| History of the Richmond Boys Choir |
Now in its 16th season, the Richmond Boys Choir (RBC) began as a collaborative project of Theatre IV and the Boys and Girls Club of Richmond. After citywide auditions in the fall of 1996, 25 boys were selected for membership. In 1997, the Richmond Boys Choir became an independent, non-profit 501(c)3.
Over the past 16 years, members of the Richmond Boys Choir have been provided opportunities to represent their beloved Richmond throughout the U.S. by traveling to such places as Fayetteville, Kansas City, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and New York.
In 1999, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce deemed RBC “Richmond’s Ambassadors of Song.” In keeping with that title, the Richmond Boys Choir continues to showcase its personal, academic and musical excellence, while representing Richmond's diverse cultures through music and membership. RBC uses such opportunities to share with all who would hear the rich musical talent found right here in central Virginia. RBC welcomes members from all socio-economic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
For more information about the Richmond Boys Choir, please contact us at 804.788.6404.
Major Benefits of the Richmond Boys Choir Program
- Scholarship opportunities for graduating members.
- Improved quality of life in greater Richmond both at the individual and community levels.
- Musically gifted boys, some whose families could otherwise not afford professional training, gain the knowledge, tools, skills and support to realize their personal, academic and musical potential.
- Diverse segments of the community claim as their own a professional choir that through the medium of entertainment, offers a tangible source of pride and hope in the future of Richmond.
- Members develop to their full potential so that they may grow up to become healthy, contributing citizens and leaders among their peers.
- Members achieve academic success, develop emotional well being (particularly the capacity for defining personal goals and values and negotiating challenges), and accomplish artistic excellence.
- The program builds mutual respect and a sense of community among Choir members.
- Members acquire an appreciation for and confidence in their ability to engage in the world beyond their neighborhoods.
- Members participate in a summer intensive musical training workshop.
Performance History
- The Richmond Boys Choir, "Richmond's Ambassadors of Song," is celebrating 16 years of musical excellence. In a short time, RBC has established a number of musical collaborative traditions, including participating in several Richmond annual events like the Gellman Room Concert Series Christmas Concert at the Richmond Public Library and the African-American History Concert at the Children’s Museum of Richmond.
- The Richmond Boys Choir has performed in front of many distinguished crowds over the years. Some of the signature performances include:
- Opening the Richmond Forum for such great artists as Wynton Marsalis and Lily Tomlin.
- Opening for former Supreme member Mary Wilson at Maymont Park's Musicfest in Richmond, Virginia; the renowned James Earl Jones at Hampden-Sydney College and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
- Performing at key gubernatorial events in Virginia including the Inaugural Prayer Breakfast and the official Christmas tree lighting.
- The Choir was privileged to perform at other signature Virginia events, including the Jamestown opening ceremony for the “America’s 400th Anniversary” and “Virginia’s Royal Welcome Concert” commemorating the founding of Virginia and a visit by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.
- Appearing on the nationally viewed NBC Today Show, which hailed high praise from anchor Katie Couric.
- Performing at the White House for First Lady Laura Bush and at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
- In 2005, in recognition of its 10th anniversary, the Richmond Boys Choir traveled to Panama to perform in the International Music Festival. RBC was one of only two groups chosen to participate from the United States and the only youth ensemble.