PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The internationally acclaimed Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale is auditioning boys ages 7-13 for its 2022/2023 season.
The Choir was established more than 50 years ago. The boys who become members are not just singers; the group is known as “America’s Ambassadors of Song,” representing Philadelphia and the United States on concert tours.
“The boys understand the prestige of the choir and the reputation of the choir, and they understand the way they carry themselves reflects on the organization,” said Jeffrey Smith, who has been its artistic director since 2004.
“So when we are out at performances, meeting with the audience afterwards, perhaps — or when we are in foreign countries, frankly, the way they act reflects on our country. You know, some people, where we visit, they don’t necessarily have a great view of Americans. So when we go there, we say, ‘Hey, here is a great group from the country. They sing well, but they are also great kids,’ and sometimes they change people’s opinions.”
Auditions for the choir will be held on Wednesday. Smith says he doesn’t really expect the boys to prepare anything. It’s mostly impromptu.
“It’s just me working with them, teaching them some things and asking them to repeat them back,” he said.
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Smith says that’s the important part, because he wants to see how the singers pick up what he teaches. Then there is a part where he asks each boy to sing any song of his choice.
“Honestly that part is really mostly just for them — to get a chance to feel like they are doing something they are comfortable with, and they know, and they can really shine on,” Smith said.
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Find more information online about Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale auditions and Philadelphia Girls Choir auditions.