Valley Harmony Invited Back to Fairview United Methodist

By popular demand, Valley Harmony was invited back to sing another service at Fairview United Methodist, 254 Robinson Street, Binghamton, New York, on Sunday December 4, 2011. Advent music included "Beautiful Savior," "Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming," "In the Bleak Mid-Winter," "O Holy Night," "Coventry Carol" and "If It's Christmas/Amen." As a special treat, Valley Harmony also sang a barbershop version of "Jingle Bells."

Valley Harmony Sings During Owego Home Tours

Valley Harmony performed to a very appreciate audience a variety of seasonal music in the Carriage House behind the Pumpelly House at 44 Front Street, during the Owego 3ist Annual Home Tours and Auction, on Saturday, December 3, 2011, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Several patrons commented favorably on the quartet's mellow blend and smooth harmony.

Valley Harmony Returns to Annual Newark Valley Alumni Concert

Valley Harmony were invited to sing once again at the Newark Valley Alumni Association's annual scholarship fundraising concert to be held, Saturday, October 22, 2011, at 7:00. They sang "Heartbreak Hotel," (Elvis Presley) "Under the Boardwalk" (The Drifters) and "In My Room" (Beach Boys). Mike Sheldon and George Lohmann also joined the group formed by retired music teacher Jewel Griffith of all Newark Valley chorus alumni attending and performing that night in renditions of "Hey, good Lookin'," "Play for Me a Simple Melody" and "God Bless America." Mike Sheldon is a 1977 alumnus, Randy Kerr 1983, and Erik Larson 1999, but Erik was unable to attend, so Mike Ebbers took his place. Lohmann taught English at Newark Valley from 1972 through 2006. Other alumni also performed that night. Brenna McLaud came from Vancouver to perform contemporary dance, Mark Monroe sang and played guitar and Ed Nizlowski played his flute and soprano saxophone. Zach Lennox, Jenny Gac and Shanika Bridges each offered fantastic vocals. David Mullen will be the Master of Ceremonies. According to organizer Jerry Marsh, "Our committee was excited when Valley Harmony agreed to take part in the concert. It was obvious last night how much the audience enjoyed your selections and performance." Click HERE to see a Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin write up about the concert.

Valley Harmony Sing for Methodist Women

Valley Harmony performed for the district meeting of the Binghamton District of Methodist Women on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at Candor McKendree United Methodist Church, 224 Owego Street, Candor, New York. The performance ran about 50 minutes right after lunch and included a variety of sacred and secular music. The Binghamton District includes Broome County, north up to Greene and west to Candor.

Valley Harmony Sings in Tunnel, New York

Valley Harmony sang for a small but enthusiastic audience at a special celebration of Tunnel's history on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, in Tunnel, New York. They sang a variety of music from their repertoire from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm, including "Heartbreak Hotel," "God Bless the U.S.A." and "Hello, Mary Lou." Tunnel is located in northeast Broome County, off route 7.

Valley Harmony to Sing at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Vestal

Valley Harmony has been invited once again to sing for Sunday's service on August 7, 2011, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 499 Plaza Drive, Vestal, New York:
Prelude: "Hush, Somebody's calling My Name"
Anthem: "Heaven's Joy Awaits"
Offertory: "He's got the Whole world in His Hands"
Communion: "In Remembrance" and "Give Me Jesus"
Postlude; "If You're Happy/Amen"

Valley Harmony Sings at Tioga Trails Cafe Saturday, August 6, 2011

Once again (our third time) Valley Harmony entertains diners at Tioga Trails Cafe, 50 Lake Street (on the corner of Main Street), Owego, New York, from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Repertoire included "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hooked on a Feeling," "Yes Sir, That's My Baby," "The Banana Boat Song,""That Lonesome Road," "Barbara Ann" and more. Come and join us for a fun evening. One of the servers, a young man probably in his twenties, came up to us and complimented our singing, particular the Beatles songs "eight Days a Week" and "Yesterday" because he knew them and could sing along. A patron came up as she was leaving, along with her dog, whom she said was a "musical" dog, to tell us how much she enjoyed our music. And George Swaney, the proprietor was particularly pleased because he said, "The diners really like your music."

The Valley Four Announce Their Name Change

At the Third Annual Community Concert the Valley Four announced that they were changing their name to Valley Harmony. Erik has been with us for well over a year, doing more than being just an alternate. We have also introduced numerous five-part songs to our repertoire. So from now on we're VALLEY HARMONY!

Third Annual Community Concert a Great Success

The Third Annual Community Concert "was easily the best church sponsored concert I've ever seen," said one audience member. The standing ovation at the end also indicated the feelings of the rest of the audience. The Valley Four's renditions of "Heartbreak Hotel," "Plovi Barko," and "God Bless the U.S.A." in particular delighted those attending. And singing "Lida Rose" and "Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier" with gust soprano Christina Salasny also received enthusiastic applause as did Christina's renditions of "My Heart Will Go On" and "How Could I Ever Know."
Also dazzling the audience were performances by Aric Phinney on the piano, Jewel Griffith on the organ and the woodwind ensemble of Laurie Holdridge, Nancy Falconer, Christine Cumming and Susan Zanovitch.

Third Annual Community Concert in Newark Valley

The third annual "Community Concert" was held again at the Newark Valley United Church of Christ, 32 South Main Street, Newark Valley, NY, on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at 7:00 pm. The Valley Four were again the featured performers, with Christina Salasny returning by popular demand as guest soloist. Also returning were Laurie Holdridge (recorder, clarinet, saxophone) and Nancy Falconer (recorder), along with Aric Phinney on the piano. New to this event was Jewel Griffith on organ and Christine Cumming and Susan Zanovitch, both on flute. The concert theme was "Hooked on a Feeling." The Valley Four performed several new pieces including "God Bless the U.S.A.," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Heaven's Joy Awaits" and, of course, "Hooked on a Feeling," among others.

Valley Four to Perform for Owego's Third Friday Event

The Valley Four (including Erik) will be performing at the Tioga County Historical society Museum, 110 Front Street, Owego, NY, during Owego's monthly Third Friday celebration of the arts. They will be singing from their usual varied repertoire from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

The Valley Four Sang for Church Service at Fairview Methodist

The Valley Four was invited to perform the music for the Fairview United Methodist Church, 254 Robinson Street, Binghamton, NY, for their 10:30 service on Sunday, June 5, 2011. They sang "Give Me Jesus," "Heaven's Joy Awaits," "In Remembrance," "He's Got the whole World in His Hands" and "If Your Happy/Amen." The congregation was pleased with the music and invited invited the Valley Four back to sing again.

Valley Four to Return to Elderwood in April

By popular demand the Valley Four have been asked to return to both Elderwood Assisted Living and Elderwood Nursing Home, both in Waverly, NY, on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. They will perform first at the assisted living center at 6:30 and then at the nursing home at 7:30.