The goal of TBS is to educate and train boys in the art of singing, to perform the finest music in the boychoir tradition, to contribute to the musical life of the Tulsa community, to develop character, discipline, leadership, and a strong commitment to excellence. Tulsa Boy Singers was founded more than 60 years ago with the same mission; to provide the opportunity for talented and interested young men with exceptional choral training, artistic development, and music education regardless of socio-economic or ethnic background. Although musical excellence has been a hallmark of the Singers since their beginning, the ultimate goal of the "TBS Experience" is to nurture and develop the whole person through the pursuit of excellence. This pursuit develops self-discipline and self-reliance, builds character, promotes good citizenship, and instills respect of oneself and others.

Auditions

Any boy between the ages of 8 and 18 may audition. Previous musical training is important, but not necessary. Third grade music teachers in the public and private schools are periodically contacted with information that may be sent home with interested students and, although the main recruiting efforts are focused on third graders (minimum age of 8), TBS encourages any interested and talented boy to audition. Auditions typically last 10 minutes or less and do not require preparation. Interested boys may make an appointment by contacting Mrs. Jackie Saylor at 698-4029, or may audition following any TBS performance.

Training

Although the staff is fully aware of the young age of these singers, they expect a sense of professionalism from each boy. Rehearsal and performance schedules are crucial to the success of the choir; therefore, each chorister is expected to be prepared for a professional level rehearsal and/or performance.

After passing the initial audition, choristers begin training which follows the scheme established by The Royal School of Church Music. Herein, the boys are introduced to all aspects of musicianship and professional ensemble performance. Through a series of graded steps, the chorister progresses in music theory and vocal training.

Choir Structure

The Tulsa Boy Singers are made up two choirs which practice each week, Mondays and Thursdays, throughout the school year with occasional rehearsals and performances during the summer break.

Boychoir:

A boy may enter this training choir with little or no knowledge of singing. Boychoir members learn to read music by sight, develop their singing voices, as well as the performance maturity that will allow them to advance to the next level of TBS. Choristers remain in Boychoir an average of two semesters, but it is not uncommon to remain for more or less time as advancement is determined by readiness.

Boychoir rehearsals are held Mondays and Thursdays from 4:30 - 5:45 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Boychoir members attend summer camp as day campers only.

Concert Choir:

While continuing their training in voice and sight-singing, boys in Concert Choir are given the opportunity to sing a professional repertoire in public performance. This choir performs in several public concerts in the fall and spring, attends summer camp and goes on tour each summer.

Concert Choir rehearsals are held Mondays and Thursdays, from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Camp

In the month of August, choristers attend an intense week of camp at Camp Loughridge in Tulsa, with Concert Choir members staying overnight. Under the direction of a highly-trained and eager staff, the choristers continue to develop the musical skills that have acquired during the year. Daily schedules include four to five hours of music theory and rehearsals for a concert that culminates the week's activities.

Summer camp is fun too! In addition to choral training, the choristers participate in sporting activities, games, swimming, hiking, and canoeing. Campers enjoy wonderful meals and snacks prepared by the TBS Parents' Association. The fun-filled week teaches choristers self-reliance and teamwork.

Tour

Each summer, the Concert Choir embarks on a wonderful journey as Tulsa's Musical Ambassadors. Past tours have taken the choir from Washington D.C. to Arizona!

The primary purpose of tour is to enhance and strengthen performance skills. However, it also allows choristers to grow in self-reliance and maturity, and an opportunity for learning through site-seeing and fun activities!

Most recently, TBS has travelled throughout Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and Great Britain.