The Raleigh Boychoir

Jeremy Tucker, Artistic Director (Conductor, Performing Choir, Millennium Singers, Young Men’s Ensemble)

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1329 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 (919) 881-9259

raleighboychoir@gmail.com

www.raleighboychoir.org

Mission Statement

The mission of The Raleigh Boychoir is to educate and train boys in the art of singing, to perform the finest music in the boychoir tradition, to contribute to musical life in the greater Raleigh area, and to enhance North Carolina's cul-tural reputation. The Raleigh Boychoir experience develops character, disci-pline, leadership, and a strong commitment to excellence.

The Choir Program

The Raleigh Boychoir requires discipline and dedication on the part of every member and a commitment from both boys and parents in order to maintain a vocal music program of the highest quality. In return, boys receive vocal train-ing, music comprehension and appreciation, performance presence, and lasting memories of creating remarkable music and enduring friendships.

Membership and Auditions

Membership into The Raleigh Boychoir is through invitation after successfully completing a vocal audition with the director. No prior musical training is nec-essary. Applicants will be assessed based on:

A clear, pleasant singing voice.

Innate musical ability.

A high level of interest and commitment.

Potential stage presence.

Open auditions/information sessions are held four times annually in January, February, September and October for boys ages 7 - 12 (Training and Resident Choirs). Specific dates are listed on the website: www.raleighboychoir.org. It is best to attend a scheduled audition, but private auditions can be arranged for other times.

Structure of The Raleigh Boychoir

There are six choirs within The Raleigh Boychoir:

Training Choir - first level where new members most often begin. Resident Choir - second level; if boys are older and/or have a musical back-ground, they might enter at this level. Performing Choir - main and touring choir of the organization. Millennium Singers - a smaller, elite choir that boys audition for once they are in the Performing Choir. Alumni Choir - a choir comprised of Raleigh Boychoir alumni. Young Men’s Ensemble - our newest choir comprised of young men with changed and changing voices.

When a boy voices out (i.e., loses his treble voice), he may transition to the Young Men’s Ensemble or the Alumni/Scholar Choir and continue to sing.

Goals for the Training and Resident Choirs

New members of the Training and Resident Choirs begin by learning correct vocal production, which incorporates proper breathing technique and good posture. Boys are taught how to sing well in unison and then progress to sing-ing in two parts. They study music notation, terms, symbols, and rhythm. Sight-singing is an integral part of The Raleigh Boychoir experience.

In an effort to prepare the boys for public performance, attention is given to developing a proper choirboy demeanor and encouraging each boy to take per-sonal responsibility for his own behavior, appearance, and belongings.

Basic Information

Rehearsals: Wednesdays 4:30-6pm for Training Choir and Tuesdays 4:30-6:15pm for Resident Choir. Attendance is required.

Cost is $600 per semester for Training Choir and $630 per semester for Resi-dent Choir. Payments may be averaged throughout the year by doing an auto-matic, monthly draw. First month after acceptance is a trial month; tuition is due, but the uniform is not required.

The rehearsal uniform consists of a white RBC polo shirt, navy slacks, (or navy shorts, if weather permits), black belt, socks, and shoes. An RBC red sweater is required for performances.

Vicki Oehling, Assistant Artistic Director (Conductor, Training Choir)

Dr. William Weisser, Interim Choral Director (Conductor, Resident Choir)

Megan Yohman, Principal Accompanist

Philip Little, Interim Executive Director

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Thomas E. Sibley

(Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus)