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, is composed of community members from Black Mountain, the Swannanoa Valley and beyond.
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Registration for the 2026 fall season beginning September 2 is now open!
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 2. 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
Heather Savage
Heather Savage is an award-winning composer and educator who holds a Master of Music in Composition from Appalachian State University and a Professional Certificate from the New England Conservatory. Her diverse portfolio includes works for orchestra, choir, and chamber ensembles. Currently serving as Adjunct Faculty at Appalachian State, she draws on decades of experience as a private instructor and school music teacher to mentor students in theory and performance. Heather’s commitment to musical preservation is highlighted by her work as the Tui St. George Tucker Fellowship recipient, where she digitally archived and launched a website for the composer's historical scores.
Our Sponsors
Sponsors for the 2025-2026 SVCC season:
Maestro sponsor:
Betsy Davis
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Crescendo sponsors:
Sara Pizano
Dee and Stuart Otts
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Allegro sponsors:
Donna Gore
Diane and Jeff Hutchins
Jack and Mary Ann Heinen
Ron Sinclair
Michael Hammond
Elizabeth Tucker
Ron Sinclair
Anonymous
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.
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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