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5 reasons to join the Birmingham Boys Choir. Auditions open!
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Attention young vocalists! If you’re a boy between the ages of 8-18 and love to sing, the Birmingham Boys Choir is seeking talented ensemble members. Here are five reasons to join. Already know you want to audition? Request an audition now!
1. You’ll become part of the Birmingham Boys Choir’s impressive history.
Did you know that mens and boys choirs date back to the mid 900s? This makes them one of the oldest musical forms in Western Civilization.
The Birmingham Boys Choir may not have originated quite that long ago, but it does have a long and impressive history. Here are a few things of note:
- In 1973, the Birmingham Boys Choir became a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit civic organization in Birmingham.
- Featuring just 26 choristers in 1978, the choir has grown exponentially over the years.
- The BBC now includes three large choir ensembles for boys ages 8-18 with a total of 160 choristers.
- The BBC has traveled and performed extensively throughout the US, England, Ireland, Japan, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany and Costa Rica.
2. You’ll receive training from a choirmaster and music staff.
As a chorister in the Birmingham Boys Choir, you’ll receive excellent training from Music Director Ken Berg and music staff.
As a choirmaster and published composer, Berg has provided excellent leadership and training to choir members of The Birmingham Boys Choir since 1978.
“We take great pride in representing our fair city throughout America and the world with the highest caliber of choral singing with this ancient art form. An added bonus is that these boys develop life skills and friendships that last well beyond their years in the choir. It is a beautiful thing.”
Ken Berg, Music Director, Birmingham Boys Choir
3. You’ll enhance your vocal skills and get to show them off.
For boys across the greater Birmingham Area who have an interest in singing, becoming a chorister for the Birmingham Boys Choir is a great way to fully develop their musical talents.
Members are trained in a number of areas, including:
- Music theory and technique
- Sight singing
- Vocal habits within a group and individually
They have the chance to show off those pipes, too, with regular performances and concerts at local churches, schools and organizations.
Due to COVID-19, The Birmingham Boys Choir will be taking extra precautions regarding rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals and performances will be limited to small groups of 12 choir members each, or as state health guidelines require.
4. It’s a family thing.
One of the cool things I learned while writing this story is that being part of the Birmingham Boys Choir is often a father/son tradition.
Many alums of the Birmingham Boys Choir now have sons who have chosen to follow in dad’s vocal footsteps.
“It has been awesome to watch my son Graham’s love of music grow, much like mine did, due to his participation in the BBC. Having worn that robe (or uniform) I know the musical skill he is developing will stay with him, and that passion for music will last him a lifetime.”
Corey Bush, Alum, Birmingham Boys Choir
Bush’s son, Graham Bush, agrees with his dad.
“It is fun knowing that when my dad was a kid, he sang some of the same songs I have learned in the Boys Choir. He says I sound better than him though.”
Graham Bush, Chorister, Birmingham Boys Choir
What a great way for fathers and sons to bond.
5. “It’s more than music, it’s training for life.”
This is the mission statement of the Birmingham Boys Choir and the organization truly stands by it.
Yes, a love for singing is at the heart of its members, but the Birmingham Boys Choir offers so much more.
Choristers also learn important life skills, like:
- Discipline
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Team work
But they also gain important and lifelong friendships.
We could all use a place where we can share our interests, create friendships and fit in, don’t you think?
To become part of the Birmingham Boys Choir, request an audition.
Do you want to be part of the Birmingham Boys Choir?
Interested in joining the Birmingham Boys Choir? Great news! They’re holding auditions for talented boys ages 8-18 who live in the greater Birmingham and love to sing.
With COVID-19 still a concern, auditions will be held via Zoom. So find the perfect spot in your home with the best acoustics (and no barking dogs) to show off those vocals and prepare to wow your audience. While some music ability is necessary, no prior musical training is required. More info on auditions.
There are three Birmingham Boys Choir ensembles open for auditions:
- Junior Choristers – grades 3-5
- Senior Choristers – grades 5-8
- Graduate Choristers – grades 8-12
Show ’em what you’ve got! Click here to request an audition. Someone will contact you to schedule an audition date and time.
Show Your Support for the Birmingham Boys Choir
Do you support choral arts and nurturing the growth of our city’s young men? Then donate to the Birmingham Boys Choir’s mission. Your donation helps with scholarships, the purchase of music, robes, printing and much more.
While the Birmingham Boys Choir’s annual fall concert will be affected by COVID-19, be sure to put these talented ensembles on your concert radar. Follow the Birmingham Boys Choir on Facebook and Instagram.
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