Goals

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 55 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 16 may audition. Previous musical training is important, but not necessary. Auditions are generally held on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 – 12:00 at Trinity Episcopal Church at 501 So. Cincinnati. Third grade music teachers in the public and private schools are periodically notified of the auditions and given material to send home with boys. Although the main recruiting efforts are focused on third graders (minimum 8 years old), TBS encourages any interested and talented boy to audition. The audition lasts approximately 10 minutes and does not require preparation. To schedule an audition, please contact Ms. Jackie Boyd at 698-4029 or 585-BOYS.

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 is divided into three distinct groups:

Boychoir: A boy may enter this apprenticeship group with little or no knowledge of singing. During a semester of training (5 months), these Probationers develop fine singing voices and the ability to read music at sight. During their semester in Boychoir, most boys develop the musical knowledge and skills as well as the performance maturity to advance to the next level, which is the Concert Choir. Boychoir rehearsals are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church. Boychoir choristers who join in the spring semester attend the summer camp, but are day campers only from 8:00 - 5:00 (see below).

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. Choristers who continue to develop their musical skills and demonstrate further maturity and responsibility as performers are then invited to join the Schola Choir. The Concert Choir performs in several public concerts in the fall and spring, attends a week long summer camp and goes on summer tour. Rehearsals are held on Monday and Thursday from 4:30 - 6:00 at Trinity Episcopal Church. The tenor and bass sections rehearse on Thursdays only.

Schola Choir

The most advanced and skilled choristers enter the Schola Choir. These boys learn the most difficult repertoire, often with limited rehearsal time. These choristers must possess outstanding sight-singing skills, have demonstrated a high level of self-motivated learning and self-discipline. The Schola Choir usually consists of a maximum of 15 boys. This choir performs special pieces at various performances.

Camp

During the first week of August, Concert Choir choristers attend an intense week of residential summer camp at Camp Loughridge in Tulsa. Under the direction of a highly-trained and eager staff, the choristers continue to develop the musical skills they have acquired during the year. Daily schedules include four- five hours of music theory and rehearsals for a concert which culminates the week's activities. Summer camp is fun too!! In addition to choral training, the choristers participate in sports, games, swimming, fishing and eating delicious meals prepared by the parent 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. As such, tours are planned for each season during the summer months. Past tours have taken us many places from Washington D.C. to Flagstaff, Arizona. The primary purpose of tour is to enhance and strengthen performance skills. However, there are many other aspects of tour that enhance the program and the individual. By means of the TBS tour experience, education has new meaning.

The year 2002, Tulsa Boy Singers were invited to attend the prestigious AmericaFest International 2002 in Collegeville, Minnesota. AmericaFest is a world premiere festival for men and boys choirs that was held on the campus of St. John's University. The campus is situated on 2500 acres of prime woodland and lakes in central Minnesota. Wonderful facilities for rehearsal and performances in the world famous Abbey combined with the beautiful setting of nature and the recreational facilities of a men's college provided a memorable experience for all singers. Outstanding singers from all over the world came together for a significant period of time in a non-competitive festival. The choral activities were directed by outstanding international conductors. The theme of the festival concert was Sing Peace in a response to the September 11th attacks. TBS also performed in other cities on the way to AmericaFest as part of the planned tour.