CHORISTERS (ages 9 and 10)
The Choristers are a training choir, may take short tours in-state and to adjoining states, and consist of a maximum of 35 boys who have auditioned for the group and who are generally between the ages of 9 and 10 and have an unchanged voice. New members may join the Choir at the Chorister level if they meet the age guidelines and demonstrate maturity and/or experience at the audition. Boys younger than 9 may join the group if they have been in the Cadets for at least one full year, and demonstrate the musical ability to participate in Choristers.
A Chorister should have a poise that is mature and self-responsible. He should demonstrate with coaching a developed sound, including clarity, with a minimum range of an octave and a half, and be able to match pitch thoughout the range without difficulty. He should exhibit correct posture, use of the diaphragm, and the use of a head tone in the high range.
The Choristers rehearse on occasion with the Concert Choir for part of their rehearsal. Choristers give approximately 15 performances a year, both by themselves and with the other choirs. This group sings music in two and three parts, in several languages, with and without accompaniment. The repertoire includes a wide variety, from classical to pop, with opportunities for solos, choreography, composition, and conducting. Choristers are expected to perform a solo at the annual solo concert. Their solo will be selected by the Director and rehearsal recordings are provided.
The Choristers rehearse Tuesday evenings from 5:30 – 7:00 P.M.
CONCERT CHOIR (ages 10 to 16)
The Concert Choir is the flagship choir of the Albuquerque Boy Choir. It is an in-town and touring choir of no more than 40 boys, generally between the ages of 10 and 16, including some boys with changed voices. Boys younger than 11 may join this group if they have been in the Choristers for at least one full year, and demonstrate the level of musicality required for concert choir. A Concert Choir member should show self-direction that focuses his energy on team goals for long periods of time, even in unusual or difficult circumstances. It is recommended, but not required, that a new Concert Choir member have had at least two full years of experience singing in a choral organization where two or more parts were sung. A Concert Choir member should show a developed sound, including clarity, with a minimum range of an octave and a half. He should also be able to match pitch thoughout the range without difficulty. He should exhibit correct posture, use of the diaphragm, and use of a head tone in the high range. He is expected to have a more focused sound than is expected of a Chorister, and be able to project without force.
The Concert Choir performs approximately 25 times thorughout the year including an out-of-state or international tour. The Concert Choir sings music in multiple parts and in several languages, with and without accompaniment. The repertoire includes a wide variety, from classical to pop, with opportunities for solos, choreography, composition, and conducting. The experiences of the boys in the Concert Choir will last a lifetime.
Concert Choir rehearses Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 7:30PM.