Newark Boys Chorus facts for kids
The Newark Boys Chorus is a special group of young singers, a boys' choir from Newark, New Jersey. It started in 1966 as the New Jersey Symphony Boys Choir. Just a few years later, in 1969, this choir helped create the Newark Boys Chorus School. The chorus travels a lot, performing in the United States and in other countries around the world.
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How the Chorus Started
The chorus began because the New Jersey Symphony needed young voices. They wanted "angels' voices" for a part called "Dance of the Snowflakes" in their show of Tchaikovsky's famous ballet, "The Nutcracker". James R. McCarthy took on the job of finding these voices. He found 66 young singers for the show.
On December 26, 1966, the chorus performed for the first time. They joined the New Jersey Symphony and the Garden State Ballet for a full show of the Nutcracker. Their first performance at Newark Symphony Hall was a big hit! People loved it so much that they asked for more shows. This success led to the opening of the Newark Boys Choir School on September 15, 1969. In September 1972, the school officially became known as the Newark Boys Choir, and later, the Newark Boys Chorus School.
Amazing Performances and Tours
The Newark Boys Chorus sings many different kinds of music. Their songs include classic music, spirituals (traditional songs), folk music, and jazz. Since they started, the boys' choir has traveled all over the country and the world. They have visited countries like Japan, Latvia, Finland, France, Switzerland, Russia, Australia, Spain, and Portugal.
The chorus has performed in very famous places. These include Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. They also take part in many boychoir festivals. These festivals happen along the East Coast of the United States. Some examples are The Georgia Boy Choir Festival and the Maryland State Boychoir Festival. They even joined Keystone State Boychoir's B1K, which is a huge festival with one thousand male singers!
In the 1970s, famous composers Gian Carlo Menotti and Peter Mennin wrote special music for the group. This new music was first performed at Alice Tully Hall. The chorus also recorded a song called "The Golden Age of Leather" for the band Blue Öyster Cult on their album Spectres. In October 2007, the Chorus sang at the very first public event at the new Prudential Center. In 2009, the chorus sang a lullaby with the musician Sting at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. In December 2011, the group appeared on Fox News to sing their holiday songs.
The Newark Boys Chorus School
The Newark Boys Chorus School opened in 1969. It is a private school that teaches young men from the Newark area. The school focuses on both regular school subjects and music education. It is officially recognized by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. This means it meets high standards for education. The school's recognition was renewed for ten years in Fall 2018.
Famous Former Members
Many talented people have been part of the Newark Boys Chorus. Here are a few:
- Derek Lee Ragin, a special type of singer called a countertenor
- Anwar Robinson, who was a finalist on the TV show American Idol
- Rahshon Bright
- Robert Firth, also known as Ruby Rims, a well-known cabaret performer
