For 45 years, the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas has given young singers opportunities to perform around the world. But behind every rehearsal and performance is a goal that extends beyond learning music.
Through choir, boys learn leadership, collaboration, punctuality, etiquette, hard work and confidence: skills that can be carried into adulthood. Executive Director Tiana Mortimer said music also creates common ground among boys who come from different backgrounds.
“There's just something about music that levels the playing field,” Mortimer said. “It doesn't matter [what their background is]. Once they walk in the door, music levels everything out.”
What programs are available?
The organization offers programs beginning at age 6. Music Magic, designed for boys ages 6-7, is an eight-week music enrichment program offered in the fall and spring. The program's fall season started on October 16, and they are accepting boys through the end of the month. Boys learn fundamentals such as rhythm, pitch matching, singing posture and breathing, with no previous experience or voice evaluation required.
Beginning at age 8, or third grade, boys with unchanged voices can complete a voice evaluation for placement in one of the organization’s treble choirs. The organization currently includes the Town Choir and its top-level Tour Choir, which performs at high-profile events, records music and travels for summer performance tours.
Voice evaluations are available throughout the year, and prior musical experience is not required.
What opportunities can choir provide?
Over its 45-year history, the choir has been nominated for an Emmy award, performed at venues including the Sistine Chapel and the Kennedy Center, collaborated with symphony orchestras, performed in a television special with Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, recorded 10 CDs, and sung in several Randall’s Food Market commercials, for which they won an Addy award for television commercial excellence.
The Tour Choir also recorded several songs for a popular video game, and alumnus John Holiday, the choir’s 1999 Outstanding Choirboy, went on to become a professional countertenor and was a finalist on Season 19 of “The Voice.”
In addition to those incredible opportunities, some of Mortimer’s most memorable moments happen during rehearsals. She has spent nearly three decades with the organization and has watched generations of boys walk through its doors.
“These boys come in from swim practice with their hair all matted, or they’re hot and sweaty from football or basketball practice. Then you hear the rehearsal, and it’s night and day,” Mortimer said. “These rough and tumble boys are all of a sudden singing like angels. The contrast is amazing.”
Why does timing matter?
Unlike many childhood activities, singing in a treble choir comes with a limited window. A boy’s unchanged voice can begin changing at different ages, and Mortimer said families cannot predict exactly when that will happen. Because of this, she advises families who are deciding between choir and sports to enroll their child in the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas while they are still able to.
Those interested in learning more can find resources here:
Website: https://fbbctx.org/
Phone number: 281-240-3800
Address: 4411 Bluebonnet, Ste. 103A, Stafford
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas?
It is a renowned organization that has provided young boys with world-class musical opportunities, travel and performance experiences for 45 years while teaching vital life skills like leadership, confidence, teamwork and etiquette.
What programs are offered?
Music Magic (Ages 6-7): An 8-week entry-level enrichment program held in fall and spring focusing on foundational skills (rhythm, pitch, posture and breathing). No voice evaluation is required.
Treble Choirs (Ages 8-plus): Performance ensembles for boys with unchanged voices, including the Town Choir and the premier Tour Choir. An informal voice evaluation is required.
Does a child need prior music experience to join?
No. Prior musical training is not required for any program, and voice evaluations for the treble choirs take place year-round.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller of Community Impact's Storytelling team, with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.