Treble (singer) facts for kids
The word treble is a special name for the singing voice of a boy or girl. You might also hear it called a boy soprano. However, since many girls now sing in cathedral and church choirs, the word "treble" is used for both boys and girls.
What is a Treble Voice?
A treble voice is the highest singing voice for children. It is usually bright and clear. Children can sing as trebles until they reach puberty.
How Voices Change
When a boy reaches puberty, his voice starts to change. This is often called his voice "breaking." His voice will become much lower. He might then sing as a tenor, baritone, or bass. Sometimes, he might even train to become a countertenor.
A girl's voice also changes during puberty. However, this change is usually more gradual. Her voice will still stay in the higher soprano or alto range.
Training for Trebles
Boys and girls who join a cathedral choir or a large church choir work very hard. They learn to develop their voices and sing beautifully. This training often starts when they are around 7 or 8 years old. They usually have only a few years to sing as trebles before their voices change.
Most trebles do not become famous solo singers. However, the Welsh treble Aled Jones became very well-known. He made many recordings before his voice changed in 1987.
Trebles in Classical Music
The term "treble" is mostly used for children singing in classical music. This is especially true for church music. Children do not often sing in opera. But sometimes, a treble might be used for the part of a very young boy. For example, in Debussy’s opera Pélléas et Mélisande, a treble sings a small boy's role.
