Choir of Men & Boys
About the Choir
Founded in 1889 and one of the few choirs of men and boys in the country, The Choir of Men & Boys sings for Sunday worship every other week. The boys meet twice a week for practice, social time and musical education.
The choir experience combines first-class musical training with unique opportunities for the boys to distinguish themselves as they prepare for young adulthood and college. After voice change, boys are invited to sing with the Men's Choir, which meets once a week for practice. Each boy receives a stipend that increases with experience and achievement.
Repertoire comes from the large spectrum of music composed over the centuries specifically for male voices, including new compositions within that tradition.
A week of choir camp in August helps to create a sense of community among the boys and to assimilate new members. The choir sings services and concerts in the surrounding area as well as festivals with other choirs.
The choir has made two tours to England. New boys ages 7 and higher of any background are always welcome. The only requirements are a musical ear and a willingness to learn.
See Choir Community for choir announcements, news of upcoming events, and the Choir Calendar.
Photo above right: boys at Summer Choir Camp. Photo above left: For the past two years, the Boys' Choir has been asked to sing the National Anthem and the pre-anthem song at a Somerset Patriots Baseball game. Photo below: the Choir of Men & Boys; photo taken in September 2008.
Service of Lessons & Carols, December 2008
The Boys' Choir revived an old St. Peter's tradition in December 2008 by singing a service of Lessons & Carols a week before Christmas. Listen to them sing a carol from that evening, "Ding, Dong Merrily on High," via mp3. (Photo and sound file by Kevin Coughlin.)
L-R: Andrew Halkyard, Ben Cutler, Michael Kane, David Halkyard, Geoff Lareau; in the back: Associate Rector Jason Haddox and Music Director Brian Harlow.
Singing in the Community
The boys also sing for the guests at St. Peter's soup kitchen during the holidays, and at local nursing homes and retirement communities. Below they are shown caroling at Christmas 2008 at the Mt. Kemble Home.
Historical Recordings
- Historical recordings of the choir can be seen on YouTube:
- Here is a recording (mp3) from 1984 of "O Holy Night," sung by the Boys' Choir.
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