The Swannanoa Valley Community Chorus (SVCC) is a free choral singing group that meets at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts every Wednesday from 10:30 - 12:00. The SVCC, with musical direction by Cary Fridley and accompanist Joel Ragan, is composed of community members from Black Mountain, the Swannanoa Valley and beyond.

Wednesdays • 10:30 am - 12 pm

Free to All

Ages 16+

Swannanoa Valley
Community Chorus

The Swannanoa Valley Community Chorus (SVCC) is returning to BMCA this fall! The Swannanoa Valley Community Chorus’ fall season at BMCA begins Wednesday, September 3. Led by music director Cary Fridley, the SVCC welcomes anyone who loves to sing, regardless of experience. Participants will learn how to breathe correctly, sight-read music, understand dynamics, learn to interpret music and text, while blending their voices to make music, not just sing notes. Chorus members will engage with a variety of musical styles and genres, all in a safe space to grow and learn. A free chorus, the SVCC meets at BMCA Wednesdays from 10:30 - 12:00. Click below to register for this joy-filled chorus.

Meet the Team

Music Director

Cary Fridley

Cary holds a master’s degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and currently resides in Asheville, NC. She continues to perform solo ballads and string band shows with The Cary Fridley Band. Cary teaches guitar, banjo and singing, and leads workshops in old-time music for schools and summer programs. Cary is a skilled performer and educator dedicated to improving the world through music performance and creative community music education.

Accompanist

Joel Ragan

Joel Ragan is a multi-instrumentalist who began taking piano lessons at the age of nine. Throughout his life he has developed a love for music in many styles. He has lived in the Asheville area since he started attending UNCA in 2012, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz and Contemporary Music (although his main focus was classical piano.) At school, aside from piano lessons, he also enjoyed playing guitar in the blue grass ensemble and singing in multiple choirs. Today, Joel finds joy in singing with the Asheville Choral Society and being heavily involved in the local and regional music scene while playing in multiple bands.

Become A sponsor

The Swannanoa Valley Community Chorus (SVCC) is a welcoming and inclusive program of the Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA), open to all regardless of ability or prior experience. Our chorus fosters a love of music while teaching essential skills such as proper breathing, sight-reading, musical interpretation, and vocal blending. With a diverse repertoire spanning various musical styles and genres, SVCC not only enriches participants but also brings the joy of music to the broader community through performances at BMCA and venues such as retirement homes.

Why Sponsor SVCC?

By supporting the Swannanoa Valley Community Chorus, you are investing in a program that brings people together through music, fosters community engagement, and enriches lives. Your sponsorship helps cover essential costs such as personnel, music, outreach, and administrative expenses, ensuring the sustainability of this vibrant community chorus.

To set up a sponsorship or inquire about a personalized sponsorship package, please contact us at:

📞 828-669-0930
📧 director@blackmountainarts.org