Developing boys through the discipline of music
Mailing Address:
Land of Lakes Choirboys
P.O. Box 74
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
Physical Address:
Land of Lakes Choirboys
6437 Norris Lake Road
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
Telephone: 763.213.8105
E-Mail: choir@lolcb.org
The Beginning Choirs - Prep Choir, Training Choir, and Voyager Choir
Training begins in the Prep Choir (ages 5-7) where the boys learn how their body works to produce a pure and natural sound. They begin to learn about proper posture, breathing, and behavior. They rehearse for 45 minutes once each week. After the Prep Choir, the boys move into the Training Choir (ages 8+). Here the boys begin the formal process of the Voice for Life program designed by the Royal School of Church Music. The boys begin at the White Level and work through to accomplish the achievements of the Light Blue level. Having accomplished this the boys advance to the Voyager Choir where they begin work on the Dark Blue level and take a small tour in the spring of each choir season. Each level consists of five modules:
Module A: Using the voice well
Module B: Musical skills and understanding
Module C: Repertoire
Module D: Belonging to the choir
Module E: Choir in context
Click here to read more about each module.
Concert Choir
The Concert Choir is our newest choir. The boys advance to the Concert Choir through an audition process held each year. The openings vary from year to year, but, generally, the openings number between six and twelve. Their training continues in the areas presented in the Voice for Life program. Twice each month the choirboys spend time in classes using the five modules listed above. The Concert Choir tours each June throughout the United States and around the world. The music they sing comes from a variety of genres and languages. They sing in unison, two, three, and four parts. The Concert Choir also performs throughout the year in Minnesota and neighboring states.
What to do now????? - Schola Cantorum
At some point the boy begins to develop into a young man. This means that he will be graduating from the Choir program. At voice change, or the age of fourteen,the boys graduate from the Land of Lakes Choirboys and venture into new musical endeavors. However, they need not leave the program entirely. The Schola Cantorum is a place for graduates to reconnect and stay actively involved in making music. The Schola Cantorum performs throughout the area, and its tenor and bass voicing allows them to perform with the Concert Choir in selections requiring SATB voicing. This choir is also open to the public. Men of all ages are encouraged to join the Schola Cantorum.
Training Methods
The Land of Lakes Choirboys has adopted the Voice for Life program as their training curriculum. With several qualified staff members to teach in the areas of using the voice well, musical skills and understanding, repertoire, belonging to the choir, and manners and behavior the choristers receive a music education that empowers them to develop their skills.
Philosophy
Music is a gift within us. We all have a voice needing to be heard. The Land of Lakes Choirboys works with each of its choristers to help them develop their musical and leadership skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to become contributors to society. We strive to develop boys through the discipline of music.
Rehearsal Schedule
Prep Choir - Tuesday from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Training Choir - Monday and Thursday from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Voyager Choir - Monday and Thursday from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m
Concert Choir - Tuesday from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Schola Cantorum - 2nd and 4th Saturday from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Recorder Consort - Saturday from 12:30 - 1:15 p.m.
