The Boys Choir of Harlem
2005 Madison AvenueNew YorkNY10035212-289-1815212-289-4195

Program: The Boys Choir of Harlem Year Started: 1985 Focus: Music Youth Served: 450 Ages: 8-18 Budget: $3,000,000 Created as an after-school program to provide an alternative to the despair in the community and the standard education and social programs, The Boys Choir of Harlem has grown into a nationally recognized school and after-school program. This artistically driven program uses an intergrated model of education, counseling and the performing arts to prepare inner-city youth to become disciplined, confident, motivated and successful citizens. Five days a week from 8:30 in the morning until 6:30 in the evening, young boys and girls in grades 4-12 study academics and music at the Choir Academy, which operates in partnership with the local school district. After school, they rehearse up to 3 hours and participate in counseling and tutoring sessions. Each year, auditions are held for entering students at the school, at public schools throughout the city and at community sites such as Kmart and McDonald's. Before being accepted into the intensive program, students and their families meet with representatives who describe the commitment involved in attending the Choir Academy. All of the students perform in some manner, and those who perform outside of the school must maintain their grades. Students study all aspects of music, and their performance repertoire ranges from classical to jazz, spiritual to hip-hop. Many alumni say, "The program changed my life," and some have returned as instructors, counselors and interns. "Ninety-eight percent of our graduates go on to college," explains Director of Development Audry Waxman. "The Choir helps increase the expectations that children have of themselves and that the community has of them. We are using art to change all aspects of our children's lives and to open doors for them, both emotionally and in their everyday lives."