The Fort Bend Boys Choir’s 30th anniversary group.
A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY | By Joan Frances –
There is something about hearing music that calms the nerves and soothes the soul. During the early days of Fort Bend County, settlers made their own musical instruments and found time between the harvests and during the holidays to meet in the town square and share their talents, relax and sing. The highlight of the day was when the children sang. Hearing a child’s voice, so pure and innocent, can move an adult to tears. For 33 years, the residents of Fort Bend have been fortunate to experience the unified harmonies of a group of exceptional young boys known as the Fort Bend Boys Choir. The organization’s history and accomplishments is illuminating.
As a boy living in Phoenix, Arizona, Artistic Director William R. Adams was considered a rebellious youth who was always getting into trouble. He auditioned and became a member of the boys choir at his school. The choir’s structure and discipline helped mold him into a youth with high esteem and confidence, which instilled in Adams the drive to become a successful individual. As he matured, he became focused and efficacious. He attended college and married. Adams moved to Houston with his wife in 1975 and became engaged working with the Big Brother and Big Sister organization. In 1982, he moved to Missouri City and had a vision to begin the first boys choir organization in Fort Bend County.
William R. Adams
“I wanted to give talented boys with special musical ability an opportunity to develop their gift by challenging them to sing anything from classical selections to folk music,” Adams said. He also knew what this experience did for him as a troubled youth. He obtained approval from Fort Bend Independent School District to solicit male students ages six to 12 years to audition to be a member of the choir. This organization started with 45 members and is now one of the largest independent boys choir in the world with over 150 choristers.
The Fort Bend Boys Choir has achieved overwhelming national success. They have performed for three United States presidents, as well as at the opera, symphony orchestras, in well-known cathedrals and concert halls including The Kennedy Center and the Sistine Chapel with Pope John Paul II in attendance. The Tour Choir was celebrated at the 1989 inauguration of President George Bush, the opening ceremonies of the 1986 United States Olympics and the 1993 Spoleto Choral Festival. They were the only choral ensemble in the United States to perform at the White House during the 2001 Pageant of Peace lighting of the National Christmas Tree. They are also famous for performing The Star Spangled Banner throughout the United States.
As The Fort Bend Boys Choir continues to grow in popularity, public support is exceedingly gratifying. The Tour Choir collaborated with the Texas Men’s Choir and will be releasing nine CD recordings for Universal-Sony Studios in early 2016. They are in high demand for concert performances, commercials, television specials, weddings and conventions. In June 2016, the choir will travel to Minnesota for a two-week summer performance tour.
The Fort Bend Boys Choir is one of the finest programs in the country. The magnificent union of young voices is enlightening and heartfelt. The work and pride of these students is evident, and their performances are breathtaking. Auditions will be Saturday, December 12th from 9 am to noon at First United Methodist Church in Missouri City.
Visit www.fbbctx.org or call 281-240-3800 for more information.