SJBC Celebrates Black History Month

The Concert and Junior Varsity Choirs of The St. John's Boys' Choir hosted a celebration in honor of Black History Month at the historic Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud. The concert featured the young choristers performing music of the African diaspora ranging from African folk music and following its progression to spirituals, gospel music and jazz. The boys joined with members of the Nu-Way Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir, an all-black ensemble that delighted the audience with music from the gospel tradition. All the young singers were thrilled to collaborate with acclaimed special guest, Jearlyn Steele. Ms. Steele was an inspiration for all the choristers as she worked with them in two rehearsals prior to the performance.

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.

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.

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.

Choir remounts opera

The St. John's Boys' Choir presented an encore presentation of their world premiere commissioned opera, The Star Gatherer. This year's production introduced the work to a number of schools in the Central Minnesota area. The run closed with a gala reception and performance on Saturday October 13. Composer Stephen Paulus was in attendance and was thrilled with the new production. The boys will be performing another major Paulus work later this year, To Be Certain of the Dawn with the choirs and orchestras of Saint John's University, the College of Saint Benedict, St. Cloud State University and the Cantabile Girls' Choirs.