In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument
Home | Doo Wop | Barbershop | World | Contemporary | Christian | Vocal Jazz | Choral | Christmas | Instructional | Arrangements
Classical | Opera | Musicals | Personality | Young Singers | Disney | Videos | Songs | The Artists
Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus
Director: Dr. Julian Ackerley
Group.
In 1939, Eduardo Caso, "the tenor of the American airwaves," came to Tucson to rest and recuperate from the tuberculosis, which had interrupted his career. An Englishman, singer and teacher, he carried to the West the dream of a boys choir rooted in the European tradition, but uniquely American in sound and repertoire. As Arizona's January sunshine restored his health, Caso gave back to Arizona, founding the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus. In 1945, TABC was incorporated as a nonprofit educational organization. As the fame of the Tucson Boys Chorus spread, activities expanded to include national radio broadcasts, concert tours of Arizona and the Southwest, and early television appearances.
After performing at the Chicago World's Fair in 1950, the boys were hailed by one reporter as "the finest walking advertisement a city ever had," and subsequent tours won hosts of admirers from coast to coast. Tucson's "Ambassadors in Levis" were gaining momentum. Singing ³Cowboys² enthrall European audiences In the summer of 1955, Caso and 30 of his young "cowboys" swept through Europe winning ovations with every appearance. Their horizons expanded to Australia in 1960 with similar results. In 1963, the American ambassadors brought their music to all of America, singing at the White House tree-lighting ceremony. The boys suffered the loss of their mentor in 1965 when Caso passed away suddenly, almost on the eve of a live appearance on NBC's Bell Telephone Hour. Like true professionals, the boys decided, "the show must go on." Led by University of Arizona doctoral student Jeffrey Haskell, they performed to rave reviews. Refusing to lose its spark with the loss of Caso, TABC flourished during the next 10 years under Haskell. After a decade as Director, Haskell resigned to pursue other interests.
In 1980, Dr. Julian Ackerley was named Director, bringing to the organization extensive teaching experience at all levels, including three degrees in music with emphasis on music education, choral direction and voice performance. Under Dr. Ackerley's leadership, TABC experienced a boom in membership and activities. During the 1989-90 season, TABC's historic 50th Anniversary was celebrated with an Alumni Reunion attended by more than 700 guests. That same year, the Chorus toured the Soviet Union, Germany, Austria and Poland. Notable activities continued through the 1990s. In 1991, the Chorus returned to sing at the White House, performing for President & Mrs. Bush on NBC's "Today Show". In April 1993, TABC embarked on a sojourn "down under" performing in Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii. European Tour includes a performance at the Vatican In the early 1990s, the Chorus released a recording titled, "Holiday Treasures". In 1996, the group was featured at the NFL Experience as part of Super Bowl XXX. They also traveled to Spain, France and Italy on European Tour '96, including a performance in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. In 1996, TABC was acknowledged for its long-term excellence by receiving Arizona's highest arts honor, The Governor's Arts Award for Arts in Education. In late November 1996, the Chorus traveled to New York to participate in the 70th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus celebrated its 60th anniversary during the 1999-2000 season. The year was marked by community-wide media coverage, including a television documentary and city, state and national proclamations. In a historic tour, 2001: Orient Odyssey, the Touring Chorus ventured to Thailand, Vietnam, China, South Korea and Taiwan. That same year, the Chorus was named and performed as National Anchor Choir for the prestigious international singing festival, AmericaFest, held at St. John's University in Minnesota. The strong traditions of the past and exciting opportunities of our modern society have paved the way for the Tucson Boys Chorus' continued success as a world-renowned professional touring group and an organization benefiting Tucson youth.
Discography
Displaying 1-4 of 4 items.
Review: On this recording the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus sings sacred music from the Renaissance through the twentieth century. This CD includes many great pieces such as, "Panis Angelicus" by Cesar Frank, "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach and "Erhore mich, wenn ich rufe" by Heinrich Schutz. Led by Julian Ackerley, the choir is accompanied by Douglas Bush on organ, Lisa Lemay on piano and the Southwest String Quartet. This recording features some truly heavenly songs.
Songlist: Gloria - A Choral Fanfare, O. Praise God in His Holiness, Panis angelicus, Erhore mich, wenn ich rufe, O Domine esu Christe, Cantata: Liebster, meie Seele saget, O Domine Jesu Christe, An die Musik, All People Clap Your Hands, Exsultate justi in Domino, Laudate Pueri Dominum, Dixit Dominus (II mvt.), Jesu, the Very Thought of Thee, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, BWV 147
Review: This recording features the sounds of the holiday season as expressed through the beautiful voices of the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus. It includes some of America's most loved holiday songs. This highly acclaimed choir sings "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Eddie Pola and George Wyle, John Rutter's "Candlelight Carol," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and many more. You will enjoy listening to these holiday treasures.
Songlist: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Eddie Pola, George Wyle), Candlelight Carol (John RUtter), God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (Trad), Shehechanyu (Trad Hebrew Prayer), Hanukkah Song (Yiddish Folksong), Christ Is Born Today (Kirby Shaw), Agnus Dei (from MIssa Brevis in C minor) (Imant Raminsh), Do You Hear What I Hear (Noel Regney, Gloria Shayne), Fum, Fum, Fum (Trad Spanish Carol), The Christmas Song (Mel Torme, Robert Wells), White Christmas, There Is No Christmas Like A Home Christmas (Mickey J. Addy, Carl Sigman), Home for the Holidays (Al Stillman), Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Hugh Martin, Ralph Blaine), Jingle Bells (J. Pierpont), We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Trad English Carol)
Review: This recording is a collection of contemporary songs of enlightenment. A mixture of classical compositions and popular songs which matches the pure sound of young male voices with some of America's most inspiring songs, including "The Wind Beneath My Wings" arranged by Jeffrey Haskell, "Come Let's Be Merry" by James Mulholland, "Over the Rainbow" and "Let There Be Praise" arranged by Ed Lojeski. These songs come with a message of hope and enlightenment.
Songlist: Send Me a Child, Joyfully Sing, The Wind Beneath My Wings, Hero (, Come Let's Be Merry, Love in Any Language, The Greatest Love of All, Over the Rainbow (, When You Wish Upon A Star, Let There Be Praise, We Are the Young, My Heart Will Go On, That's When the Music Takes Me
Review: Since its initiation in 1939, the TABC has long established itself as a quality community choir with international acclaim, that combines high artistic quality with an incredibly diverse repertoire. One genre that has garnered worldwide attention is the Choir's signature western repertoire, representing the rich history of the American cowboy. Included in these14 songs are traditional tunes like "Sing Me a Song of the Saddle," "Home on the Range" and "Riders in the Sky," and contemporary selections like Willie Nelson's deathless "On the Road Again," "Don't Rock the Jukebox," and "Boot Scootin' Boogie." Added bonuses are 4 African songs performed on their four week tour to South Africa, "Adiemus," "Singabahambayo," "Haleluya! Pelo Tsa Rona," and the beautiful "Siyahamba." Some piano accompaniment. Dr. Julian Akerley, director since 1980, leads Tucson's renowned ambassadors of song in a special, highly enjoyable, western-flavored collection of great music!
Songlist: They call the wind Maria, Tumblin' Tumbleweeds, Home on The Range, Sing Me A Song of the Saddle, Riders In The Sky, Crazy, On The Road Again, Don't Rock The Jukebox, Forever and Ever Amen, Boot Scootin' Boogie, Adiemus, Singabahambayo, Haleluya! Pelo Tsa Rona, Siyahamba
Male Choral Groups | Male Choral CDs | Boyschoirs | Boyschoirs CDs | Male Choral Christmas CDs
A Cappella Arrangements for Male Voices
Select a Category |
Want to Sing? - Find a Chorus Near You
List of Choruses by State | List of Choruses by City