Appalachian Festival of Young Voices “A Gift To The World!”

Paul Caldwell, world-renowned composer/conductor and director of the Youth Choral Theatre in Chicago, spoke these words we he attended our 5th annual Appalachian Festival of Young Voices. Mr. Caldwell came as a guest to the event which featured two of his compositions, "Hope for Resolution" and "Up on the Mountain Shouting."

Dr. Rollo Dilworth, our guest conductor and composer in-residence, continues to give rave reviews for this festival. A guest since 2007, the festival’s first year, Dr. Dilworth has become a friend and an exciting part of the festival. His interaction with the children during rehearsal and their response to his coaching is phenomenal. He knows exactly how to draw the sound he wants from the singers and they eagerly want to follow his direction. This year’s "Dream Trilogy", arranged by Dr. Dilworth was eagerly anticipated by returning ACC members who had performed the piece in the 2008 Festival.

The Appalachian Festival of Young Voices engages children from around the country in celebrating the culture and music of Appalachia. The music has such a rich history. Those part of the music making bring this tradition alive with their songwriting and through the instruments they play. Our festival string band is led by Ron Sowell, of Mountain Stage and includes mandolin virtuoso, Johnny Staats. They play traditional folk songs in the second half of the Festival Concert to accompany the children performing. One of the songs performed at this year’s festival was Billy Edd Wheeler’s "The Reverend Mr. Black". Mr. Wheeler is also a much-loved songwriter and a member of the WV Country Music Hall of Fame. He has been a guest of the festival for the last four years and performed "The Reverend Mr. Black" with the children during the 2011 concert.

A highlight of every festival is Saturday night's Q&A with Dr. Dilworth, Ron Sowell, Billy Edd Wheeler and Johnny Staats. The children are able to ask questions of these amazing gentlemen. Some of these questions have led to such memorable and spontaneous performances that even the children will remark "That was magical!"

Plan to be a part of this wonderful experience, in a beautiful river city, where memories are made, magic is in the air and the world is a little better place through song.