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The Boys' Choir of Tallahassee |
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MILLER COUNTY LIBERAL Famous Tallahassee Boys Choir performs to a standing room only crowd at Cotton Hall. Tallahassee Boys Choir great! by Terry Toole The now famous Boys Choir of Tallahassee were the star performers Sunday, January 30, at Cotton Hall in Colquitt. The 145 young men are from intercity who just love to sing classical, patriotic, spiritual, regional, show tunes, and popular music. Started in 1995 under the auspices of the School of Social Work at Florida State University, the Boys’ Choir of Tallahassee’s motto is “No Excuses.” While no auditions are required, members of the choir are expected to reach for academic, social and performance excellence. Meeting three times a week from 2:30 to 8 p.m., they attend study hall, and complete their homework, tutored by interns and volunteers when necessary. They also are required to attend multi-session meetings on four topics: developing self-esteem, building relationships, learning how the juvenile justice system works, and building reading skills. Choir rehearsals, typically two hours long, are vigorous and rigorous. Led with love and old-fashioned discipline by Professor Earle Lee Jr., these rehearsals refine the boys’ renditions of gospel, patriotic songs, spirituals, show tunes, and popular pieces. “I saw where children needed a way to express themselves,” says Lee. “Kids that had been abandoned, kids that had been neglected, could use their talents and use music as a therapeutic tool.” Armed with a degree in social work and music, Lee formed The Boys’ Choir of Tallahassee in 1995. “Eighty-five percent of the boys live without fathers in the homes,” explains Lee. “So, there’s a lot of pain there and that’s why we have this Boys Choir of Tallahassee, for them to come to and make music and receive support and love and guidance and lots of discipline.” Any boy between eight and eighteen can join. No questions asked. The choir has won countless awards for its performances around the world. But Lee’s greatest reward is seeing the choir’s alumni go to college — every single one. Lee wears the hats of choir director, mentor, friend and father proudly. On days when he says he doesn’t have much left to give, it’s the boys that keep him going. The Boys Choir of Tallahassee has been coming to Colquitt up to three times per month for quite awhile to learn skills from HennyPenny and Ralph Wilcox, that they can use in their future. Cotton Hall was filled to capacity to enjoy the great performance of this group of very talented young men. If you missed this performance, watch for future performances of this highly talented group that is handled with "tough love," and they thrive on it. |
