Ragazzi Sings

What is so special about a boy singer in a boys chorus?

                                                                                                                                                                          

Over the years, as Ragazzi has developed its reputation nationally and even internationally, we have endeavored to be the best boys chorus we can be.  As a result of our striving for excellence (there it is again!), we train our singers in the classical boy choir sound found in England, Vienna, South Africa (Drakensberg) and Germany. Consequently, we are often asked to provide soloists or choirs for other classical musical groups, including professional orchestras and opera companies.  In addition, our directors and boys give workshops for other choral conductors, demonstrating our teaching methods.

A young boy’s voice is a unique and beautiful thing; haunting, ephemeral.  Once the voice lowers as boys mature, that unique and wonderful boychoir soprano sound disappears.  (There are some wonderful adult male sopranos, for example in Chanticleer, but they use techniques for changed male voices – the sound is also beautiful, but unmistakably different.)  So, this brief stage is the time to treasure your boy’s voice and help him develop its full potential.

In the past week, Ragazzi was contacted by two professional organizations in need of a boy soprano soloist.  While all of our boys are valuable singers, generally only those who have studied as soloists would be considered for roles such as Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms or Menotti’s fabulous opera Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Last year a Ragazzi boy was the soloist in the San Francisco Opera’s world premiere production of Heart of a Soldier.  Four years ago a Ragazzi boy starred in San Francisco Opera’s The Little Prince.

Once your boy has mastered the basics of pitch and head voice (which we teach), as he advances to Concert Group and beyond, if he aspires to more, he should consider voice lessons (also called private study or solo coaching).  Our Handbook has recommendations of teachers who have proven success with boy sopranos.

Then, when opportunity comes knocking, he’ll be ready to open the door!

Here are Ragazzi’s recommended teachers as found in our Handbook:

3.1     Vocal Coaching and Private Music Lessons

The following voice teachers are recommended for boys who wish to pursue solo studies.  All boys in the Concert Group are encouraged to receive private vocal coaching.

                Please check with the Ragazzi office – availabilities and recommendations may change.

Jon Ellis

    jon.ellis.tenor@gmail.com

650-515-5975

    Peninsula

·   Norman DeVol

singernorm@aol.com

650-922-7751

Peninsula

·   Dr. Lee Strawn  
lees@sfsings.com

415-378-8556

Notre Dame Univ. Belmont

·   Wendy Hillhouse   (changed voices, only)
wendyhillhouse@gmail.com

    650-366-3559 (c)

    Peninsula

In addition members of Ragazzi faculty offer private music training in many forms such as musicianship, theory, sight reading, vocal remediation for problems, and are an excellent source of information about vocal therapists.The following faculty members offer private coaching for a fee.  Their contact information is in Section 1.2 and on our website and in the e-RosIter.  Please note that Ragazzi choristers may not study voice privately with their own current chorus director.

Kathy Morey                        Jesse Buddington                 Ross Morey                                         

Kent Jue                                                Craig Morey

Carol Panofsky can recommend coaches for boys who wish to gain extra skills in music theory.