My son joined the Houston Boychoir at age twelve after being in a different choir for three years. He was accepted into the Chamber Choir and in the past year has learned music skills that he did not have before. He can now sight read as the choir has the boys learn their songs singing solfege before they learn the words. He has learned to count complex rhythms, recognize key signatures and phrasing. He keeps a practice log and has learned the discipline of daily practice. He was also taught to tie his own tie! The Houston Boychoir is rigorous and the music is challenging. The boys are held to a high standard musically which I especially appreciate! The director, assistant director, and staff are professional and very caring and supportive. They care about and are considerate of the parents as well as the boys, which is important. There are many performances throughout the year as well as a tour in the summer. The Houston Boychoir has a great reputation in the community and is presented with amazing opportunities and the boys reap the benefits. My son loves to sing and I wanted him to have an excellent music education in a caring, healthy, safe environment. The Houston Boychoir is a great, well thought out organization with gifted directors that really do help raise a boy to be an excellent, responsible young man who is also a highly trained professional musician. Also, a boy can audition and still be in the tour choir as an Olde Boy throughout Highschool when his voice changes. I find this to be particularly wonderful to have this support for a boy who loves to sing.
I accompanied the Houston Boychoir's West Campus Prep Choir for two years, and it is a wonderful organization. During my time there I saw young boys constantly inspired by the magic of music. It is a wonderful way to bring people together and provides an excellent education in music with a wonderful faculty.
Christmas would not be Christmas without the music of the Houston Boychoir. That said one particularly moving Chistmas moment occurred when, in a lively church, a deep alumni voice sang out "Imagine" by John Lennon. I am a practicing Christan, and hearing this song of the oneness of us all moved me to my core. Such a voice and event is representative of the kind of courageous nurturing that is the core of the work of the Houston Boychoir. It is a group as diverse as this most diverse of American cities. Yet they harmonize in the most beautiful of ways. Further, the older alumni nurture the younger boys in support of not machismo, but for the love of singing. Don't miss a concert if you can help it!
My experience as a member of the Houston Boy Choir is one which has made such an indelible mark on my life I cannot put into words just how important it was in shaping the person I am today. From the very start I was welcomed in and made to feel a vital part of a long-standing tradition of choristers who preceded me. And not only were we able to share our work to our immediate community, but also to those we visited on our tours and from whom we also learned a wealth of history and culture. Ask any alumnus of the choir and they will always remember the discipline taught surrounding punctuality, morning calisthenics, table etiquette, musicianship, and definitely how to tie your own tie.
The Houston Boy Choir is an exceptional organization. I have sent many of the boys I've raised in music to the choir and watched them grow into outstanding musicians and fine young men. The Boy Choir teaches musicianship, healthy, joyous singing and good citizenship. It is inspiring to see the boys become part of both a musical ensemble and a team! Bravi!!
My son joined HBC at age 10 and is looking forward to next year. I give my thanks to HBC for such an awesome experience and the motivational tools utilized to ground our children...with self confidence, independence and discipline....most importantly, the "joy" and "happiness" as shown in my son's singing. Tears brought to my eyes. Beautiful! We are grateful for the directorial staff.
I really can't say enough about how being a part of this organization can have a profound effect on a child. I believe it is imperative for a child to find atleast one thing that makes him or her special. Being part of this choir as a young boy helped me to find a confidence, and assurance I would have never had. I knew I was part of something special and that confidence was the spring board to achievement in every area of my life. I have the fondest memories of making music with young men of all races and backgrounds. We all came together every week to work on making a magical experience for audiences. The bond and commitment to great musicianship, refinement and character forged lifelong friendships amongst us all. If you are considering giving or getting involved you are truly helping to change lives.
Son 1 joined Houston Boychoir at the age of 10 - and was hooked from the very beginning. He spent 1 year in the prep choir, then was moved to the Concert Choir. It became evident that his voice would be changing soon. I spoke with the director, who encouraged us - "It's muscle; it can be trained. Don't worry, we will get him through this." For several years, Son 1 sang with the choir with a 5 octave range. In high school, he came back to work for 2 years in a junior managerial position. He went on to the Performing Arts High School, studied musical theater and music education in college, and is now senior choral director at a huge high school in a large major city, having impacted their musical theater program and taking an a capella group to nationals. He is living the dream - doing his music and positively impacting teenagers. We owe this ALL to Houston Boychoir, the training he received (both musical and in life skills!), and to their magnificent directoral staff.
Son 2 was also a chorister. He spent 3 years with the choir, then left to pursue other interests. This sparked a lifelong interest in music, having taken up cello in middle school (!) and guitar in high school, then returning to choral singing with his college choir. He has not pursued music the way his brother did, but the impact remains. He is thorough and detail oriented, carries a professional attitude towards all he attempts, and will be joining the rank of professional educators in the fall. And he's never late, for "To be on time is to be 15 minutes early".
Houston Boychoir has been instrumental in the development of both of my sons. We are hugely grateful to the entire directoral and managerial staff for the impact they have had on our family.
My son joined the prep choir when he was in 4th grade. He is now getting ready to enter high school next year. Of all the creative groups we have been a part of since we relocated to Texas from New York, Houston Boychoir has been the most impactful on my son. It has taught him to be part of a group without diminishing his individuality. It has not only provided him with a music education but has given him a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging. Through his association with Houston Boychoir he has become more worldly. The older boys act as models for the younger ones. My son has been mentored and is at the same time a mentor. When their voices change and they must move on, they leave with a sense of accomplishment and a strength as a leader and an individual which I don't see nurtured in any other organization that he is so involved with.
The music is beautiful and the camaraderie is uncomparable. They may move on when their voices change but the hearts remain. Those that stay on through adulthood as Men of the Houston Boychoir prove that it makes a long lasting impression on those that commit to the group. I am so greatful that my son has been a part of the choir and will remain part of the choir for years to come.
I would recommend this group to anyone with a son who wants to sing and wants to be part of something really special.
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I have had the pleasure of working with the Houston Boychoir staff for the past three years as a volunteer graphic artist. They are always a pleasure to work with, open to new ideas, and very attentive. In addition to being a volunteer I am also a parent of a boy who has benefitted from being part of such a special organization. He has grown as an individual and learned to be part of an amazing group. He has had opportunities to try his hand a something he had an interest in and now has become a part of his life. Thank you for providing my son and me with an opportunitiy to partake in supporting the such a fine arts program in Houston.
Houston Boychoir has had a profound impact on my son's life. He is more confident, self-assured and happier for his 7 years of association with the choir. Houston Boychoir brings discipline, music education, teamwork and a sense of belonging to the boy. This nonprofit is a vehicle for self-expression and creatively contributes to local, intrastate, national, and international individuals and communites.
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My experience with this organization began six years ago. At his music teacher's invitation and unbeknownst to me, my son had auditioned for the Houston Boychoir at school one afternoon. He was so very excited and looked forward to receiving the letter with the audition results. Tears came to my eyes as I reviewed the Boychoir's website, listening to the beauty of the boys' voices. It felt like a gift from heaven. Six years later I remain ever so grateful for the experiences given to my son. The choir brings so much beautiful music- and so much joy- into our household. He loves to sing! We reap many benefits of being part of a professional boys' choir- comraderie, vocal training, musical education, social manners, professional opportunities with other arts' organizations, television performance, touring and singing at professional meetings, civic ceremonies, galas, schools, churches, concerts, retirement communities, sports' games, weddings and funerals. It is a worthy endeavor. I do everything that I can do to help promote the Houston Boychoir. I whole-heartedly endorse this organization for any young boy who loves music!
This group of young men is outstanding, and the alumni that sings at their Winter/Spring concerts always are fantastic and add a great touch. I highly recommend seeing them in concert; you won't be disappointed!
My son has been with houston boychoir for two years and it has been a great experience my son has gained social and leaderships skills and we are looking forward to another great year
My oldest son has been a member of the HBC for 2 years and my younger son has been a member for 1 year. I am very impressed by the professionalism of the choir overall. Both of my sons have matured and grown so much since they have been in the HBC. The teachers and staff are fine musicians that expect the best from the boys. They are firm, courteous, respectful and very punctual. My boys always return home very happy and excited after each rehearsals. They have made close friendships with their classmates. I believe the HBC complements beautifully their piano studies. The HBC is a first class organization that fosters a positive and professional environment for boys. I would strongly recommend it, not only for the musical growth of your son, but also for their personal growth.
My brother love Houston Boys Choir. He sing and practice everyday for the song. Their songs are so beautiful and graceful. It made everyone feel very peaceful inside. The boys grew up together as a team and support each other no matter what. The practice that happen once a week is something that my brother look up to the most. Absolutely LOVE Houston Boys Choir!!!!
My son was a member of the choir for five years. The Houston Boy Choir expanded his passion for singing and music. The organization helped him become more independent, organized, and goal oriented. The Houston Boy Choir also inspired tolerance and a true sense of community. The experience for my son was invaluable.
My son was in the Boys Choir last year. It was a wonderful experience. He learned about music. He also learned about teamwork, discipline, and the beauty of working together for a common goal to produce something greater than can be done on your own. They do truly help boys grow to men.
My son has been a member of The Houston Boychoir for the past 2 years, and has had a truly wonderful experience. The HBC is an organization that cares deeply about developing young boys to be well-rounded individuals and leaders of tomorrow. Through teaching them how to sing exquisitely and as a group, they cultivate in them not only a great love for music, but also a sense of discipline, strong character, professionalism, teamwork and perseverance. Such attributes are greatly needed in today’s world, and are best taught when children are young. That the boys enjoy their participation in the HBC as well as develop into men of character is best exemplified by the numbers of boys that continue on for many years, as well as some who, as adults, return to sing with the younger boys for their special public performances. If you have not heard the HBC sing, it should be on your ‘must-see’ list. The HBC and their staff are to be commended for the fine job they do.
Besides the gift of music , our son gained social and leaderships skills that his mother and I felt were/are very important. I highly recommend the HBC as a parent, volunteer and fan !
The Christmas performances of the Houston Boy Choir are one of the most delightful experiences of the season. The choir is an essential part of the Houston cultural landscape.
Had an amazing time working with the Houston Boychoir. This group exemplifies good character, charm, professionalism, and overall musical exellence. I would absolutely recommend them for professional engagements, and if you haven't heard them, take a look at the concert calendar and go have a listen!
The HBC continues a 5,000 year old tradition of training boys voices while building character and values in young men. Singing and performing at the highest level is the catalyst for this metamorphosis. It is during this fleeting moment in time, prior to the boy's voice change, that he can perform as a professional with other musicians who far exceed him in age and experience. The HBC accomplishes this training at the highest level. Kudos to the artistic staff and volunteers for providing this life-changing experience!
My son has just completed his fourth year with the Houston Boychoir and, as a parent, I have been amazed and thrilled by his tremendous progress, not only in musicality and stage presence, but also in his confidence, maturity and gentlemanliness. Furthermore, as a music teacher, I have enjoyed seeing the remarkable growth of those of my students who have joined the choir. It is wonderful to hear them sharing with the other children how much fun the rehearsals are, to hear their stories about the many "cool places" in which they perform, and to see how good they feel about themselves. Our association with the HBC has been thoroughly inspiring and rewarding and I would recommend that any parent consider the opportunity of providing their son with this unique experience.
With over a decade of interface with the Houston Boychoir (HBC) as a parent and as a volunteer, I now am serving as a HBC board member with the joy of giving back to one of the finest non-profit, independent arts organizations. HBC reflects and serves Greater Houston by providing boys exemplary vocal training, music education, and professional performance opportunities regionally and beyond. Being a mother of two HBC Alumni is most rewarding. The HBC provided unique, positive, inspirational and lasting experiences that contributed to each of my sons potential as a whole - choristers are taught to exhibit very high standards of discipline, behaviour and thoughtfulness towards others at all times. The 2009 service project “Ode to My Nurses” was incredible. This project was a collaborative one between Texas Children’s Hospital and the Houston Boychoir – the boys performed special music from patients’ poetry that was set to music. Their performance was powerful for contributors, participants and audience!
My son sang with the Houston Boychoir for four years and had an incredible experience. The director, Carole Nelson, is an outstanding teacher and sets the bar high for the boys. The boys learn to sing in various languages, they are taught how to project a confident and professional image when they perform, and they are always expected to exhibit their best behavior and manners. They sing at weddings, they travel, and sing at multiple venues. Their reputation precedes them and they have been invited to sing at many events both locally and out of town. I cannot adequately described all my son learned with being a part of this organization. We are thankful for all the organization did to mold him at this young age. The choir is also composed for a diverse group of boys from different backgrounds and schools and they all learn so much from each other as well. All the boys who are involved have "experiences of a lifetime" that will have a lasting impact in their lives.
Both of my boys sing in HBC, where the music learning is combined with building good characters and life-long friendship development. The uniqueness about HBC is the group learning synergy with a clear common interest of singing. Thanks to the wonderful and dedicated teachers and staff, HBC creates a fun learning environment that brings out the desire of “working harder for better” in these otherwise naughty boys. I think HBC provides an opportunity for the boys to feel their accomplishment after practice and practice, and I believe this process will drive future achievement in their life.
HBC is not only one of the finest boy choirs performing today, but the example of what discipline, integrity, focused effort, and teamwork can accomplish. These boys will be our leaders tomorrow.
A half-century of magnificent work in providing young men with the empowering and life-changing experience of making music marks Houston Boychoir as one of the great achievements in Houston's rich landscape of Art and Culture. Houston Boychoir stands as an institution of hope for a better future. I congratulate its excellent leadership.
We are so fortunate to have been turned on to this organization by our son’s elementary school music teacher. It is everything she said it was and more! I had not heard of it at that time, but I could tell she was very passionate in her recommendation of the organization. I decided to check into it. Everyone I spoke with had nothing but good things to say about the group, its staff and what it would do for the development of our child. It has done all that and more. He loves going to practice, he loves performing and he loves the summer camp and tour. The directors have turned him into a very confident performer and this transcends into other areas of his life such as public speaking. He doesn’t think twice or fear speaking in front of his whole school or even singing the National Anthem (solo) in front of them.
Several months ago, during my son’s saxophone lesson, he kept asking his saxophone teacher to explain to him how he could identify what key a song was in by simply looking at the music. I was curious where the desire to know this came from….he said he wanted to understand this concept better because his choir director was always talking about it and he wanted to know where she was coming from during rehearsals. While she really had a lot of saxophone to cover because he had a performance coming up, she relented and so ensued a 20 minute discussion of which I could not follow. He is 11. I am 45.
I believe they must also receive tips on how to become fine young men in addition to tips on how to sing and become fine young performers. When my son has less than admirable table manners, I have asked him on many occasions “would you do that if (insert important dignitary here) were with you right now?” It hasn’t worked…as is evident by how many dignitaries I have gone through….until…..I mentioned his choir director’s name. He stopped dead in his tracks, froze, and said “ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh….now I get it!” I haven’t had to use another name since.
But the most powerful endorsement of this organization probably comes from said choir member’s younger brother, who is waiting patiently to be old enough to join the group. He has sat through many practices and performances, patiently…., watching…., waiting…. and passing the time until he too, can one day join the ranks. In the meantime, he satisfies himself with listening to his older brother and trying to memorize what he hears and then runs along and sings what he can.
The Houston Boychoir has been a wonderful learning experience for all of the boys that audition from my school. The students that are members of the choir learn so much about themselves and how to interact with others. It is always a pleasure to attend their concerts and contribute to their campaigns. As members of the Boychoir, the young men represent well the youth of Houston with their positive, professional work ethic in practice and performance.
The Houston BoyChoir is an amazing organization. They manage to take rambuctious young boys and turn them into fine young gentlemen. More importantly, week after week, they train the boys on classical music as well as global and modern tunes. While doing this, they train their voices to sing in harmony and the result is a choir of angels when they perform. And when they perform, all those busy, fidgeting young boys become perfectly still, poised and professional as they bring tears to the eyes of any audience. The organization is outstanding for building self-confidence in their members, providing beautiful music to the community, and enhancing the lives of all they touch - boys, parents, supporters and strangers who hear them sing.
This organization is love. Giving the young ones not only something to occupy thier time but skills to carry on and even produce confident and strong minded individuals for future endeavors. Thanks for building up our children and showing them "how". Your organization is appreciated!
My son sang in both the Preparatory Choir and the Chamber Choir of Houston Boychoir, and he still participates at the Winter and Spring Concerts as a member of the "Men" of the Houston Boychoir. This organization was invaluable to him; he wasn't interested in sports or in other "group activities" such as Boy Scouts, but by being a member of HBC he had the opportunity to learn about interacting with other young men, meeting his responsibilities, and working toward shared goals. In addition, he received excellent musical training which increased his passion for music and encouraged him to continue to study music even though he has now graduated from high school. Our family is convinced that he would not have been as successful as he has been in music and in life if he not been given the opportunities afforded him by HBC. It's a fabulous organization run by amazing people!
Our two sons were in Houston Boy Choir 2011-2012. We were utterly delighted with HBC and wished we had found it sooner. The professionalism and dedication of the staff really impressed us. The boys had fun learning, performing, and making new friends. They had tremendous respect for their teachers. HBC not only helps boys develop musically, but also to mature into gentlemen. We were also encouraged by the commitment of the other parents to their sons and to the HBC. Unfortunately, we moved from Houston in summer 2012; hopefully we can find an organization of similar caliber near our new home.
The Houston Boychoir sang during a Sunday morning worship service at my church where I am the Worship Minister. They are a wonderfully delightful group of young men. They sing with passion, enthusiasm and authenticity. They are also very well behaved and professional in their appearance. I know all of the host families they stayed with were very impressed and really enjoyed having them in their homes.
Our eldest son has been a member of the Houston Boychoir for three years and every year, he is challenged to grow both as a person and musically. The choir directors and staff really understand boys and meet them where they are and motivate them forward.
It has been an honor to work within the schools of Houston enabling students to participate in auditions and the selection process of the Houston Boychoir Inc. The leadership of the group, the challenges posed to the children, and the rewarding results within each concert, not only enhances music building but character development of participants. Thank you Houston Boychoir!
My just recently completed his 1st year in the prep choir and he had the time of his life. Not only did he get the opportunity to learn to sing beautiful songs, he learned to read music, and gained a since of independence while participating in their tours. This experience has been a wonderful one for not only him, but our entire family. We are looking forward to next year.
My son has been a member of The Houston Boychoir for the past 7 years. I cannot praise enough the organization on how many different ways they work so hard to enrich a young boys life. Yes there is music, singing as a team, harmony, sight-reading, musical experience, but to me, more importantly the opportunities that are given to sharpen their lifeskills at a very early age are priceless! They sing in a number of weddings, opening ceremonies, civil events throughout the year and learn discipline, professionalism, and providing meaningful community service. Every boy in Houston should go through this program. They will be 10 steps ahead of their peers at every stage of teir life.
I am a professor of voice and opera at a major university, and I was hired this spring to direct a production for the Houston Boychoir. I could not have been more impressed by their abilities, dedication, and discipline. They rose to the challenge and turned out a wonderful performance, fueled by intense rehearsals and by work on their own in between them. I am also impressed by the peer mentoring and discipline I saw. And this is not just a professional choir. These children have fun, and are accepting of each other's diversities, strengths, and weaknesses. This is a terrific organization!
This organization has been the most Amazing & Wonderful experience for my son! He started in third grade and is now moving on to his Junior yr. In High School. He continues to learn and grow in his Vocal ability. He even volunteers with the Prep Choir. It has been a life-changing experience for our family. My son has even participated with the Choir singing at Carnegie Hall! He has grown from a Boy into a Wonderful Young Man with the influence of this organization. The staff are professionals and are dedicated to these young men. The Houston Boychoir is not just another non-profit, they become family to the boys and their families! Thank you to the staff of this great organization!
As a parent volunteer, I know that Houston Boychoir puts boys first. The choir accepts boys from the greater Houston area and gives them a fine musical education along with performance and travel opportunities. The choir has been a second family for my son since he joined at age nine. As a teenager, he sings in the Boychoir's high school group. He has made great friends along the way, and has learned that working hard at something you love brings great personal reward. The rehearsal and performance schedules are demanding, but the results show at every concert. The boys tour every summer and attend a choir camp to learn new music, and fun is interwoven with the learning. The experience has certainly deepened my son's love of music.
The Houston Boychoir sings at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Nassau Bay, TX each year where they hold their annual retreat. They are a remarkable group of young men whose singing lifts us to the heavens with their pure tones and outstanding pitch. It is a huge blessing to our congregation and we are very thankful that they come to sing for us and lead us in worship.
My first impression of the HBC is the focus and discipline apparent in their performance. This is an opportunity for children to become young men having experienced team spirit and community. I have met some of the former "boys" who have turned into healthy, well adjusted young men with bright futures ahead. I believe the HBC and dedication of the Executive Director, Carole Nelson provide these boys with opportunites to experience the world through travel, community through a healthy sense of belonging, and a growing sense of life and all it's possibilites.