Hearing Young Voices: UVMC’s Children’s Chorus

It was 1999 and Marcia Williams, one of three co-founders of Upper Valley Music Center, noticed there was a lack of ensemble music opportunities outside of school for children in the Upper Valley. 

“Clyde Watson, Betty Clendenning, and Jane Helms and a few other teachers were involved in a program in Hanover. Kids would play in small ensembles for parents,” Williams said. “Otherwise there wasn’t much opportunity for kids across the region to get together musically.”

Williams teamed up with Becky Luce, then the music teacher at Lebanon Junior High School, to create a children’s chorus for children in first to fourth grade.

“Becky agreed to choose music and conduct. I agreed to advertise and promote the chorus, sign kids in, find a venue, etc.,” Williams said. “I made a flyer and distributed it to schools. I contacted principals and music teachers. I had no idea what my marketing would bring to the group and who was going to show up.”

At the first rehearsal, held at the Marion Cross School in Norwich, Vermont, Williams and Luce were pleased to see 60 kids, both boys and girls, from 20 Upper Valley towns. 

“I was impressed at how many boys there were — and chorus was something they wanted to do,” Williams recalled.

Practices were designed for children. “Becky would have kids lay down on the floor with a penny on their belly and have them sing from the stomach,” Williams said. “Becky was incredible at making rehearsals energetic and engaging. I learned a great deal from Becky about how to work with kids.”

Not only were the kids kept busy, they were made to feel welcome and heard. “Becky listened to each child individually, even on that first day,” Williams said. “It is hard for kids to try out for solos so she would combine them with a few other kids so they felt like they had the opportunity to have a solo.” 

Luce was well known for her coveted “Mr. Cool Dude” stickers, remembered fondly by many students. “The stickers look like a star wearing sunglasses,” said Carol Hartman, collaborative pianist for the Children’s Chorus from 1999 to 2005. “Kids all got a sticker as they were exiting the room after every rehearsal or if they did something special, like helping a friend or being particularly attentive during rehearsal.”

Early performances were held at the Lebanon Opera House — one with American singer and songwriter Judy Collins in 2003 — and the Claremont Opera House with The Shaw Brothers. 

“The Shaw Brothers wrote a companion song to Jingle Bells and Becky taught it to the kids in chorus,” Williams said. “The Shaws sang Jingle Bells and the kids sang the companion song — the o’s in each song overlapped. Snowflakes fell on stage. It was gorgeous and an incredibly special night.”

“We were doing fun and exciting things with these youngsters — learning Spanish rhythms with professional musicians and Christmas concerts on the front steps of the Lebanon Opera House,” Hartman said.

Williams stepped away from the chorus for family responsibilities, but continued supporting the chorus when she could. “I love hearing children sing,” she said. “The chorus shared the joy of listening to children’s voices.”

Yvette Garnham directed the Children’s Chorus from 2013 to 2016. 

“I applied and interviewed after Becky Luce decided to step down after running the program for many years,” Garnham said. “I love working with young voices and really enjoyed my time with the Children’s Chorus. However, my family was growing and I needed time for my children. It was a hard decision but I needed to step down to make more time with my family.” 

After a six-year hiatus, Executive Director Ben Van Vliet approached Allison Pollard, voice instructor, with an idea: restarting the Children’s Chorus at UVMC. A donor dedicated funds to help restart the children’s chorus in a way that increased access. The Upper Valley community responded immediately.

“Our first year back in fall of 2022 was such a success. In the spring, we had even more kids, which was so wonderful,” said Pollard. “It was beautiful to see and hear all those voices.” 

And in the audience for the fall 2022 performance? Becky Luce.

Allison, just like Becky and Yvette before her, has a true gift for working with children. “Allison knows every kid’s name — 40 kids in two classes — by the first day,” said Will Ogmundson, collaborative pianist for the Children’s Chorus. “They all know they are welcome and loved.”

Pollard often receives thanks from parents who are grateful their children have a way to express themselves vocally. “There’s something really special about singing,” Pollard said. “Voice and soul are innately connected. Children can be so vulnerable but once they release their personalities and willingness to sing for you it opens up a floodgate of possibilities. I am privileged to lead these children in the chorus.”