Membership faq
How is the Mississippi Boychoir structured?
There are currently two official choirs within the Mississippi Boychoir: Training Choir and Concert Choir. Training Choir is for unchanged voices only and serves as a preparatory ensemble that equips the boys with the skills needed to graduate to Concert Choir. Concert Choir is the top performing ensemble of the organization, and is made up of both changed and unchanged voices. Concert Choir is sometimes split between changed and unchanged voices for particular songs to give the boys the experience of singing SA or TB.
How do I join?
Just click the “Join” tab at the top of the page, choose Training or Concert Choir, and fill out the provided form! Someone from our organization will contact you to set up a time to visit and give your boy an opportunity to work with one of our directors. No prep work is required for this very informal placement.
Does my son need prior music training?
Absolutely not! Mississippi Boychoir teaches boys of all different skill levels. Some participate in their school and church choral programs, and some have never sung in choir before. Our job is to identify natural musical talent and cultivate it in each and every boy. If your son is more advanced, please request a placement in our Concert Choir!
What kind of activities does the Boychoir participate in?
The Mississippi Boychoir gives signature concerts at Christmas and Spring and participates in many other performances throughout the season. Our boys do everything from singing at a charity fundraisers to traveling to different states or countries to represent Mississippi at choral music festivals. We also love to collaborate with other choirs.
When and where will rehearsals be held?
Training Choir rehearses for 1 hour per week, with an added 3-hour day camp one Saturday a month. Concert Choir rehearses for 2 hours per week, plus a 3-hour day camp one Saturday a month in which all members from all branches participate. For our Concert Choir member, there are also 2 overnight rehearsal camps per season.
For Safety Purposes, we will not list the locations of practice but will list the times:
Jackson Division - Tuesdays 5:30 - 7:30 (Training Choir), 6:00 - 8:00 (Concert Choir)
Vicksburg Division - Sundays 3:30 - 5:30
Brookhaven Division - Thursdays 4:00 - 6:00
Gulf Coast - Thursdays - 5:30 - 7:30
Hattiesburg - Mondays - 5:30 - 7:00
How long is the season?
Typically, our schedule follows the public school schedule. Our first rehearsal in August usually lines up with the first week of school, and our final concert in May marks the end of our regular season and usually falls about two weeks before the school year ends. Our summer commitments vary from year to year, depending on our travel plans. If we are attending a choral festival or holding a performance tour, there will be a few rehearsals in the summer months leading up to the trip.
What if my son is involved in other activities?
We love our well-rounded singers who are representing us in sports and other organizations! Scheduling conflicts are handled on a case-by-case basis. We do require attendance at all rehearsals and performances, but conflicts can be worked out if adequate notice is given. Communication is key.
How do I transport my son to rehearsals?
Parents are responsible for providing their own transportation. Our parent community often works together to carpool.
What are the costs to participate?
Tuition for Concert Choir Members is $900 per season, and tuition for Training Choir Members is $600. This amount covers weekly instruction, music, rehearsal supplies, t-shirt, and two weekend camps (Concert Choir only).
Additionally, each boy is required to sell $150 in Season Program ads or buyout his ad portion.
Required purchased uniform pieces are minimal - polo shirt, bow tie, and vest (rental) - less than $50.
What if my family can’t afford full tuition for membership?
Mississippi Boychoir offers a couple of options for tuition assistance: our Embracing Every Singer Sponsorship Form may be used to solicit donations to be applied to your child’s tuition and/or you may apply for a tuition discount based your family’s income. Mississippi Boychoir prides itself on having never turned a boy away for inability to pay tuition. But again, communication is key!
What is the uniform?
For Concerts, our boys wear long sleeve white dress shirt, black dress slacks, black belt, black socks, and black shoes (parent provided). Boys are required to purchase their bow tie and rent the black vest from Mississippi Boychoir. Additionally, our boys sometimes perform in a polo shirt (purchased from Boychoir) or t-shirt (provided in tuition).
Can I join if the season has already started?
Yes! We do encourage joining before the season starts, but we will accept new members anytime who are willing to put in a little extra work to catch up on the learning they may have missed.