The Bedford Choral Society (BSC) exists to bring glory to God by enhancing the musical culture of Bedford County in providing music education and performance opportunities for all ages and all skill levels. The BCS is the umbrella under which several music groups fall. Currently, this includes the Society Singers and the BCS Academy. Plans for The Theater Workshop and The Chamber Singers are in the works. Stay tuned!!
The Society Singers is an adult group, currently consisting of 18 singers. Members meet weekly to work on masterworks as well as other traditional, joyful choral literature. A highlight of rehearsals is the once per month dinners, where choir members develop friendships beyond the rehearsal room. (You will always sing better with friends!) It is the plan to eventually split into two groups. The Society Singers will remain the principal group, singing two programs each year comprised primarily of masterworks. A simple audition to demonstrate you can match pitch is the only requirement to join. Lorie does a lot of teaching in this group. The BCS Chorale is in the planning stages. It would consist of 12-16 skilled singers. They will sing with the Society Singers on the masterworks programs, but also perform additional and lighter music at community events. These are singers with choral experience who can learn music on their own. An audition will consist of a prescribed prepared piece, a chosen prepared piece, and sight-singing. The BCS Academy, (formerly the Bedford Area Music Academy and the Cove Music Academy) begun in January 2025, jointly consist of 53 homeschooled students with choir classes for all grades. Students learn all aspects of music from matching pitch, sight-singing, and vocal technique, to stage etiquette. The Academy also include beginning strings classes with 13 students learning violin, viola or cello. Lorie looks forward to the day when we can create a full symphonic orchestra! Classes are on Wednesdays at Christ Church in Roaring Spring and Thursdays at XXX in Bedford. Both the Wednesday and Thursday classes have the same schedule. There are a few additional classes on Mondays in Bedford. The Theater Workshop is currently in the planning stages. An original Christmas Musical in being planned for December 2025. This will include BCS Singers as well as BCS Academy students. We are also looking at the possibility of a summer theater camp for students. The Bedford Choral Society is partnering with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies to establish the BCS as a 501(c) (3) under the auspices of the CFA. It will then be eligible for community grants and other fund-raising opportunities. The May 2025 concert was funded in part by the benevolence of choir members and paid advertisers, as well as the generosity of the audience. Donations are always gratefully welcomed! Information regarding participating in any of the above--mentioned programs can be obtained by contacting Lorie at 717-823-9454 or through e-mail, hopewellhomestead@icloud.com.