.” Personally, she is excited about the evening’s featured chorus from Kendrick High School, led by VoV alumni Joshua Butler.

“A huge part of a teacher’s legacy, having a former student thriving on their own, that’s the best,” says Folta.

Written in memory of Rick McKnight, a wonderful soul and visionary community leader, whose legacy of lasting youth-arts programs includes his beloved Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus.