In the fall of 2009, the Bel Canto Chorus of Milwaukee launched Milwaukee’s only Boy Choir. The group, called Bel Canto Boy Choir, further identifies itself as (BC)2.
A
Milwaukee Boy Choir allows talented young male singers the
opportunity to grow musically and socially within their own peer group.
The target membership is boys with unchanged voices, typically
starting with 4th graders. There is much data supporting the assertion
that boys at this age benefit from a high quality choral singing
experience in a nurturing environment without distracting social
pressures. Boys tend to drop out of choirs in middle school years due
to peer pressure from classmates and from feeling embarrassed about
singing around females. The Boy Choir experience allows talent to grow
and assists male singers in making a smooth transition to the adult
male voice.
Currently, Milwaukee is one of only a few major cities in the United States that does not have a Boy Choir. In Wisconsin,
Madison and Appleton both have successful Boy Choirs and parents
wanting this unique opportunity for their boys currently must drive to
those areas to participate.
The Bel Canto Chorus is Milwaukee’s premiere independent choral organization. Its
mission is to enrich the lives of its audiences and its singing members
through the outstanding live presentation of the finest choral music
and to reach out to the community in order to share the benefits and
joy of the singing arts. Initiating a Boy Choir further fulfills this mission by advocating treble singing. Furthermore,
Bel Canto is reaching out to a group of singers who currently do not
have this choral music opportunity available to them. The
Bel Canto Chorus is particularly well positioned to start this program
by using its existing administrative and artistic structure, which are
both critical to the success of any program.
For its second season, the Bel Canto Boy Choir will hold weekly rehearsals at a central Milwaukee location under the direction of Ellen Shuler. Rehearsals
will be held September through May and the Choir plans to have four
performances in the 2010-2011 season:
The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass October 10, 2010 Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center
Christmas in the Basilica December 4
& 5, 2010 Basilica of St. Josaphat
Grand Finale April 2011 Location TBD
