'The Big Sing' to Support Student Scholarships for Voices of the Valley Children's Chorus
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
Images via Voices of the Valley Children's Choir.
There are few things more joyful than a room full of people singing together.
On Friday, July 17, Voices of the Valley Children's Chorus will once again invite the community to raise its voice through "The Big Sing"—an evening where polished performances take a back seat to laughter, connection, and the shared experience of making music together. Guests can join the chorus on stage or enjoy the show from the audience, all while supporting a mission that reaches far beyond a single evening of entertainment.
Every dollar raised helps provide student scholarships, ensuring that every child in our region who wants to sing with Voices of the Valley Children's Chorus has the opportunity to do so.
"We have one guiding philosophy," says Artistic Director Dr. Michelle Folta. "If you want to sing, then come sing—and I'll find a way."
That philosophy has become increasingly important as the organization continues to grow. Following this year's auditions, Voices of the Valley welcomed approximately 60 new singers, representing one of the largest incoming classes in the organization's history. Last year, Voices of the Valley expanded to a second campus, hosted by Spencer High School. This South Campus allows the reach of the organization to touch different neighborhoods and schools, and it builds a richer community throughout the organization as a whole.While that growth is worth celebrating, it also creates an even greater need for scholarship funding.
"The best voices aren't bound by socioeconomic status," Dr. Folta explains. "Music is more fun with friends, and we're not going to say those friends only come from one neighborhood or one income level. We're all friends."
For many families, tuition can present a significant barrier. Annual participation ranges from approximately $400 to $500 per student, depending on ensemble placement. Those costs cover much more than weekly rehearsals, including music, uniforms, accompanists, performance opportunities, and the rich educational experiences that make Voices of the Valley unlike any traditional school choir.
That's exactly why "The Big Sing" matters.
"If we raise $10,000," Dr. Folta says, "that's ten students in our top choir who can receive scholarships. That's huge."
The chorus continues to create remarkable opportunities for young singers, including invitations to prestigious performances, potential recording projects, regional conference appearances, and an upcoming international tour. Dr. Folta is committed to ensuring that talented students never miss those experiences simply because of financial circumstances.
For Dr. Folta, scholarships are about far more than tuition assistance. They're about belonging.
Children discover confidence. They develop discipline. They build friendships, find mentors, and become part of a community that celebrates who they are. The lessons learned extend well beyond music, shaping students socially, academically, artistically, and personally. "They find their people," she says. "They find their tribe."
Sally Baker is the Chief Executive Officer for The Institute for Arts Integration & STEAM, and is also a proud VOV parent and board member. Baker was eager to share about the impact of VOV on children across the region – including her own.
"We know that music literally changes our brains, physiologically," Baker explained. "And of all the things we could put into our students' brains, I want it to be the arts. Music builds empathy. It builds appreciation. It builds the kind of collaboration and teamwork that carries far beyond the risers. Simply put, it builds the kind of people we want our community to be full of."
"Voices of the Valley provides the best musicianship training in our area," she continued. "But to me, as a mom of one of the singers, it is about so much more than musicianship. It is helping our kids understand that being part of a team or an ensemble means being responsible for their own part while also supporting the person standing next to them. It is putting words and music into their hearts that are encouraging, hopeful, empowering, and inspirational."
A Party Disguised as a Fundraiser
Of course, none of this means guests should expect a formal concert.
Quite the opposite.
Hosted this year at The Pearl, "The Big Sing" is designed as an interactive night out where the audience becomes part of the entertainment. Dr. Folta affectionately describes it as "mom and dad's night out"—complete with singing, great food, drinks, and plenty of laughter.
Attendees can choose to sing with the community chorus or simply enjoy the performance from their seats. Throughout the evening, guests purchase voting tickets that determine which songs the chorus performs during four musical "showdowns," featuring playful matchups like The Beatles vs. Backstreet Boys, beloved divas, pop legends, and unforgettable one-hit wonders.
There are raffle prizes, a cash bar, audience participation, and a secret fundraising challenge centered around an Oscar-winning song that will only be revealed as fundraising milestones are reached. The evening concludes with one giant community singalong as everyone joins together for Journey's classic anthem, "Don't Stop Believin'."
No musical experience is required.
In fact, that's the whole idea.
"This isn't a high-pressure performance or a high-art atmosphere," Dr. Folta says. "It's the part of Voices of the Valley that's without pretense. It's simply the joy of making music together."
Parents, grandparents, former choir students, first-time singers, and friends are all invited to participate. Whether someone has spent years on stage or only sings in the shower, they'll find a place in the room.
Investing in Every Child's Future with Voices of the Valley
At The Columbusite, we've long believed that the arts are not an extra—they're essential.
Organizations like Voices of the Valley Children's Chorus do far more than teach children to sing. They cultivate confidence, discipline, empathy, teamwork, creativity, and the deep sense of belonging that comes from creating something beautiful together.
Scholarships make those life-changing experiences possible for students across our community, regardless of financial circumstances. They ensure that talent—not income—determines who has the opportunity to grow through music.
That is what makes "The Big Sing" so much more than a fundraiser.
It's an invitation for Columbus to invest directly in the next generation of young musicians.
Yes, it's an evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, and unforgettable songs. But behind every vote cast, every raffle ticket purchased, and every chorus sung alongside friends is something much bigger: the opportunity for another child to discover their voice, their confidence, and their place in a community that believes they belong.
Whether you choose to sing every lyric or simply cheer from the audience, your participation helps ensure that every child who dreams of joining Voices of the Valley Children's Chorus has the chance to do exactly that.
"I want to make sure that Columbus offers arts experiences for all kids, not just some," Baker said. "This fundraiser helps support the scholarships that make that possible. That is why I hope you will join us at The Big Sing. Every ticket, every gift, helps make sure the next generation of young singers gets to experience what my own child has experienced: a place where they are known, where they belong, and where they are becoming who they are meant to be." ◼️
If You Go:
What: "The Big Sing"
When: July 17 at 7:30PM
Where: The Pearl, 1040 Broadway
Want to Sing?
Click here!
