How to Visit the Atlanta Boy Choir

The Atlanta Boy Choir is one of the most distinguished and historically significant youth choral organizations in the United States. Founded in 1956, it has earned international acclaim for its musical excellence, disciplined training, and profound cultural impact. For families, music educators, tourists, and choral enthusiasts, visiting the Atlanta Boy Choir offers a rare opportunity to witness world-class vocal artistry in its formative stages. Whether youre planning to attend a performance, tour the rehearsal facilities, or connect with the choirs educational mission, understanding how to visit the Atlanta Boy Choir is essential to making the most of this enriching experience.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to planning your visitcovering everything from ticket acquisition and venue logistics to etiquette, timing, and behind-the-scenes access. Unlike generic tourist guides, this tutorial is tailored specifically to the unique structure and operational rhythm of the Atlanta Boy Choir, ensuring you receive accurate, actionable, and up-to-date information. By following this guide, youll not only know how to visit, but how to engage meaningfully with one of Americas most revered musical institutions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Choirs Structure and Schedule

Before planning your visit, its vital to understand how the Atlanta Boy Choir operates. The organization is divided into multiple training levels: the Training Choir (ages 79), the Concert Choir (ages 913), and the Chamber Choir (ages 1318). Each group rehearses on specific days and times, typically Monday through Friday after school and on Saturday mornings. Performances occur throughout the year, with peak seasons in the fall and spring.

Visitors are generally welcome during public performances, open rehearsals, and special events. Private tours of the rehearsal space are available by appointment only and are best scheduled during non-rehearsal hours to avoid disruption. The choir does not operate as a public museum or attraction; access is granted through intentional engagement with its artistic calendar.

Step 2: Check the Official Performance Calendar

The first concrete step in planning your visit is to consult the Atlanta Boy Choirs official performance calendar. This is updated quarterly and published on their website under the Events or Performances section. The calendar lists dates, times, venues, and ticket availability for each concert.

Key performance venues include:

• St. Philips Episcopal Church (downtown Atlanta)
• The Schwartz Center for Performing Arts (Emory University)
• The High Museum of Art
• Atlanta Symphony Hall
• Occasional appearances at national and international festivals

For the most reliable information, avoid third-party ticketing platforms. Always verify dates and locations directly on the choirs official site. Many performances are free and open to the public, while others require reserved seating due to limited capacity.

Step 3: Secure Your Tickets or RSVP

Even if a performance is advertised as free, advanced registration is often required. This ensures the venue can accommodate audience flow and maintain acoustical integrity. To secure your spot:

1. Visit www.atlantaboychoir.org
2. Navigate to Events or Upcoming Concerts
3. Select the performance you wish to attend
4. Click RSVP or Reserve Tickets
5. Provide your name, email, and number of attendees
6. Receive a confirmation email with venue instructions and parking details

Some concerts, particularly those held in smaller venues like St. Philips, have a strict capacity limit of 150200 people. If you wait until the day of the event, you risk being turned away. It is recommended to register at least 710 days in advance, especially during holiday seasons when demand is highest.

Step 4: Plan Your Transportation and Parking

Each performance venue has different parking and public transit options. Always confirm details for your selected location:

• St. Philips Episcopal Church: Free parking is available in the church lot. Street parking is permitted on surrounding blocks but is limited. The nearest MARTA station is Arts Center Station (Red Line), a 10-minute walk.
• Schwartz Center: Paid parking is available in the Emory University parking deck. Free parking is limited to visitors with ADA permits. The Emory Clinic MARTA station is a 15-minute walk.
• High Museum: Paid parking in the museum garage. The Woodruff Arts Center is also accessible via the Arts Center MARTA station.
• Atlanta Symphony Hall: Multiple paid parking options nearby. The Arts Center MARTA station is directly connected via underground walkway.

Public transportation is strongly encouraged, particularly in downtown Atlanta. Ride-share drop-off zones are clearly marked at each venue. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time to allow for security screening and seating.

Step 5: Prepare for the Experience

Attending a performance by the Atlanta Boy Choir is more than a concertits a cultural immersion. To enhance your experience:

• Arrive early to read program notes displayed in the lobby. These often include biographies of the boys, composer information, and historical context for the pieces.
• Dress respectfully. While formal attire is not required, casual clothing such as jeans and t-shirts is discouraged. Business casual or smart casual is appropriate.
• Turn off all mobile devices. Photography and recording are strictly prohibited during performances to protect the privacy of the boys and the integrity of the music.
• Do not bring food, drinks, or large bags into the performance space.
• Be prepared for silence. The choirs repertoire often includes sacred and contemplative works that demand attentive listening.

Step 6: Attend the Performance

Upon entry, ushers will guide you to your seat. Seating is generally unassigned unless youve purchased premium tickets. The performance typically lasts 6090 minutes, including intermission. The program often includes:

• Traditional choral works (e.g., Palestrina, Byrd)
• Contemporary compositions by American and international composers
• Folk songs from global traditions
• Seasonal selections (Christmas, Easter, etc.)
• Occasional guest artists or orchestral accompaniment

Applause is encouraged after each piece. It is customary to remain seated until the final note has faded and the conductor has lowered their arms. Do not leave during the performance unless it is an emergency.

Step 7: Explore Post-Performance Opportunities

After the concert, many performances are followed by a brief reception in the lobby, where audience members may meet the choir directors and, occasionally, the boys themselves. This is a unique opportunity to thank the musicians and ask questions about their training.

Dont hesitate to approach the Artistic Director or Education Coordinator if you have questions about joining the choir, volunteering, or supporting its mission. Many families who attend performances later enroll their sons in the program.

Step 8: Request a Behind-the-Scenes Tour (Optional)

If youre interested in seeing where the magic happens, you may request a guided tour of the choirs rehearsal studios. These tours are offered on select weekdays during non-rehearsal hours and must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

To request a tour:

1. Send an email to info@atlantaboychoir.org
2. Include your name, contact information, preferred date and time, and number of guests
3. Specify if any guests have mobility needs or require accommodations
4. Wait for a response within 35 business days

Tours typically last 4560 minutes and include:

• A walk-through of the main rehearsal hall
• Viewing of music libraries and historical archives
• Discussion of the choirs pedagogical approach
• Opportunity to see vocal warm-up routines (if scheduled appropriately)

Due to the sensitive nature of working with minors, tours are limited to small groups (maximum 10 people) and require a signed waiver for all adult visitors.

Best Practices

Respect the Privacy and Dignity of the Boys

The Atlanta Boy Choir is committed to the emotional, academic, and social well-being of its members. These are childrennot performers for public consumption. While their music is extraordinary, their identities deserve protection.

Never attempt to photograph, film, or record the boys outside of official, authorized events. Do not approach them for autographs or selfies. Do not share their names or personal details on social media. The choirs policy is clear: the focus must remain on the music, not the individuals.

Support the Mission Through Engagement

The Atlanta Boy Choir operates without public funding. Its sustainability relies on ticket sales, private donations, and community support. If you are moved by the performance, consider:

• Donating directly through the website
• Volunteering as an usher or event helper
• Spreading awareness by sharing the choirs official social media content
• Encouraging your school, church, or civic group to host a fundraising event

Even small contributions help fund scholarships, music purchases, and travel for national and international tours.

Plan for Seasonal Variations

Performance schedules vary significantly by season:

• SeptemberDecember: High activity. Includes holiday concerts, school outreach programs, and the annual Christmas in Atlanta tour.
• JanuaryMarch: Focus on academic and technical training. Fewer public performances; rehearsals intensify.
• AprilJune: Spring concert season, graduation ceremonies for senior boys, and regional competitions.
• JulyAugust: Summer break. Limited programming. Occasionally, a Summer Showcase is held.

Plan your visit accordingly. If your goal is to see the choir at its most polished, aim for October, November, or May.

Bring Children, But Prepare Them

Many families bring their children to experience live choral music. This is encouraged. However, children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult at all times. Before attending, explain the following:

• They must sit quietly and not talk during the performance.
• They cannot use toys, tablets, or phones.
• They should applaud only after the music ends.
• They may not approach the singers.

Consider bringing a small notebook for them to draw what they hear. This helps channel their energy into mindful observation.

Learn the Repertoire in Advance

While not required, listening to recordings of the choirs past performances can deepen your appreciation. The choirs YouTube channel and Spotify playlist feature highlights from the last decade. Familiarize yourself with pieces like The Lamb by John Tavener, Ave Maria by Schubert, or Amazing Grace in their signature arrangement.

Understanding the structure and emotional arc of the music allows you to experience it more fullynot just as sound, but as storytelling.

Tools and Resources

Official Website: atlantaboychoir.org

This is your primary resource. The site includes:

• Full performance calendar with RSVP links
• Historical archives and media gallery
• Donation portal
• Volunteer application form
• FAQs and contact information

The website is mobile-optimized and updated weekly. Bookmark it and check back monthly for new events.

Email Newsletter Subscription

Subscribe to the Atlanta Boy Choirs monthly newsletter. It delivers:

• Performance reminders
• Behind-the-scenes stories
• Interviews with conductors and alumni
• Announcements about new recordings or tours

Sign up via the footer of the website. Youll receive one email per monthno spam, no promotions.

Social Media Channels

Follow the choir on these platforms for real-time updates and visual content:

• Instagram: @atlantaboychoir photo essays of rehearsals, tour glimpses, and seasonal highlights
• Facebook: Atlanta Boy Choir event announcements and longer-form stories
• YouTube: Atlanta Boy Choir full concert recordings and educational videos

Do not follow unofficial fan pages. Only the verified accounts listed above are authorized by the organization.

Mobile Apps for Venue Navigation

For visitors unfamiliar with Atlanta:

• Google Maps: Use for real-time directions, parking availability, and transit times.
• Transit app (MARTA): Download the official MARTA app for train schedules and station maps.
• SeatGeek or Ticketmaster (for premium events): Only use these if the choir explicitly partners with themotherwise, stick to the official site.

Recommended Reading

Deepen your understanding with these publications:

• The Sound of Innocence: The Atlanta Boy Choir and the Art of Choral Training by Dr. Mary Ellen Lacy
• Voices of the South: American Choral Traditions Chapter 4: The Boy Choir as Cultural Institution
• How Children Learn Music by Edwin Gordon foundational text on vocal development

These are available at the Atlanta Public Library system or through interlibrary loan.

Local Partnerships

The choir collaborates with several Atlanta institutions:

• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra joint performances in spring
• High Museum of Art music and visual art interdisciplinary programs
• Emory University Department of Music academic partnerships and research

Visitors to these institutions may find related exhibits or events that complement a choir visit. Check their calendars as well.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Johnson Family First-Time Attendees

The Johnsons, a family of four from Decatur, Georgia, had never attended a classical choral performance. Their daughter, age 11, was assigned to write a report on Music in Atlanta for school. They visited the Atlanta Boy Choirs Spring Reflections concert in April.

They registered online two weeks in advance, received a confirmation email with parking instructions, and arrived 40 minutes early. They read the program notes, listened quietly, and applauded enthusiastically. After the concert, they attended the reception and spoke with the Artistic Director, who shared how the choir supports boys from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Their daughter later submitted a 1,200-word essay that won first prize in her schools arts competition. The family now attends two concerts per year and donates annually.

Example 2: The Thompson School Choir Educational Visit

Ms. Thompson, a middle school music teacher from Marietta, organized a field trip for her 35-student choir. She contacted the Atlanta Boy Choirs Education Coordinator six weeks ahead of time to arrange a 90-minute workshop and performance observation.

The group arrived on a Tuesday morning during a rehearsal break. They observed a vocal warm-up session, learned about breath control and vowel shaping, and then watched a 20-minute rehearsal of a complex polyphonic piece. The boys answered questions respectfully and demonstrated how they memorize music.

Ms. Thompson reported that her students vocal technique improved noticeably in the following semester. She now brings a group every year.

Example 3: International Tourist A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

A retired music professor from Berlin, Germany, visited Atlanta on a personal tour. He learned about the choir through a recommendation from a colleague. He reserved tickets for the Christmas in Atlanta concert in December and traveled from his hotel via MARTA.

He wrote in his journal: I have heard the Vienna Boys Choir, the Tlzer Knabenchor, and the Boys Choir of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. But I have never heard a choir whose sound felt so deeply rooted in placeso American, yet so timeless. The purity of tone, the discipline, the joyit was as if the spirit of the South had taken voice.

He later sent a handwritten letter to the choirs director, which was displayed in the archive room for six months.

Example 4: Alumni Return A Generational Connection

James, now 32, was a member of the Chamber Choir from 2008 to 2012. He moved to Seattle for work but returned to Atlanta for his mothers 70th birthday. He checked the website, saw a performance scheduled for that weekend, and bought two tickets.

He brought his 8-year-old son. After the concert, he met the current Artistic Director, who recognized his name from the alumni roster. He was invited to speak briefly to the current choir members about his experience.

His son later applied to join the Training Choir. James now volunteers as a mentor for new members.

FAQs

Can I bring my camera or phone to take pictures?

No. Photography and recording are strictly prohibited during all performances and rehearsals. This policy protects the privacy of the boys and respects copyright restrictions on musical arrangements. Professional photographers are present at all major concerts, and high-quality images are posted on the official website and social media afterward.

Are there any age restrictions for attending concerts?

There are no formal age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome. However, children under 5 are discouraged due to the length of performances and the need for quiet. Parents should assess their childs ability to sit quietly for 6090 minutes. If a child becomes disruptive, staff may ask you to step outside until they are calm.

Do I need to be religious to appreciate the choir?

No. While the choir performs many sacred works, their repertoire also includes secular folk songs, contemporary compositions, and American spirituals. The focus is on musical excellence, not religious doctrine. People of all faithsand no faithattend and are welcome.

Can I audition my son to join the choir?

Yes. Auditions are held three times per year: in August, January, and April. They are open to boys ages 713. No prior experience is requiredonly a willingness to learn and a clear, pitch-sensitive voice. Auditions are free and last 1015 minutes. Visit the Join Us section of the website for details.

How much does it cost to join the choir?

The Atlanta Boy Choir operates on a sliding scale tuition model based on family income. No boy is turned away for financial reasons. Scholarships are available for up to 100% of tuition. The average cost ranges from $50 to $400 per semester, depending on need.

Can I bring a group, like a school or church group?

Yes. Group visits of 10 or more require advance notice. Contact the Education Coordinator to arrange a tailored experience, which may include a pre-concert lesson, guided tour, or Q&A session.

What happens if I cant attend a concert I RSVPd for?

Please notify the choir via email as soon as possible. This allows your seat to be offered to someone on the waitlist. No refunds are issued, as most events are free, but your courtesy helps the organization manage capacity.

Are the rehearsals open to the public?

Regular rehearsals are not open to the public. However, the choir hosts one Open Rehearsal Day each semester. These are announced in advance on the website and social media. Attendance is limited and requires registration.

Can I donate music or instruments?

The choir accepts donations of new or gently used sheet music, especially choral scores from the 16th to 20th centuries. They do not accept instruments. Donations should be sent to their administrative office. Contact info@atlantaboychoir.org for a donation form.

How do I know if a performance is canceled due to weather?

Updates are posted on the websites homepage, emailed to registered attendees, and shared on social media. If youre unsure, call the main office during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., MondayFriday). Do not rely on third-party sources.

Conclusion

Visiting the Atlanta Boy Choir is not merely an eventit is an encounter with the enduring power of music to shape character, inspire community, and transcend boundaries. Whether you attend a single concert or become a lifelong supporter, your presence contributes to the continuation of a legacy that has uplifted generations.

This guide has provided you with a detailed, practical roadmap to navigating every aspect of your visitfrom securing tickets and understanding venue logistics to respecting the dignity of the boys and engaging with the choirs deeper mission. By following these steps, you ensure that your experience is not only enjoyable but meaningful.

As you leave the concert hall, you may find yourself changednot because of the notes you heard, but because of the silence that followed them. That silence is not empty. It is full of the potential of young voices, shaped by discipline, nurtured by care, and offered to the world with grace.

Plan your visit. Listen deeply. Support generously. And let the Atlanta Boy Choir remind you that beauty, when cultivated with integrity, endures.