Land of Lakes Choirboys

The Land of Lakes Choirboys is a nonprofit boy choir organization based near St. Francis, Minnesota in the United States. Consisting of six individual choir ensembles, the organization performs in local, national, and international locations. Through a series of training programs, choristers are taught arts of music, leadership, respect, honor and other elements of human integrity. Known for singing works of various musicians such as Bach and Antonio Vivaldi, the choristers sing religious and secular music. The Land of Lakes Choirboys are supported by various organizations and individual donors.

History

Land of Lakes Choirboys was founded by Craig Carmody-Anderson in 1976. It consisted of a single choir and depended on the community and a school building to support choir events. Beginning with eighteen members and conducted by Anderson himself, the organization continued to grow. Deciding it was important to perform for different audiences, the Choir purchased a motor coach in 1984. This allowed the Choir to conduct tours and provide transportation. To compensate for limited space, the Choir purchased several acres of land and an old schoolhouse building near Elk River, Minnesota in 1991. This is where the organization functioned, holding its choir rehearsals and activities.

To create its own unique sound, the Choir began searching for a new conductor. Born in New Zealand, Francis Stockwell was hired. Stockwell was a music director at a school in Switzerland and had experience working with the Vienna Boys' Choir. The Choir then established a second ensemble that was used to train choristers until they were invited into the touring choir. Anderson directed the training choir while Stockwell directed the touring choir.

In 2002, the State of Minnesota ordered the condemnation of the choir's land to construct a highway overpass. Rehearsals and activities were temporarily held inside of a local church building, until the choir purchased a facility near St. Francis, Minnesota. This is where the organization continues to function. Through time, the choir grew large enough for the organization to hire Aaron Carpenter. Carpenter took the direction of two new training choirs and later the national touring choir.

Ensembles

Training Choirs

*The Prep Choir is the first, but optional stage in vocal training. This choir features boys aged five, six, and seven. Conducted by Stockwell, these boys are introduced to singing through movement, acting and unison song. They perform twice every year and rehearse for a short time once every week.

*The Training Choir features boys aged 8-13. These boys are taught the basics of singing, breathing, note reading and vocal production. Choristers are conducted by Carpenter but they do not perform for any audience. With three stages of training, a chorister begins as an "apprentice" and works his way through a "scholar" and finally a "performer". Once a chorister has become a performer, he is promoted into the Resident Choir.

*The Resident Choir features boys aged 8 -14. They travel to local areas, obtaining experience at performing for audiences. Choristers undergo more extensive training, having two practices weekly and one personal voice lesson each month. Carpenter conducts this choir, introducing choristers elements such as leadership and honor. Members of this choir prepare for being promoted to one of two touring choirs.

Touring Choirs

*The Nordic Choir features boys aged 8-14. Conducted by Carpenter, these choristers rehearse twice every week and have one personal voice lesson per month. They are introduced to further vocal development and perform for national audiences. Boys who show exceptional talent are promoted to the Viking Choir.

*Formerly known as the Touring Choir, the Viking Choir is the highest stage of vocal development in the Land of Lakes Choirboys. It consists of boys aged 9-14 and is directed by Stockwell. Choristers are taught complex elements of singing and human integrity. Singing for international audiences, this choir is critically acclaimed.

*The Alumni Choir features boys from previous choirs whose voices have changed, as well as their fathers. This choir works to develop the changed voice and will consider touring under the direction of Anderson.

Awards

* The only boys’ choir outside of Germany to have received the honor of opening the International Bach Festival in Ratingen, Germany, in June 1999, with a full concert.

* Winner of the 2004 International Trebby Award for 'Best Boys’ Choir Album” with its CD “Steal Away.

* 2006 Grand Champion of Cruise Festivals Music Festivals.

* Winner of the Gold diploma in the qualifying around in Category 1 (Children's choirs) at the 5th World Choir Games in Graz, Austria; July, 2008

* Winner of the Gold diploma in the qualifying around in Category 17 (Sacred Music) at the 5th World Choir Games in Graz, Austria; July, 2008

* Winner of the Silver Medal in the competition round in Category 1 (Children's choirs) at the 5th World Choir Games in Graz, Austria; July, 2008

* Winner of the Silver Medal in the competition round in Category 17 (Sacred Music) at the 5th World Choir Games in Graz, Austria; July, 2008

Discography

Each of the following are recordings of the Viking Choir or former touring choir.

*"An Evening With the Land of Lakes Choirboys" (1999)
*"For the Joy of Singing" (2000)
*"Let Us All Be Grateful" (2002)
*"Home For Christmas" (2003)
*"Steal Away" (2004)
*"All Ye Who Music Love" (2005)
*"The Voice of the Children" (2007)
*"Silver & Gold" (2008)

External links

* [http://www.lolcb.org/ Official website]
* [http://www.treble.info/land-of-lakes-choirboys/index.html LOLCB at treble.info]