The Keystone State Boychoir of Philadelphia visits Yardley, Pa., to do a benefit concert for the school-children of Kimberly, South Africa.
By: Jodi Thompson
It began with a newspaper ad. Yardley, Pa., resident Kevin Suyo saw an announcement that a new group, Keystone State Boychoir of Philadelphia, was holding auditions. It seemed simple what he should do next.
"I like singing, so I decided to audition," says Kevin, 12, a seventh-grader at Princeton Day School.
That was in January, and now Kevin will be performing with the Boychoir at his church in preparation for the group’s tour of South Africa this summer. Kevin is planning the benefit concert as part of his Eagle Scout project for Troop 30, Boy Scouts of America.
The Keystone State Boychoir of Philadelphia will perform at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church in Yardley May 11. A free-will offering will be taken to help purchase a sound system for a music school in Kimberley, South Africa.
"The neat thing about Kimberley is it’s not usually a tourist destination," says Steven Fisher, the Boychoir’s associate director. "It’s in the middle of the country and the reason it exists is because of the big hole, where all the diamonds come from. It’s a mining town, but very rich in culture. Most choirs, when they tour, won’t stop in Kimberley."
Mr. Fisher runs Umculo a word in the Xhosa language for "music, or food of life" in Kimberley, through the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. The program sends educators to South Africa for the summer to teach and learn.
"They teach our choral traditions and they learn from the people there," Mr. Fisher says. "We teach hundreds, because we go to different schools." At the end of the program, the five teachers sent this summer will bring together all the schoolchildren for one big concert.
"Since they sing outside," says Kevin, "they can’t really be heard by most of the people so they need a sound system, but could never afford it."
That’s where Kevin steps in. He is not only raising funds to buy the sound system but is collecting clothing and supplies to donate to the Kimberley children, as well. The Boychoir members will stuff their suitcases full of needed supplies. Once delivered, the boys will travel much lighter, save for souvenirs.
During their three weeks in South Africa, the Boychoir will sing a repertoire of classical and popular music at different venues, as well as traditional South African tunes. Mr. Fisher and Director Joseph Fitzmartin composed and arranged many of the songs. One traditional South African song that Kevin enjoys is "Shosholoza," which "doesn’t mean anything, it’s just for effect." The words in the text do mean something: "Stop the train, I’m going to get on to go to South Africa." The choir performs choreographed movement with several songs.
In its inaugural year, the Boychoir has already performed in the State Senate Chamber, the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and will soon sing at the Kimmel Center for the Arts Business Luncheon May 10.
In addition to his work with the Boychoir, Kevin has performed with the Philadelphia Opera Company as well as the Curtis Institute of Music’s opera company and several local choirs. He’ll turn 13 in June, and with that birthday often comes a change that can end a boy’s choir career. Not so with Keystone State Boychoir.
"We have a graduate choir that allows boys whose voices are changing to sing through their voice change," Mr. Fisher says, "as opposed to saying goodbye once their voice changes."
The Boychoir even tailors rehearsals for the older boys to their busier schedules by reducing practices to Saturdays only. Surely Kevin will appreciate that break when it comes. He is interested not only in performing, but also Scouting, history and science. He’s a busy young man, quite content that he read an ad in the newspaper.
"I like the Boychoir because they do a lot of stuff," he says.
Keystone State Boychoir of Philadelphia will perform at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, 999 Reading Ave., Yardley, Pa., May 11, 8 p.m. Free admission. A free-will offering will be collected to benefit the schoolchildren of Kimberley, South Africa. For information or to schedule an audition for boys ages 7-17, call (215) 640-0596. On the Web: www.paboychoir.org