Program open to boys ages 6 and up Boys-only choir is set to launch in Georgetown

Diane Murray-Charrett has been conducting school and community choirs for more than 15 years. In an average choir of 30 singers, only 2-8 of those singers would be boys. "In music classes in school, the boys I taught were active participants and showed a real love of singing, yet hesitated to become part of the choir. So during the last school year, I offered a choir for Grades 3 and 4 boys, and 20 showed up to the first rehearsal." As the mother of three boys, MurrayCharett has become a first-hand witness to the importance of encouraging boys in music. "Boys need to know that singing is OK, and singing together is an extremely rewarding experience of great cultural value." Murray-Charrett, who moved to Georgetown from Saskatoon this past summer, hopes to provide a musical environment for boys with the creation of the Gaudeamus Boys Choir. The vocal and choral program will involve boys meeting in small group lessons once a week to study vocal technique, musicianship, and theory. Then, alternating Wednesdays, all the boys in the program will rehearse together to form the Gaudeamus Boys Choir. Gaudeamus is latin for "rejoice!" Boys can expect to perform an eclectic mix of vocal styles, from sacred to secular, from classical to musical theatre. Plans for the year include participation in dynamic concerts, and travelling to London, Ontario in the spring for a Boys Choir festival hosted by the Amabile Boys Choir. The home studio for voice lessons is located in Georgetown South, and the choir will hold rehearsals and various performances throughout the year at St. John's United Church, at 11 Guelph Street. The program is open to boys ages 6 and up, and will begin the third week of October. For more information, please contact Murray-Charett at 416-895-2697, or by email at gaudeamus@cogeco.ca.

Diane Murray-Charrett, director of the Gaudeamus Boys Choir, conducts her sons Cameron, 6, (centre) and Thomas, 9, as part of the choir. The program features boys meeting in small group lessons once a week to study vocal technique, musicianship, and theory. Then, alternating Wednesdays, all the boys in the program rehearse together at St. John's United Church in Georgetown to form the Gaudeamus Boys Choir. The choir is open to boys ages six and older. For more information, contact Murray-Charett at 416-895-2697, or by e-mail at gaudeamus@cogeco.ca.