SJBC on the world stage

The SJBC Concert Choir departed on Friday, June 27 for the Czech Republic where they will represent the United States and the state of Minnesota at the International Boys' and Men's Choral Festival in Hradec Králové and Prague. The boys will travel throughout various regions of Bohemia, exploring the nation's architecture, history and culture. Highlights will include performances at the 700-year old Holy Spirit Cathedral in Hradec Kralove and historic Dvorak Hall in Prague.

JV takes Philly

The Junior Varsity Choir has embarked on its year-end tour. Their travels this summer will take them to the Keystone State, where they will visit the cities of Philadelphia and Hershey. Their plans include a collaboration with the Philadelphia Boys' Choir & Chorale, a number of church appearances, lots of sightseeing of historical monuments, and of course a trip to the Hershey Chocolate Factory.

Oratorio educates, inspires

A collaboration between St. Cloud State University and the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University yielded incredible results on April 25 & 26. The choirs and orchestras of both universities, in conjunction with the Cantabile Girls' Choir and the St. John's Boys' Choir presented an oratorio by Minnesota composer Stephen Paulus, To Be Certain of the Dawn. The concert was presented at both campuses to full houses. The event was a monumental one in the history of Central Minnesota and did much to educate the young people inovlved about the Holocaust and to engage them in discussion about prejudice and injustice.

Music transcends racial barriers

The St. John's Boys' Choir were a featured guests at the Changing Faces conference and workshop hosted by the Saint John's School of Theology and CSB's Companions on a Journey program. The Changing Faces series seeks to engage more people in transformative approaches to intercultural ministry. This particular workshop dealt with the topic Black and Catholic: Social and Cultural Challenges in Ministry. The boys presented a program of sacred music, ranging from Gregorian chant to music of the African diaspora. Their program was followed by a lecture by Dr. M. Shawn Copeland on African roots in today's Church.

SJBC sings at State of the State Address

The boys of The St. John's Boys' Choir were honored to be asked to sing for a distinguished audience at the 2008 Governor's State of the State Address at the St. Cloud Civic Center on February 13. The boys opened the ceremony with two patriotic songs and then lead the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner" before Governor Tim Pawlenty began his address. The boys also had the opportunity to meet and chat with Governor Pawlenty after the event.

SJBC welcomes new boys, conductor

A total of 23 boys were selected to become part of the 2008 SJBC Training Choir. The choir met for the first time at an annual opening camp on February 1-2, where the boys had the opportunity to make beautiful music, to learn theory and to make new friends. Also joining the organization is Tom Speckhard who was recently appointed conductor of the Training Choir. Tom has worked with singers of all ages before, and currently teaches voice and directs the opera at CSB-SJU.

Boys promote male singing

The St. John's Boys' Choir were invited guest artists at the Real Men Sing workshop presented by the Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs and professional men's ensemble Cantus. The boys represented what young men could achieve in the pursuit of musical excellence. Their performance received praise for their sound, musicality and program. SJBC continues to promote excellence in male singing as part of its mission and thank Angelica Cantanti for putting on this valuable workshop as well as Cantus for their mentorship.