For over three years, Chordially Yours has shared music, fun, and laughter with folks in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. Director, Scott Zane Smith is a man whose passion for harmony and storytelling has shaped generations of singers. Smith, a longtime professor at James Madison University and retired Minister of Music at Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, has built a musical legacy that continues to resonate with people of all ages.
Founded under Smith’s leadership, Chordially Yours is unlike most community choirs. It’s a performance troupe that combines the precision of choral music with the flair of musical theatre. “We’re not just about singing,” Smith says. “We’re about connection—about making the audience feel something real.”
Members of Chordially Yours range in age from their early twenties to their seventies, representing a cross-section of the Shenandoah Valley’s musical talent. Some audition; others are personally invited by Smith, who has a keen eye for both vocal quality and stage presence. What unites them is their shared desire to not only entertain, but to give the audience a sensory experience.
The group rehearses at the Linville Creek Church of the Brethren on Monday evenings, and come from Rockingham, Shenandoah, Augusta and Green counties and the cities of Harrisonburg and Staunton. Unlike traditional choirs that focus primarily on repertoire, Smith’s ensemble focuses on pacing, staging, choreography, blend, balance, diction, and intonation. The result is a dynamic show that engages the eye as well as the ear.
“Scott knows how to draw people out and showcase their strengths,” says Greg Conway, chairperson of the choir’s eight-member council. “He doesn’t just direct—he teaches, encourages, and inspires. He’s able to find what makes each singer unique and bring that to the forefront.”
“There’s something special about the chemistry in this group,” says Conway. “We work hard, we laugh a lot, and we care deeply about each other. Scott fosters that. He believes music is about relationships, and he’s right.”
That camaraderie carries over to their performances. Audiences often leave smiling, humming, or even wiping away a tear
The Chordially Yours Council, composed of eight members, meets seven or eight times each year. Their responsibilities include creating and revising bylaws, maintaining records, and managing the choir’s extensive music library. The group functions like a small nonprofit arts organization—structured, thoughtful, and passionate about its mission.
Smith, meanwhile, focuses his energy on creative direction. He curates each season’s program around a central theme, transforming what might be a simple concert into a full-fledged musical experience. “It’s more of a show than a concert,” Smith explains. “We build a story through the songs. Every number is chosen for how it connects emotionally, not just how it sounds.”
Chordially Yours performs two major shows each year—one in December and a Mother’s Day performance in May—both at Linville Creek. Last year, the choir performed a “bonus” show at Sunnyside Retirement Community.
This year’s holiday production, titled The Wonder of Christmas, promises to be especially memorable. Both Santa and the Grinch will make appearances, adding a touch of humor and whimsy to the heartwarming program. The show will be presented December 20 and 21 at 3:00 p.m. at Linville Creek Church of the Brethren. Admission is free, a gift from the choir to the community that has supported them so generously.
Come celebrate the season– laugh, sing along, and share in the joy that Scott Zane Smith and his remarkable choir continue to bring—chordially, and wholeheartedly, yours.
