The tradition of boy choirs is rich throughout the world with such famous choirs as the Vienna Boys Choir. Boy choirs have been shown to give an excellent musical education while developing personal confidence through performance and development.

The Orcas Boy Choir is having its first rehearsal on Monday, Jan. 23 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Mr Lund’s music room at the public school.  The choir is open to all boys ages 6 to 12, regardless of singing ability and all are encouraged to come to this first meeting and discover the excitement of singing together.

The group will be led by Mary WillAllen, a professional musician from San Juan Island. WillAllen has a masters degree in music, with a focus on voice and harp. She has experience teaching music in elementary and high school, as well as conducting numerous choirs including a community chorus.

“A group must come together, learn to sing, breathe, respect each other, share what they know, listen to individual and group pitch and most of all have fun together,” said WillAllen. “We will plan to sing unaccompanied (a capella) and with harmony. There is so much exiting music to choose from: sea chanties, world music, folk music and the music the group participates in composing. I am a composer and I teach theory with whatever else I am doing. The more students know, the clearer it becomes.”

The group has the support of Angel Michaels and the Islands A Cappella group, who are excited about the possibility of performing together in the future.

The first session will run Jan. 23 to April 2 with no rehearsal when the school is closed for public holidays. The cost is $50 for the 10-week session, partial scholarship may be available for those in need.

For more information, contact Mary WillAllen at 378-2387 or Rachel Bishop 376-5003.