In 2013, the Susquehanna Valley Chorale created its very first student scholarship with a generous donation from the Gutknecht Family in loving memory of one of SVC’s favorite tenors, Dr. David Gutknecht. The tenor scholarship started with an exceptional music student from Bucknell University, Tom Carle. Not only was Tom a valued member of our tenor section, but quickly became part of our SVC family. Whenever possible, we have invited Tom back to sing with us.
After Tom graduated, we continued to welcome tenors into the organization through this scholarship fund. Due to the incredible success for both the students and the section in which they sang, the program expanded to include all eight voice parts (SI, SII, AI, AII, TI, TII, BI, BII). Each student has been sponsored by various donors in memory or in honor of loved ones who were former singers or beloved fans. These students have come from various educational institutions including Bucknell University, Susquehanna University, and Mansfield University. The scholarships not only help the students financially, but connects them with a choir of over 100 members who value their youthful contributions to the group. It is a beneficial opportunity which provides extensive performance experience and offers students enrolled at a local college or university a unique way to continue their musical education.
The SVC sings four major concerts each season. Rehearsals are every Tuesday (generally 8 weeks before each concert) from 7-9 pm and are currently held at First Baptist Church, located at 51 S. 3rd Street in Lewisburg. Performances occur in various venues throughout the Valley including Zion Lutheran Church, Sunbury; Weis Center for the Performing Arts (Bucknell); Weber Auditorium and Stretansky Hall (SU); and Rusty Rail Brewing Co., Mifflinburg, to name a few.
In 2026, the program was officially given its current name upon the retirement of SVC Conductor and Music Director, Bill Payn, honoring his legacy of dedicated and impassioned service to the chorale for 30 years.
