Volume 11, Issue 2 Our 21st Concert Season August 2002

From the Artistic Director ...

“Dream A Dream … TheLegacy Continues”

“Dream a dream … of a newtomorrow, when people learn to lovetheir fellow man. Dare to hope …for a peaceful morning, when we’velearned to walk together hand inhand.”

These words, from one of our mostrequested songs by Ed Robertson,took on a new and wonderfulmeaning for our boys and theiraudiences this season. After aperformance in Montecatini, Italyjust outside of Florence, theaudience of five hundred or so weregreeting the boys just outside thecathedral. In attendance was a semi-professional choir from Germanywho were absolutely infatuated withour boys and had taken up a sizeablecollection amongst themselves topresent to us. The power of themusic from the concert transcendedthe verbal, with everyone hugging theboys and smiling.

“Dream a dream … of a worldunited, when the nations choose tolay their weapons down. Dare tohope … for a day of gladness, whenthe world can let a smile replace afrown.”

The German choirmaster suggestedwe sing something together, andspoke only the words “Amazing

Grace” – one of the songs we had justperformed. With only a starting notefrom one of our boys, both choirsbroke out in song… they in German andus in English. It did not seem tomatter that the words were differentlanguages – what brought tears toeveryone’s eyes, singers and listenersalike, was that we were united inbeautiful harmony! It was a magicalexperience none of us will everforget.

“If we all will dare to dreamdreams of a new and brighter day– if we work to make them cometrue, we will surely find our way.”

At a time when our world seems soout of control … I believe our childrenand the choral art hold many answersto bringing people closer together.Music is the international languagethat has no obstacles and knows noboundaries.

“Dream a dream of the world welong to see … dare to hope for theday when men are free and dreamscome true – maybe we can make ithappen soon … maybe someday wecan see our dreams come true.”

As we begin our twenty-first

season, our dream is to help morepeople find the music in their lives,as we strive to find a permanenthome for our boys. What a worthydream for our young men.

Until we meet again, may God holdyou in the palm of his hand.

“Music is the internationallanguage that has no

obstacles and knows noboundaries”

Music is a Powerful Thing 2

Audition Results 2

Choirboy Beat 3

Alumni News 4

Choirboy Awards 5

20th Anniversary Gala Dinner 5and Auction Highlights

Of A Particular Note 6-7

The Legacy Lives On 8

Capital Campaign Information 8

20th Anniversary Celebration 9

Spring Concert Highlights

2002 Christmas Musicale 9Information

2002 Italy Tour 10

Upcoming Events 11

In This Issue

Music is a Powerful Thing by Tiana Mortimer, Executive Director

“Making a difference ... one boy at a time” Vocal Notes

2

Famous jazz musician SonnyRollins once said, “Music … is a

beautiful way of bringing peopletogether, a little bit of an oasis in thismessed-up world.” This statement saysit all about what the Fort Bend BoysChoir and other musicians feel abouttheir music. Music is the universallanguage. It does not discriminateagainst race, religion, age, income,sexual orientation or disability.Rather, music speaks directly to theheart. In good times or bad, musicsends a message unique to everylistener.

I have been very fortunate to havemusic in my life. Growing up, myparents instilled in me the

importance of music and the impactit can have. It is like comfort foodfor the soul. No matter what thecrisis – bills, kids, my homeowner’sassociation � – music calms me,uplifts my spirits.

The choristers of the Fort Bend BoysChoir, who otherwise may not havemet or associated with one another,are united because they share a loveof music. At rehearsals andperformances, their differences areset aside and they join together tocreate beautiful music. The boys puttheir hearts into music that, in turn,speaks to the hearts of theiraudience.

2002 Spring Audition Results

Open auditions this past May, found 32 new boys for the start of the Fall 2002 Season with the TrainingChoir. The lucky boys are listed below:

Harshit Agrawal David Behrmann Brandon Bruno Connor BurkeJared Castillo Henry Castner Travis Drews Marc EstilCiarán Finlayson Jacobi Francis Armando Ghinaglia Bijan GhofranihaGarrett Gremminger Arby Gudes Nicholas Guidry Brendan HadfieldDeon Jackson Justin Jones Rohan Kulangara Zachary LealChristopher Long Ryan MacMillan Richard Olivas Taylor PetersonKevin Pham Mason Pope Sebastian Rafizadeh Zach SadlerNick Schneider Tyler Tolopka Myron Tuazon Braden Turner

We are always looking for talented young boys for the choir. If you have a son or know of a boy who may want tojoin the Fort Bend Boys Choir, please call the choir office at (281) 240-3800. Boys should have unchanged voicesand be 8 years old or going into 3rd grade to audition.

An Evening of GivingA Special Fundraiser Coming Up!

We have a special fundraiser coming up on Sunday, November 24th from 7:00-10:00 p.m. It is called “AnEvening of Giving.” In conjunction with First Colony Mall, this evening gives local nonprofits a chance to raise

money. The mall will close to the general public then re-open for a night of shopping. The evening will include specialstore discounts, gifts, door prizes, entertainment and free gift-wrapping. We will sell tickets to this event for $5 apiece and get 100% of the profit from our sales! Included in this event are drawings for two $500 shopping spreesand four $50 shopping sprees. There will also be free gifts with purchases. We can earn more money by volunteeringas gift-wrappers, greeters, package carriers, entertainment or manning one of their tables. In fact, we were asked toperform that evening. Training, Town and Tour Choirs will perform on a rotating schedule. So if anyone is interestedin volunteering for one of the other opportunities in this event, call the choir office at (281) 240-3800. More detailswill be forthcoming. Mark your calendars for November 24th!

I believe in the power of music.Music says what you are as a person,what your dreams are and what youhope to be.

It speaks the truth when no one elsewill. Long after the music hasstopped, the melody and the messagewe receive lingers on in our hearts.Music is a powerful thing.

Without music,life would be a

mistake.

--Friedrich Nietzsche

(1844-1900)

Christopher Long is 8 years old and starting thethird grade this school year at Walker Station

Elementary. He really enjoys Science the most, buthis best subject is Social Studies.

Christopher participated in Music Magic for threesessions after his first grade teacher Mrs. JackieYack (a past Board President) saw that he loved tosing. So Mrs. Yack sent a note home to Christopher’smom about the class and he started the next week!Christopher says, “I enjoyed singing so much that Idecided I wanted to be a part of The Fort Bend BoysChoir.”

Hobbies that Christopher enjoys include gymnastics,scouting and of course singing. He also enjoysswimming and visiting his grandparents’ farm. Whenasked what he has learned so far from participatingin the organization, Christopher replied, “I’ve learnedto read music and to train my voice. I have alsolearned that discipline and listening to instruction isvery important.”

So far, Christopher considers passing the auditionfor the Choir his most favorite memory. Don’t worryChristopher; you will have the opportunity to makemany more lasting memories! And when he grows up,Christopher wants to be a minister who travels theworld and share his passion of music. Good luck inyour quest Christopher and we know you will besuccessful in sharing your music with the world!

Brandon Villarreal is in 4th grade at Edna Mae FielderElementary in Katy and he is 9 years old. Last year, his

dad read in the paper about Music Magic class and so Brandonsigned on last Spring 2001. After completing the Music Magicclass, he auditioned for the Fort Bend Boys Choir and madeit!

In school, Brandon really enjoys Math and Science eventhough he gets better grades in Reading and Language Arts.In his spare time, he plays piano and the guitar. Otherhobbies include playing soccer, swimming, building modelrockets, creating unique designs with Lego’s and of course,singing!

Brandon has learned a few things since joining the choirorganization. “I have gained a better knowledge of musicand the discipline involved with performing.” He also countsthe choral festival in Huntsville as his most favorite memoryso far in the Choir. “After the festival we all had a mealtogether at a restaurant without any parents! The bus ridewas fun too.”

When Brandon grows up, he wants to be an architecturalengineer because he loves to build things. No matter whatyou accomplish in life Brandon, we hope that music will be apart of it! Before closing, Brandon wanted to share a fewof his thoughts about the Choir: “I feel so proud to be amember of this great choir. I have made some wonderfulfriends. I’m looking forward to continually improving so Ican make the Tour Choir.” Good luck Brandon on your questto become a member of the Tour Choir!

“Making a difference ... one boy at a time” Vocal Notes

3

Trevor Forsyth is 11 years oldand a 6th grader at St. Thomas

Episcopal School. He auditioned inMay 2000 after learning about theFort Bend Boys Choir from somefriends. In school, Trevor’s favoritesubject is History, even though hegets better grades in Spelling.

This upcoming performance seasonwill mark Trevor’s first full year inTour Choir. He spent one year inTraining Choir, then only onesemester in Town Choir beforemoving up to Tour Choir this pastJanuary 2002. In his two years as aFort Bend Boys Choir chorister, hehas learned several lessons.

“I’ve learned to be responsible andto work as part of a team. I’ve alsolearned what it’s like to be part ofsomething bigger than myself. Beingin the Tour Choir is like being partof a large family. We work hardtogether to achieve great things.” Infact, Trevor’s favorite choir memoryso farr e f l e c t st h e s el e s s o n s .“Singing inthe SistineChapel at the Vatican has been myfavorite memory. I felt proud thatwe sounded so great.”

Choir activities keep Trevor ratherbusy, but he still finds time for someof his favorite hobbies – reading andplaying the bagpipes. In fact, heplayed the bagpipes for

Amazing Grace at our 20 th

Anniversary Spring Concert and ontour in Italy! When asked what hewanted to be when he grew up,Trevor replied, “I want to attend theNaval Academy andbecome a Marine officer.”

No matter what the futureentails for Trevor, wehope that music andsinging will always be apart of his life. Thank youTrevor for your answers

and being a great representative forthe Tour Choir in this current editionof the Choirboy Beat!

“I’ve also learned what it’slike to be part of something

bigger than myself”

Cantabilé Gives a BeautifulPerformance with the Help of

Some Special Choir Dads

As part of our 20th Anniversary celebration, choirdads were invited to share the spotlight with our

Alumni Choir. This year’s Spring Concert was certainlymemorable, thanks in part to those dads. Paired withCantabilé, they all performed beautifully and reallytouched the hearts of everyone in the audience. Thanksto the following choir dads for their time and talents:Mike Cousino, Robert Doerr, Jorge Font, JaimeHerrera, Roland Huysman, James Moneypenny, Mark

Ruths and Dwane Todd.

Meet Your Old Choir BuddiesParticipate in Cantabilé

We hope this upcoming Fall 2002 season will bringmany more Alumni ready to make beautiful music

and catch up with old friends. October 22, 2002 at7:30 p.m. will be the first rehearsal. And remember:rehearsals are open to all alumni members of theorganization - no audition is necessary! So call the choiroffice at (281) 240-3800 for details about the upcomingseason! You can also contact our esteemed alumnicoordinator:

Barbara Crane

(281) 494-6481

“Making a difference ... one boy at a time” Vocal Notes

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In ancient Fort Bend Boys Choir history, there wasonly one choir instead of the five ensembles we have

today. Dave Neumann was one of those early choristersback in 1982. He was only in the choir one year but inthat short time, the Fort Bend Boys Choir showed himthat he could achieve excellence through a little hardwork and discipline. “What has been truly memorable forme was coming back after twenty years and singing inCantabilé and seeing how much the organization hasgrown.”

In his brief tenure, he got to travel to Nashville with theChoir. This performance tour had a definite impact onhim. “Nashville was a very exciting trip because it wasthe first time I ever flew in an airplane. We also sang atthe Grand Ole Opry and ate dinner on a paddle boatcruise.”

Since his Fort Bend Boys Choir days, he participated inhis high school choir where he went to State Solo andEnsemble three times! Because of his choir activities, hereceived a choir scholarship to Wharton County JuniorCollege where he obtained an Associates degree inElectronics Technology. He also pursued other choirinterests during that time. “While in college, I earned aspot in the Madrigal’s, a small group who were the bestof the best of the college choir. I also sang in a localbarbershop quartet with my father for a few months.Currently, I sing at our church with my wife Michelleand my father.”

“Thanks to my choir activities, I met my wife Michelle inthe college choir and we were married in 1990. We havea son, Owen, who is 18 months old. I am working atSchlumberger and my hobbies are knitting, winemakingand writing poetry as time permits. I can truly say I havea wonderful life!”

He has some advice for the current Fort Bend Boys Choirmembers. “Sing your heart out and give it all you’ve got.Plus, it doesn’t hurt to watch the director!” Thanks Davefor the update. May music always be a part of your life!

Where Are They Now?

AlumniLet Us Know Where YOU Are!

What has our alumni been doing for the past twentyyears? We want to find out! Alumni, visit our

website and say hi to old pals and see what the Choirhas been up to since you have pursued other endeavors.

We would love to hear how your life is going! Pleasegive us a call, send a letter via snail mail or email us!

Send updates to:Mail: P.O. Box 2042 Stafford, TX 77497-2042

Email: wra@fbbctx.orgPhone: (281) 240-3800

“Sing your heart out and give it all you’ve got.”

Choirboy Awards

At the conclusion of our 20th Anniversary season, many of our choristers were recognized for theirdedication and distinguished service to the choir. The boys received three year and five year pins to

commemorate this achievement. Receiving three year pins were:

Tour ChoirJames Aaron, Aaron Cichon, Kyle Couture, Joseph Hicks and Erik Malmer.

Town ChoirJames Canales, Sean Cawthon, Andrew Chacko, Drew Dixon, Robert Feltman, Stephen Font, Palak Gosar,Joseph Husband, Tylor Jungman, Joshua Lueders, Michael Nieto, Rajiv Padharia, Andrew Soares and MatthewVick.

Receiving five year diamond pins were: Patrick Arnold, Corey Chambers, Leroy Cook, Jimmy Dolezal, JasonKnight and Chris Lovero, all Tour Choir members.

The Outstanding Choirboy Award for 2002 was presented to Leroy Cook, a five-year member of the organizationwho is an “outstanding” chorister because of his leadership, musicianship and enthusiasm.

Congratulations to all of these boys!

“Making a difference ... one boy at a time”Vocal Notes

5

United in Song … One Boy at a TimeGala Dinner & Auction – A Twentieth Anniversary Celebration

The 2002 Gala Dinner and Auction proved to be our best yet. The organization grossed approximately $43,000!You could say the patrons that evening were United in Song … and pocketbook!

Sweetwater Country Club provided a wonderful atmosphere for this successful night. On February 23, 2002, manyfriends and supporters attended our Gala event, with the Tour Choir providing entertainment and ever-popular Mr.James Patterson serving as Auctioneer. Mr. Billy McMahan, an 8 year choir member and 1st recipient of theOutstanding Choirboy award, served as Master of Ceremonies.

Special honoree was Bev Carter, Owner and Publisher of the Fort Bend Southwest Star. For 20 years, she has beena supporter of the organization, showcasing our boys in her newspaper. Without her help and the media presence thenewspaper provided, the Choir would not be as widely known throughout Fort Bend County as it is today.

Many thanks to our parent volunteers, patrons and corporate sponsors for making this 20th Anniversary celebrationa smashing success! We appreciate the dedication and efforts of the Event Chairs for their hard work. Kudos to:

Program, Invitation and Brochure DesignTricia Brown, Tiana Mortimer and Elizabeth Cooksey & GillCook Advertising

Event ChairBarbara Crane

Auction Co-ChairsJeannine Hillis & Elizabeth Cooksey

Dinner Co-ChairsSandra Babcock & Nina Cook

Decoration Co-ChairsAmy Robinson & Jackie Yack

PublicityTiana Mortimer

CashierVicki Arnold

“Music has a power of forming the character, and should therefore be introduced

into the education of the young.” -- Aristotle (384-322 BC)

As always, there are many friends and neighbors who give to the choir so generously – in time and/or material things. We thank you for your generosity!

Dasko Computer Services Goeff Nessosi ofJohn Dasko, Owner Nessosi PhotographyContinuous technical support for Our beautiful cover design for ourour computer equipment 20th Anniversary Commemorative Program

Grace Presbyterian Church First United Methodist ChurchSupport and generosity in the of Sugar Landuse of their beautiful facilities Rehearsal space for our five choirs

Mr. Mike Coberley Ms. Becky WalkerWebsite Design Services and Mom of Town Choirboy - Grant WalkerChaperone abilities Design theme for our 21st season

Mr. and Mrs. Guy Sullaway Lojo Brother’s Kwik KopyProviding much needed office supplies A case of copier paper

“Making a difference ... one boy at a time” Vocal Notes

6

Kudos to the Many Volunteersand Friends of the Choir!

We give thanks to the many parent volunteers and friendsof the Choir. Our financial success is due in large part to

your tireless efforts in support of the boys. Your donation oftime and talents and financial support to our various fundraisersis GREATLY appreciated!

Candy FundraiserElaine Burke and Nancy Holley, Co-Chairs

Dinner Gala and AuctionBarbara Crane, Event Chair

Jeannine Hillis and Elizabeth Cooksey, Auction Co-ChairsNina Cook and Sandra Babcock, Dinner Co-Chairs

Spring ConcertKandice Maikranz and Socorro Torres, Co-Chairs

Spring Concert Commemorative ProgramSue Chambers, Spring Program Ad Coordinator

Jeannine Hillis and Nancy Howles, Program Committee

We unfortunately do not have the space to adequately thank theparents and friends who served on our many committees. Youknow who you are and we applaud you for a job well done!

Our Wish List

As with any nonprofit organization,there are items – a “wish” list – that

we need in order to ensure thecontinued success and support of ourtalented choristers. Because we reallymake sure that every dollar counts inthe operation of the organization, thereare often no spare resources topurchase the “extras.” We hope that youcan help us this year! All donations aresubject to fair market value as a taxdonation.

Digital camera(for taking instant press releases)

Copier paper in a 10 ream box

Plain Paper Fax Machine

Utility Shelf for Storage Closet(we’re running out of room!)

Dictionary

HP printer cartridges(black and color for HPPrinter Series 722 & 820)

To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself,incredible and inconceivable. -- Aaron Copeland

THANK YOU!

Free Money for the Choirby just Buying Groceries!

How can you help the Choir receive freemoney? Buy groceries at Randall’s, Kroger or

Gerland’s using their community rebate programs.Here’s how it works: By using our personalized FortBend Boys Choir Kroger card(available through the office), yourRandall’s card (rebate #4032) orGerland’s card (rebate #121730),we receive a percentage of everysale. When using your Randall’s orGerland’s card, you give the cashierthe rebate # just once, then every time after that,it is automatically recorded! For the personalizedKroger cards, be sure to present the cards at thebeginning of every grocery transaction. This is aneasy way to support the boys by doing somethingyou have to do every week … buy groceries! Spreadthe word … tell your friends and neighbors aboutthese programs too! Call the choir office if you needany Kroger personalized cards.

for six and seven year old boys!

Music Magic director Sara Ward brings music alive for6 and 7 year old boys. Starting its sixth season this Fall

2002, Music Magic classes begin on Tuesday, September 10th

and end on Tuesday, October 29th. The classes, held everyTuesday for the eight-week period, run from 6:30 p.m. – 7:15p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Sugar Land.

Boys explore the magic of music through games, instruments,and singing. Parents are treated to an informal concert at theend of the classes to show off their son’s new music skills.The boys think Ms. Ward, also the Tour Choir accompanistfor the past sixteen years, is “really cool.” She makes MusicMagic fun and informative so some boys take the class multipletimes and use what they have learned in preparation forauditioning for the choir itself.

Last Fall 2001 and Spring 2002 classes experienced our highestattendance ever! There were 18 boys last fall and 24 in the

spring. Classes are limited in size so call thechoir office today to pre-register. The boyswill receive a free Music Magic t-shirt onceclasses begin. Call the choir office at (281) 240-3800 for details.

Saying Goodbye andWelcoming a New Face in “Town”

“Making a difference ... one boy at a time” Vocal Notes

It is with regret we inform you that Mrs. HildyShanks, our Town Choir director for the past six

years, is leaving the organization. During her tenure,the Town Choir has achieved many successes. Mrs.Shanks is starting her own children’s choir in Katy,Texas and it will be open to both boys and girls. Wewish her luck and will miss her.

Mrs. Kirsten Jordon will be our new Town choirdirector. A graduate of Virginia Tech University,Mrs. Jordon received her Bachelor of Arts degreein Music Education and Music Performance, whereshe graduated cum laude. She was a music specialistfor Fort Bend ISD for four years and currentlyteaches private voice and piano. Mrs. Jordon singsprofessionally with The Houston Symphony Chorusand her professional affiliations include the TexasMusic Educators Association and the MusicEducators National Conference. On a more personalnote, she and her husband are the proud parents ofa baby girl, born earlier this year.

Music Magic!A Musical Experience

7

Sincere Appreciationto all of our Supporters

We have been blessed for many years with thewonderful support from all of our parents, patrons

and the community. Without this support, we would not haverecently celebrated our 20th Anniversary! This year ourtheme, Dream A Dream … The Legacy Continues is soappropriate. Our legacy of music excellence is attractingmore choristers to our organization. However, a growingmembership means escalating operating expenses.

With the damage from Tropical Storm Allison and theSeptember 11th attacks last year, their relief effortsimpacted many nonprofits, including us. A donation at thistime would assist us greatly in Making a difference … oneboy at a time. You can direct monetary gifts to: P.O. Box2042, Stafford, TX 77497-2042. Thanks for making adifference in the lives of our boys!

CHOIR NEWS

“Making a difference ... one boy at a time” Vocal Notes

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Close your eyes; picture your son standingstraight and tall, hundreds of sets of eyes onhim as he stands with other like-minded boys with a

single purpose. With the wave of a hand, their voicesraise together to form the most beautiful sound you haveever heard. The boys come together to fulfill theirpurpose - creating music that you could only dream yourson could be a part of.

As a member of The Fort Bend Boys Choir, this dreambecomes a reality. If you are a returning choir family, youhave experienced this already. If this is your first year,you soon will share this experience. When Bill Adamsbegan this quest, he started with a dream. Thanks to hisdedication and leadership, this dream is a reality for allof us.

Our theme this year is Dream a Dream ... The LegacyContinues. We begin this year with great expectationsand a profound sense of the legacy that has been carriedon before us. Last year, we celebrated the 20th anniver-sary of this dream. This year we will strive to continueto fulfill the high standards that have been set. We needthe same level of dedication and leadership that has beenprovided in the past.

The Legacy Lives On by Jeannine Hillis, Board President

Capital Campaign for Building Fund Started

For twenty years, the Fort

Bend Boys Choir organiza- tion has flourished even thoughwe have no permanent home forrehearsals, auditions and workshops.

The Choir has always been dependent on the generosity ofthe local area churches for providing much-needed re-hearsal space. While we appreciate their kindness, thetime has come to establish a home of our own.

Membership in the Fort Bend Boys Choir is growing. Thismeans that more and more boys are recognizing that theChoir can help cultivate their vocal talents through ourexcellent musical education. However, with our numbersincreasing, expenses multiply, straining the choirorganization’s budget. Because we are a nonprofitorganization, we are dependent on the various fundraiserswe hold throughout the year as well as the generosity ofthe community.

A building fund was actually established several yearsago. Mrs. Wanda Adams and the William L. AdamsMemorial Endowment have generously donated$25,000 ayear to our fund. Our recent 20th Anniversary celebra-tion seemed the perfect opportunity to announce a capital

Did you know that Van Gogh became a painter because he had no ear for music?

To fulfill the dream of The Fort Bend Boys Choir and thedreams we have for our children will require us all tocome together. We will each in our way be required tocontribute our time, talents and treasures. We will needto focus on the standards that have been set for this fineorganization. Most of all, we will need to come togetheras a family, ready to serve one another, help one another,and care for one another. Most dreams require our bestefforts.

I would like to thank all those who have provided suchwonderful leadership in the past, especially BarbaraCrane, our most recent Board President. Her dedicationand sweet spirit has been an inspiration to all who workedwith her and she will be missed. She has made anotherlink in the chain of outstanding leadership and accomplish-ments to our legacy. Let’s be ready to add our link to thelast. It’s a Fort Bend Boys Choir tradition!

campaign for A Home At Last. With the generous leadgift of $5,000 from Mr. Bob Brown along with a match-ing $5,000 lead gift, our building fund is about$110,000.00.

We are considering several options in our pursuit for aplace to call home. 1) We can build our own facility. Infact, we had professional renderings donated to usalready, or 2) We can find an existing facility to buildout to suit our needs. Several people in the community,including Mr. Bob Brown are assisting us in theseoptions. No matter which avenue we pursue, we will alsohave to buy such capital items as pianos, chairs and otherfurniture.

Our goal is to have a place in two years where ourcurrent choirboys and alumni can come and be themselves;a place where all the boys have a common interest: theirlove of music. Help us realize our goal of A Home AtLast! Call the choir office at (281) 240-3800 to find outhow you can make our dream a reality.

United In Song … A Twentieth Anniversary CelebrationSpring Concert is an Awesome Success

For an Outstanding Season!

“Making a difference ... one boy at a time” Vocal Notes

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On a warm Saturday evening this past May, upwardsof one thousand people turned out to witness an

exceptional musicalexperience as the FortBend Boys Choircelebrated their 20 th

Anniversary! SpringConcert Co-Chairs KandiceMaikranz and SocorroTorres and many parentvolunteers sacrificedcountless personal hoursto ensure that the eveningwas truly spectacular.Grace Presbyterian Church graciously lent us use ofthe church and facilities for the evening when all fiveperforming ensembles, approximately 200 boys, treatedthe audience with their beautiful music.

To kick-off this magical evening, we announced thelaunching of a capital building fund campaign for AHome At Last! Mr. Bob Brown started the ball rollingwith a lead gift of $5,000. We also received a matchinggift of $5,000 as well. Combined with the generousannual gift of $25,000 from Mrs. Wanda L. Adamsand the William L. Adams Memorial Endowment, thebuilding fund already has a healthy balance of justover $110,000. What a great start to a permanent homefor our choirboys!

The capital campaign announcement segued into ourtalented choristers’ performance. The Training Choir’stake on, “I Want to be a Sailor,” and the Town Choir’shilarious rendition of, “Oomp-Loompa Doompadee-Doo,”from the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Bring your friendsand family to our annual Christmas Musicale, featuring four performing ensembles.

Our Training, Town, Tour and Cantabilé choirs will provide a wonderful musical jour-ney to celebrate the season.

The Christmas Musicale will be held on Friday, December 20, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. atthe St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and$2.50 for children under 12 years of age. For more information and to make reser-vations, please call the choir office at 281-240-3800. We look forward to celebrat-ing the holiday season once again with you!

Celebrate the Holidays ...Attend our Christmas Musicale!

20 Years of

Beautiful Music

really got the audience laughing and well-entertained.The Tour Choir provided a beautiful, touching

performance with I Am HisChild featuring AlumnusJohn Holiday and AmazingGrace highlighting TrevorForsyth on the bagpipes.Our introductory programfor six and seven year oldboys called Music Magicalso provided a special treatfor the audience with theircute performance.Cantabilé and choir dads

brought a mature sound to the evening and wowed theaudience with several selections. The finale, “Praisethe Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him,” showcased all twohundred of our boys in celebration of our 20th

Anniversary. The sight of all 200 boys on stage wastruly magnificent!

The evening also was special for two people. Tour Choirmember Leroy Cook was named Outstanding Choirboyof the year for his excellent leadership andmusicianship for the past five years. Mr. William R.Adams, Founder and Artistic Director, was honored forhis twenty years of dedication to the choristers andmaking a difference … one boy at a time.

Special thanks goes to the Spring Concert co-chairsand the many parent volunteers ... your boys benefitgreatly from your support. Our sincerest appreciationgoes to Mr. Dan O’Rourke for videotaping the eventand Mr. Glenn Wheeler for our CD recordings. Wewould also like to thank Marquita Scardino and SteelMagnolias for the beautiful flowers.

“Making a difference ... one boy at a time” Vocal Notes

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ItalyThe Adventure of a Lifetime

Imagine 30 boys leaving Houston by plane, bound forItaly. Some boys were traveling for the first time

while others were veteran travelers. Before the boyswalked to the departure gate, the parents listened tothem sing, “God Bless America”. Many listened andwatched with tears in their eyes and knew that their boyswere off on an adventure of a lifetime!

The boys calmly got through two 5-hour layovers andlanded in Milan bleary-eyed but quite content to be onsolid ground. Imagine the lush, green countryside whileriding on a busthrough NorthernItaly. The boys sawrolling hills, farmfields full ofsunflowers and smallvillages. The streetswere narrow andlined with cobble-stones. Houses,apartments and smallshops were on bothsides of the streets,many with vibrantflowers hangingfrom the windowsills.

Imagine eating avariety of pastasincluding lasagna,cannelloni andspaghetti topped withrich sauces andfreshly grated Parmesan cheese. Many of the mealsbegan with some type of pasta and were followed withveal and potatoes. The boys were also delighted withthe Pizza Margarita, which was originally invented byroyalty to symbolize the colors of Italy. The pizza sauceor the tomatoes represent red; green is represented bythe basil and the mozzarella cheese represents the white.It is served hot and delicious and was one of the boy’sfavorite meals.

Imagine being engulfed in history, religion and times past.The boys saw incredible details of Leonardo Da Vinci’spainting of The Last Supper. They saw St. Peter’s Basilica,which is adorned in beautiful inlaid gold and silver andhas spectacular stain glass and

imported marble. They felt the excitement of theColiseum as the guide talked about the gladiators fightingfor their freedom and for their lives in front of 70,000people. The boys walked through ancient Rome and theForum to see the remains of government buildings andwonder of an incredible time. The boys marveled at theLeaning Tower of Pisa and took pictures of thempretending to hold it up! They wandered in Venice withcity streets that are actually water-filled canals. Theboys took gondola rides and listened to the men whonavigate the boats as they called out to each other inItalian. They were in awe of the tradesman who wasable to blow glass into the shape of a horse or into adelicate vase at the Murano Glass Factory.

Imagine the en-chanted faces of the Italian people asthey listened to our boys sing Ave Maria or Panis Angelicus

in the sacristy of thecathedrals of Italy.The boys’ voices drewpeople in off thestreet to come andlisten. At everychurch, cathedral orduomo that the boysvisited, they de-lighted hundreds ofpeople from all overthe world with thebeautiful sounds oftheir voices. At oneconcert in particular,the modern churchwas filled to capacityand people werestanding in the backand on the sides.After the song Dreama Dream, the boysreceived kisses on thecheeks and praise in

a variety of languages. Finally, imagine the boys singingin the Sistene Chapel, an honor that is beyondcomprehension. All is quiet, as it is after hours and onlythe choir and a group of international journalists werethere. Imagine standing before the presence of God,surrounded by Michelangelo’s indescribable frescoes thathave been restored. The boys sang and their voicesresounded throughout the chapel. As they stopped,everyone was quiet as they listened to the voices continuein echo!

So was this adventure completely imagined? Not at all!This was the wonderful and memorable 20th AnniversaryTour of The Fort Bend Boys Choir! Arrivederci!

The Tour Choir in front of one of Pope John Paul II’s WaterGardens.

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“Making a difference ... one boy at a time” Vocal Notes

20th Anniversary Mugs StillAvailable

We have some Fort Bend Boys Choir 20 th

anniversary mugs left for sale. If you missedout on these mugs, now is the time to purchase thembefore we sell out. They make wonderful gifts andcommemorative items, so call to buy several today! Theyare only $5 each.

** Current as of July 22, 2002 **

I Am Your Child

Wherever you go, you take me too,Whatever I know, I learn from you,

Whatever I do, you taught me to do -Whatever will come, will come from me,

Tomorrow is won, by winning me,Whatever I am, you taught me to be,I am your hope, I am your chance -

I am your child ...

--Barry Manilow

Sunday, August 25, 2002 Tour Choir at Grace Presbyterian AM Services

Saturday, September 7, 2002 Tour Choir - Private Wedding 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 10 through Music Magic, an eight-week program Every Tuesday

Tuesday, October 29, 2002 for 6 and 7year old boys 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, September 26, 2002 Tour Choir - Private Performance 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 5, 2002 Tour Choir - Private Wedding 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 16, 2002 Tour Choir - Private Performance 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 16, 2002 Town Choir at Texas Safari Club to be announced

Tuesday, November 19, 2002 Tour Choir - Private Performance 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, November 23, 2002 Tour Choir - Private Wedding 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 24, 2002 All Choirs - Fundraiser at First Colony Mall 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 1, 2002 Tour Choir - Church of Ascencion Christmas 4:00 p.m.Concert Series

Thursday, December 5, 2002 Town Choir - First United Methodist 7:30 p.m.Church of Missouri City

Saturday, December 7, 2002 Tour Choir - Private Wedding 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 8, 2002 Town Choir - Buckner Elder Care 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 8, 2002 Tour Choir - Private Performance 3:00 p.m.

Monday, December 16, 2002 All Choirs - Technical Rehearsal to be announced

Friday, December 20, 2002 All Choirs - Christmas Musicale 7:00 p.m.

In This Issue... News, Stories, Highlights, Upcoming Events, Concert Schedules and much more........

©2002 Vocal Notes is published twice a year for choristers, alumni and friends, by The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, Inc; a non-profit, tax exempt Organization incorporated bythe State of Texas. Inquiries or address changes should be sent to: Editor • P.O. Box 2042 • Stafford, Texas 77497-2042 • (281) 240-3800.

William R. Adams - Founder/Artistic Director Sara Ward - Accompanist Tour Choir & Music Magic DirectorKirsten Jordon - Town Choir Director Angela Schweer - Accompanist Town ChoirLinda Sissom - Training Choir Director Reba Crump - Accompanist Training Choir

Tiana Mortimer – Executive DirectorTricia Robinson Brown - Administrator

For more informationabout our organization,visit us on the Web:

www.fbbctx.orgor

send us an e-mail:wra@fbbctx.org

“It is the mission of the FortBend Boys Choir of Texasto provide the skills and

training essential for lifelonglearning through the finest

music education in the ancientboychoir tradition”

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Fort Bend Tour Choirboys on a hillside overlooking the townof Florence, Italy.

NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSUGAR LAND, TEXAS

PERMIT NO. 425