SING WITH US and
CHANGE YOUR WORLD
MAKE NEW FRIENDS WHILE LEARNING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE!
Phoenix Boys Choir invites boys and young men
ages 7-18 to schedule an audition today!
Phoenix Boys Choir (PBC) provides our boys and young men with a creative, enriching and dynamic community. In fact, many of our alumni tell us that the PBC gave them their most formative experience as a youth. Our five choral ensembles provide a singing opportunity for every age group and level of experience.
Our music education programs feature training in voice, music theory, and performance for boys. Each year, we offer a full season of concert performances featuring a wide variety of languages, styles, and music genres. We produce recordings, participate in music festivals, and sing with other professional performing artists.
From our youngest Cadet voices and intermediate Town Choir, to the fully developed trebles in the Tour Choir and emerging tenors and basses in the Young Men's Ensemble, the Phoenix Boys Choir celebrates the voices of boys. Our boys learn emotional intelligence and develop lifelong skills in leadership, discipline, teamwork and empathy. Boys in the Town and Tour Choirs have the opportunity to travel nationally and internationally. These experiences open up the world to a boy and help him develop independence, problem-solving skills and confidence, in addition to cultural awareness.
To join PBC, take the first step and sign up
for an audition, which includes a free voice lesson with a PBC conductor.
Click HERE to schedule your audition. You can request an in-person or virtual audition via Zoom. In-person auditions take place at the Phoenix Boys Choir building located at 1131 E. Missouri Avenue in Phoenix.
General Requirements for our 2023-2024 Season
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Singer must be between the ages of 7 and 18
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Singer must turn 7 years old by September 30, 2023
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Prior musical training is not necessary to participate in PBC
More About Our In-Person and Virtual Auditions
You and your boy will meet with one of our conductors, learn more about the Phoenix Boys Choir and get the chance to ask questions. Then we’ll do some vocal work with your boy and give him the opportunity to sing a little. There is no need to prepare anything, and we don’t expect him to have singing experience. We use simple songs such as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Happy Birthday and the ABC Song, or your son can present a song of his choice.
If you choose the virtual lesson option, you will receive a Zoom link when you signup.
Phoenix Boys Choir FAQ's (English)
Phoenix Boys Choir FAQ's (Spanish)
FAQ's
What Choir Programs Are Available?
We have five levels, and we’ll help you find the right one:
• Cadet Choir: Choir for boys 7–9 with little or no singing experience
• Town Choir: Intermediate choir for boys ages 10–12 with some music experience
• Tour Choir: Advanced treble choir for boys ages 10–14 with unchanged voices
• Young Men's Ensemble: Choir for teenage boys with changed or changing voices, generally ages 14–18
• Masters Men's Choir: Advanced choir for adult men and interested high school students in 11th grade or older
Chorister placement begins with a voice lesson and audition where we can work with your boy and determine the best place for him to grow and succeed as a member of the Phoenix Boys Choir.
What happens during the audition?
You and your boy will meet with one of our conductors, learn more about the Phoenix Boys Choir and get the chance to ask questions. Then we’ll do some simple vocal exercises with your boy and give him the opportunity to sing a little. There is no need to prepare anything, and we don’t expect him to have singing experience. We use well-known songs such as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Happy Birthday and the ABC Song, or your son can present a song of his choice. The process generally takes 20-30 minutes.
Is there an age limit?
We accept boys from ages 7 to 18. Most young singers start in our training group, the Cadet Choir.
When are rehearsals?
Cadets rehearse on Tuesday evenings and one Saturday each month. The Town Choir rehearses Tuesday evenings and two Saturday mornings a month. The Tour Choir also rehearses Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Why aren’t girls allowed in the choir?
Boys’ voices create a different timbre (color of sound) than girls’ voices. Composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Britten and Bernstein have all written music specifically for boys’ voices. The Phoenix Boys Choir is currently working with the Phoenix Girls Chorus to offer co-ed afterschool choir programs at a growing number of schools. For more information, visit boyschoir.org/neighborhood.
Is prior music or voice training necessary?
No. Although prior music experience is helpful, boys will have lessons in music theory and receive vocal training.
Will my child receive voice training?
The Cadet program prepares boys for performing by teaching them basic music theory, sight singing, correct breathing, etc. All of our ensembles provide training in proper vocal technique, theory, and sight singing.
What if my son or music student doesn’t think he’s good enough?
If he has a sincere interest, encourage him to contact us anyway. Some of our most gifted boys were reluctant to take that initial step because they were afraid they weren’t good enough.
Does my son have to give up the school or church choir or his other activities?
Absolutely not! Boys are encouraged to stay actively involved in their other activities including choirs, sports and clubs. We try to be flexible with scheduling and attendance. That being said, there is a commitment required for purposes of sound quality. If your son cannot make a large number of rehearsals, this may not be the right activity for him. We need to be able to work with the boys continuously.
What is the cost to be in the program?
Tuition varies based on the choir in which a child participates. The cost for the Cadet Choir is $1,000 for the year (which includes our summer camp and the building use fee).
Are scholarships available?
We have a generous scholarship program. Need-based scholarships are available to all who qualify.
When does my son get his signature blue blazer?
Most boys start in the Cadet Choir, where the uniform is a logo polo shirt and khaki pants. The Choir’s signature blue blazer is awarded upon acceptance into the Town Choir or Tour Choir. Uniform requirements vary for each of our five performing ensembles. Gently used uniform items are often available at a significant discount.
What are the performance and traveling opportunities?
The Phoenix Boys Choir performs regularly across the Greater Phoenix region. PBC choristers have also performed at many national and international venues. PBC embarks on an annual tour in the summer. In the past, we’ve gone to Australia, China, Spain, Germany, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Japan, Poland, Czech Republic, Canada, and many other countries!
If you have any other questions, feel free to call the PBC office at 602-264-5328, or email harvey@boyschoir.org