This week the Cashiers Valley Youth Chorus was the recipient of a grant funded by the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley. We are so proud to help support such a wonder program! Read on to learn what a benefit this wonderful chorus is for our youth .
The Cashiers Valley Youth Chorus began meeting in March as an education and outreach project of the Cashiers Valley Community Chorus and is led by a staff of professional musicians. Director Sarah Hall recently retired after nine years as music teacher for Blue Ridge School and Early College. Prior to coming to Jackson County her background included college music teaching, serving as director of education for a symphony orchestra, leading church music programs, and she was founding director of the Amadeus Children’s Choir in Salisbury, NC. Betty Morris, Music Director of CVCC, also serves as song leader for the Youth Chorus. Bryan Heller, who is well-known to the Cashiers community for his piano virtuosity, is accompanist.
Singing in a group builds a sense of community and social bonding, and teaches cooperation. Children practice reading with words to songs, learn vocabulary, and explore math through rhythms. Singing has been shown to improve mental alertness, memory and concentration. Brain studies have found singing releases endorphins and lowers cortisol which boosts confidence and releases anxiety.
While thanking the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley for their financial support, Hall said “With their dedication to improving communities and support of educational initiatives, it is no surprise that Rotary has stepped up as our first big financial donor from the community.”
The Youth Chorus will begin its fall semester on Sept. 10, meeting at Cashiers United Methodist Church Wednesdays 4:15-5:15 PM. The group’s repertoire includes folk, classical, spirituals, pop and music theater. The $25 per semester tuition includes materials and a t-shirt.
No audition is required. Parents of youth in grades 3-12 are invited to register by contacting Sarah Hall by email at