Boys choirs are renowned globally with one of the most famous being the Vienna Boys Choir. Established in 1498, it's still going today after 527 years. Other notable groups include the All-American Boys Choir, The Diocesan boys choir in Hong Kong and the Escolania de Montserrat in Spain.
Closer to home, the Auckland Boys Choir has been running for 55 years. The choir is open to boys in primary and intermediate schools all across Auckland from ages 8-13 years old. It's been a training ground to foster both singing skills and a love for music but there are also other benefits including friendships, developing confidence, travel and transferable life skills. Before Covid-19 there were 35-40 members but since the pandemic, the membership rate has been declining. It dropped to a low in 2022 and hasn't bounced back. The choir now faces potential closure if it doesn't find more members. Culture 101 speaks to Auckland Boys Choir manager, Tejas Lamb, who sang in the choir himself as a young boy.
