NABGC History: Letter from the Director: Twentieth Anniversary (Oct. 2015)

This year the New Amsterdam Boys Choir is celebrating twenty years of providing East Harlem boys with the joys of choral music. Along the way, the boys have learned that their voices, individually and collectively, really matter; they have acquired self-confidence, poise, personal and group discipline in work and other skills for living in this complex world and, at the same time, brought pleasure to those who have heard them sing. There are three subjects that I want to stress in my first message of the year.

NABC director James Backmon

2005

Our walkathon was held on Saturday, October 22nd. This year some of the older boys are took major responsibilities for it: they laid out the route to be followed, raised the money for distinctive T-shirts for participants and other supplies, served as hosts for the guest walkers and, in general, managed the day’s operation. Before the walkathon, the boys visited some of the congregations that support us, an important socializing experience for them. Importantly, of course, the walkathon brings in money that helps underwrite the Choir for the year.

Secondly, the spring concert. Our sup-porters, friends and families always anticipate this performance with pleasure. In the past it has been difficult to plan the program far in advance since, inevitably, some of the boys will drop out during the year. Now, however, with the support of the Central Park East Schools I and II, we will be able to replace dropouts as needed and the repertoire for the spring concert has been decided. Regular rehearsals are scheduled for the feature presentation — “A Tribute to Paul Robeson”, composed by Jim Bartow.

Finally, we are planning for out-of-town trips for the NABC over the next five years. We have been overseas to Germany and as far west as Nebraska. These trips have always been important to the boys, giving them an opportunity to see life outside the big city.

I am happy to say that our volunteer support is stronger than ever. We have dedicated, hardworking individuals assisting with the walkathon, newsletter, grant writing, volunteer drivers and chaperones for out-of-town travel. This keeps our personnel costs down and allows the NABC to focus its limited resources on basic operations.

It is this ongoing support from individuals and organizations that makes the existence of the NABC possible. The NABC is a small organization where boys come and receive individual attention, learn how to use their voices for their own and other people’s pleasure. It is my dream that it remains this way for the next twenty years.

Mission Statement
The mission of the New Amsterdam Boys Choir (NABC) is to enrich the lives of young men in the East Harlem community through membership in a choral singing group. The choir is open to boys ages nine through eighteen. Discipline, respect and academic success are expected from its members.

History
Since its founding in 1986, the NABC has performed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, Nebraska, and Germany. The choir’s repertoire includes folk melodies, spirituals, religious and secular pieces. All music, which accommodates both unchanged and mature voices, is chosen with an aim to inspire and educate.

Curriculum
Rehearsals are held four days a week. The boys are instructed in vocal training, sight reading and ear training. Cultural enrichment includes periodic outings to artistic performances.

Management
Choir Director James Backmon, who founded the New Amsterdam Boys Choir in 1986, studied music at Queens College, Aaron Copland School of Music. Previously he was a member and then associate conductor of the Harlem Boys Choir. The NABC Board of Directors assists Mr. Backmon in fundraising and planning.