The Maryland State Boychoir is a choir based in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1987 by Frank Cimino, and was designated by Maryland Governor William Donald Schaefer as "Maryland's Official Goodwill Ambassadors". The choir is a donor-supported 5013 organization that provides talented boys an opportunity to sing at a professional level while developing their self-esteem, self-discipline, and character. The choir is composed of approximately 150 choristers, ages 7 to 20, who come from a wide range of ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. They perform locally, nationally, and internationally. The founder, Frank Cimino, is currently retired but still assists with the choir. Stephen Holmes is the Artistic Director, conducting and teaching the choir, along with Joseph Shortall, the Assistant Director. The Maryland State Boychoir provides an opportunity for boys of all backgrounds to come together and sing. The choir is divided into the following groupings, based on musical knowledge, voice part, and skill. Resident Training Choir The Resident Training Choir contains the newest and typically youngest members, learning the basics of reading music and music theory. Treble Choir The Treble Choir consists of younger boys who are relatively new to singing in an organized setting. Tour Choir The Tour Choir is composed of advanced singers of all ages, focusing on traditional chamber church music. They travel across the world to perform on three annual tours. Concert Choir The Concert Choir is the intermediate group, composed of all ages, which also tours extensively. Young Mens Chorus This choir group consists of older boys with changed voices, drawing from both the Concert and Tour Choirs.
Annual events
Winter Camp The choir holds an annual winter camp over a long weekend to introduce the component choirs to the spring repertoire. Spring and Fall Tours The Concert Choir, Tour Choir, and Changed Voice Choir embark on short tours in the spring and fall. They typically sing at churches, schools, and retirement communities. Summer Camp All of the component choirs attend a week-long summer camp on a college campus, which fosters group unity and builds the musical repertoire. Summer Tour The Concert Choir and Tour Choir embark on separate extended tours in July and August. The destinations range from cross-country to across the globe. African American Celebration All of the component choirs participate in an annual celebration of the African-American tradition, singing gospel songs and African based songs. Spring Concert The Spring Concert is the culmination of the spring schedule, and it is held at the Maryland State Boychoir Center for the Arts. Day of Goodwill The Concert and Treble Choirs in January visit and sing at nursing homes and schools, held usually on a Friday. Baltimore Boychoir Festival A two-day event, led by some of the country's finest composers and clinicians, culminating in a group performance of many Boychoirs from across America.
Funding
The Maryland State Boychoir is primarily supported by private donors, including individuals, businesses, and foundations.
