Celebrating 20 years

“I am so proud I was part of something wonderful that is working to make the world a little better one song at a time.” Spoken by one of ACC’s recent graduates, these words echo from past and present choristers.

Founded by Selina Midkiff in 1990 with only twelve children, she states, "I didn't know when I started this choir the life lessons the kids would learn." Nor could she have predicted her choristers would visit England, Ireland, Austria and the Czech Republic or that her legacy would be starting a chorus that would grow to seven choirs in three counties.

With about 180 children now enrolled, ACC has five choirs in Charleston, one in Logan County and one in Putnam County. All children from kindergarten through 12th grade, who love to sing, are welcome to join. No child is ever turned away due to inability to pay. Fundraising efforts occur every year to support a financial assistance program for children in need of help. These efforts also prevent tuition from being too high.

ACC’s mission is to provide a quality music education, artistic excellence and extraordinary opportunities. These goals shape the curriculum for all the choirs whether they are in Charleston, Logan or Putnam County. Children are taught how to sing and appreciate music as well as to be responsible and respectful. These life lessons teach the children how to become well-rounded adults.

Named the “Official State Children’s Chorus of West Virginia” as well as “The Ambassadors of Music for West Virginia”, the choir has traveled nationally and internationally. They have appeared in venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York City, the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, at Disney World’s Epcot Center and The Greenbrier in West Virginia. They have performed for the President of the United States, West Virginia’s governors and for several official government proceedings. They have also been part of performances for youth collaborations and benefits for Haiti and the victims of Hurricane Katrina. This year, they will be a part of a memorial ceremony of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in Morgantown, WV.

ACC plans two major concerts a year, one in December and one in April. Every Memorial Day weekend, ACC hosts a national children’s choir festival known as the Appalachian Festival of Young Voices. Visiting choirs from all over the country converge in Charleston to learn and immerse themselves in the traditional music and culture of Appalachia. The weekend culminates with a free concert on Sunday.