Georgia Boy Choir
The Georgia Boy Choir is an American boys' choir based in Atlanta, Georgia. Since its founding in 2009 by David White, former director of the Atlanta Boy Choir, and the Florida's Singing Sons Boychoir.
History
The choir has performed in cities and towns in 3 continents and 8 countries. In summer of 2009, the choir toured across China. In summer of 2010, they toured across England where they sang in cathedrals like Oxford and Wells. In summer of 2013, on their New England tour, the Georgia Boy Choir made its solo debut at Carnegie Hall in the main hall, the Stern Auditorium. They also sang in worship at the Cadet Chapel at West Point, along with other venues. In 2015, the choir revisited China, where they sang in Xuzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and other cities. In the summer of 2016, the choir toured Spain and Portugal. In the summer of 2017 they toured Ireland and Scotland, and were the choir in residence at St. Patrick's Cathedral for a week.
Levels of choirs
The Georgia Boy Choir operates on a five-tier system of musical education for boys as young as five years old through high school. The choirs range from the youngest members in the Apprentice Choir to the oldest members of the Young Men's Ensemble. The pinnacle of the organization is the Concert Choir which performs at numerous venues throughout the year.
First season
During its inaugural season the choir performed in productions including "Star Wars in Concert", "Carmen" and "Amahl and the Night Visitors" by the Georgia State Opera, "Christmas with the Georgia Boy Choir", and a summer cultural exchange to the country of China.[1][2] Additionally, the Intermediate Choir participated in the Baltimore Boy Choir Festival.
Georgia Boy Choir Festival
During this first year, the choir also established its own new boy choir festival in Atlanta called The Georgia Boy Choir Festival. The inaugural festival was held on Feb. 9, 2010. Among the choirs that have participated in this festival are the American Boy Choir and the Newark Boys Chorus.
Christmas time
During the holiday season, the choir gives many performances across the metro Atlanta area. They sing at tree lightings, country clubs, churches, finish the holiday season with Christmas with the Georgia Boy Choir.
International performances
The choir's inaugural tour was to China, where it performed for thousands at venues like Beijing University and the Chengdu Concert Hall. During the summer tour of 2011 the Concert Choir traveled to Oxford, England, to be the Choir-in-Residence at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. The 2012 tour was to Scandinavia with performances in Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden; and Tallinn, Estonia among other places. For 2013 the choir toured to New York and New England where they gave a concert at Carnegie Hall performing John Rutter's "Mass of the Children" and a concert at the West Point Cadet Chapel. In 2014 the choir returned to England where they were the Choir-in-Residence at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
Local performances
In the fall of 2010 it was announced that the Georgia Boy Choir was named the Ensemble-In-Residence at Peachtree Rd. United Methodist Church. The choir has also performed locally for the Atlanta Regional Commission, The Governor of Georgia, The Atlanta Rotary Club, and 104.7 The Fish Radio Station. The choir was also invited to twice perform the National Anthem for Atlanta Thrashers games. During the 2013 NBA Playoffs, the choir sang the National Anthem for the final game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Indiana Pacers.
References
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-08-14. Retrieved 2010-08-20.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- http://www.reporternewspapers.net/2010/07/01/georgia-boy-choir-sizzles-during-17-day-chinese-concert-tour/?ref=search