Maryland State Boychoir
The Maryland State Boychoir is a choir based in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1987 by Frank Cimino, and was designated by Maryland Governor William Donald Schaefer as "Maryland's Official Goodwill Ambassadors". The choir is a donor-supported 501(c)3 organization that provides talented boys an opportunity to sing at a professional level while developing their self-esteem, self-discipline, and character. The choir is composed of approximately 150 choristers, ages 7 to 20, who come from a wide range of ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. They perform locally, nationally, and internationally. Frank Cimino is currently retired but still assists with the choir. Stephen Holmes is the Artistic Director, and Joseph Shortall is the Treble Choir Director but also directs select songs for the other choirs. The Maryland State Boychoir provides an opportunity for boys of all backgrounds to come together and sing. The choir is divided into the following groupings: the Tour Choir, the Concert Choir, the Treble Choir, the Changed Voice Choir, and the Resident Training Choir.
Changed Voice Choir This choir group consists of older boys who are tenors and basses.
Tour Choir The Tour Choir is composed of the most advanced singers of all ages and travels across the world to perform.
Concert Choir The Concert Choir is the intermediate group, which also tours extensively.
Treble Choir The Treble Choir consists of younger boys who are relatively new to singing in an organized setting.
Resident Training Choir The Resident Training Choir contains the newest and typically youngest members.
Annual Events
Winter Camp The choir holds an annual winter camp over a long weekend to introduce the component choirs to the spring repertoire.
Spring and Fall Tours The Concert Choir, Tour Choir, and Changed Voice Choir embark on short tours in the spring and fall. They typically sing at churches, schools, and retirement communities.
Summer Camp All of the component choirs attend a week-long summer camp on a college campus, which fosters group unity and builds the musical repertoire.
Summer Tour The Concert Choir and Tour Choir embark on separate extended tours in July and August. The destinations range from cross-country to across the globe.
African American Celebration All of the component choirs participate in an annual celebration of the African-American tradition, singing gospel songs and African based songs.
Spring Concert The Spring Concert is the culmination of the spring schedule, and it is held at the Maryland State Boychoir Center for the Arts.
Day of Goodwill The Concert and Treble Choirs in January visit and sing at nursing homes and schools, held usually on a Friday.
Baltimore Boychoir Fesitval A two day event, led by some of the country’s finest composers and clinicians, culminating in a group performance of many Boychoirs from across America.
Funding
The Maryland State Boychoir is primarily supported by private donors, including individuals, businesses, and foundations.
Published albums
The choir has released six CD albums:
- The Healing Power of Music
- Brothers
- Remember Me
- Live in Performance (out of print)
- What Sweeter Music (out of print)
- An Die Musik (out of print)
References
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