Behind the Blazer: Recent Episodes
Philadelphia Boys Choir
Interviews with conductors, collaborators, current and former members will give you an insight into what it takes to run a successful boys choir and how that choir influences the lives of those that listen or sing.
Episode Noteshttps://pbgcsings.org/
https://www.phillyboyschoir.org/vocal-conservatory/
Episode NotesDavid T. Clydesdale is a composer who has won 26 Dove Awards and 2 Grammys. He discusses his career and connection with the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale.
https://pbgcsings.org/donate/
Episode Noteshttps://pbgcsings.org/donate/
https://philadelphiasinfonia.com/
Featuring the vocal talents of Asa Johnson, Abner Murillo, Liam Newkirk, Josiah Johnakin, Arnaub Chaudhary, Sarthak Chaudhary, Alex Sterious, Mark Houck, Christopher Sempier, Jonah Serotta and Bu Long.
Episode Noteshttps://pbgcsings.org/donate
https://manncenter.org/events
Featuring the vocal talents of Kieran Krauss, Eric Frasch, Max Ebenreiter, David Sigmund, Justin Blevins, Ethan Monberg, Yigues Zjiang, Mark Houck, Christopher Sempier, Jonah Serotta and Bu Long.
Episode Noteshttps://pbgcsings.org/donate
https://www.haverford.org/
https://www.mediachamberchorale.org/
Episode Noteshttps://pbgcsings.org/
https://philadelphiaballet.org/
Sydney Dolan is the First Soloist of the Philadelphia Ballet.
Episode Noteshttps://pbgcsings.org/donate
https://philadelphiaballet.org/
Featuring the vocal talents of Luke Brooks, Campbell Schumann, Samir Abbas, Luke Brooks, Kolby Grim, Gabriel Beckett, Cavan Hurley, David Sigmund, Tucker Weiss, Jeston Cai, Eric Frasch, Mark Houck, Christopher Sempier, Jonah Serotta and Bu Long.
Episode Noteshttps://pbgcsings.org/
https://www.operaphila.org/
Featuring the vocal talents of Samir Abbas, Charlie Rodgers, Liam Newkirk, Isaac Mendenhall, Josiah Johnakin, Harry Pfeiffer, Christian Schumann, Mark Houck, Christopher Sempier, Jonah Serotta and Bu Long.
Episode Noteshttps://phillypops.org/
https://pbgcsings.org/donate
Featuring the vocal talents of Kael Kaufir, Asher Walker, Gabriel Beckett, Levi Craig, Mark Houck, Christopher Sempier, Jonah Serotta and Bu Long.
Episode Noteshttps://pbgcsings.org/donate
https://www.phillygirlschoir.org/
Featuring the vocal talents of Julianna Banfe, Mia Castro-Diephouse, Margot Jones, Ava Callahan and Maeve Meyer from the Philadelphia Girls Choir and Mark Houck, Christopher Sempier, Jonah Serotta and Bu Long from the Philadelphia Boys Choir.
Contact The PGC: info@phillygirlschoir.org
https://painnocence.org/?locale=en
Interviews with three members of the chorale on the experience of being an adult singing with a boys choir.
Alumnus Justin Walker recounts how the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale helped him blossom as a person and gain confidence. He describes forming meaningful relationships, his new pursuit and gives advice to those considering joining the PBCC.
Voice teacher Michael Ashby, from the Philadelphia Vocal Conservatory, describes his role with the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale and how it has blossomed over time. He explains what motivates him as a voice teacher, why the PBCC is unique and his strategy for guiding young singers through voice changes. Michael Ashby also shares one of his proudest moments as a voice teacher.
Bass-baritone opera singer Justin Hopkins shares stories from his extended time in the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale. He joins us via Zoom while in quarantine in Belgium. Justin describes how the PBCC prepared him for his world travels, an important lesson he learned from a big mistake and gives advice to those looking to follow his career path.
Episode 8 - Dr. Robert G. Hamilton (PBCC founder) - Dr. Hamilton describes how he began the choir, why he started touring, and how he had to plan tours before the internet age.
Episode 7 - Dante DiMaio (fourth year performing chorister) - Thirteen year-old Dante has been part of the PBCC for 6 years. He sees the training and culture as very influential for his other professional musical experiences. He also describes some of his experiences on tour.
Episode 6 - Val Starr (dean of students, Academy of Vocal Arts) - Ms. Starr, a parent of two PBCC alumni, shares how the AVA has incorporated PBCC members in their opera performances. She also remembers her sons’ time in the choir and how the lessons they learned have helped develop them into the men they are today.
Episode 5 - Rege McAden (music teacher) - Ms. McAden, a long-time Pennsylvania music teacher, describes how she has helped over 100 boys join the PBCC and shares her most powerful memory of the organization.
Episode 4 - Ukee Washington (original choir member) - CBS 3 anchor Ukee Washington reminisces about his time in the PBCC over 50 years ago. He describes how his boyhood experiences in the choir still impact him today.
Episode 3 - Melissa Shanahan West (backstage helper) - Having two sons involved in the PBCC, Melissa hit the ground running. She has served as a stage parent for seven years and discusses how the organization has impacted her life and her sons.
Episode 2 - Matthew Stewart (new performing choir member) - After two years in the cadet program, Matt reflects upon the work he put into the choir and what it means to earn his blazer.
Episode 1 - Jeff Smith started as a boy in the choir and returned as an accompanist. For the past 12 years he's been the Artistic Director and Conductor. In this interview he looks back at his experiences on both sides of choir.