History of the Cleveland BoyChoir
The Cleveland BoyChoir was founded in 1991 by Dr. & Mrs. William Foley.
While the Foleys spent their careers teaching vocal and instrumental music
in the Chagrin Falls, OH school district, they were troubled by the lack
of musical opportunities for students in the Cleveland Public School system.
Moreover, they were touched by the plight of inner-city youth, particularly
boys, in terms of their often untapped potential. From these passions, the
Cleveland BoyChoir began as an after-school labor of love at two Cleveland
public schools: Gracemount Elementary in the Lee/Harvard corridor, and Emile
B. DeSauze in the Lee-Miles area. By 1993 it was clear that the program was
a success, and had grown to serve approximately 140 boys drawn from a variety
of Cleveland public schools.
Over the years the CBC has performed at numerous civic, corporate, political, church, professional sports and other venues. We have performed the National Anthem at multiple games for the Cleveland Indians, Crunch and Cavaliers, and were privileged to perform at the opening game in the new Cleveland Browns Stadium. Among our proudest moments was our performance at the White House in Washington, DC and being one of only two groups chosen to perform at the inaugural celebration of Cleveland's former mayor Jane Campbell.
BoyChoir members range from third graders until their voices change. In order to accommodate older boys whose voices were changing, the Men of Tomorrow was established in 2002. This group allows young men to participate in the program until they graduate from high school.
In Their Own Words
"I love singing and the songs in the Cleveland BoyChoir. I love the concerts and the special treatment we get when we go to some of our performances. I also love the energy when we sing."
Jalen, 4th grade
