South Jersey will soon be filled with the sounds of angels on Dec. 20 as the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale will perform “Sing, Choir of Angels” in Haddon Heights.
“This is the first time in three years we’ll be doing a concert in South Jersey, and we’re very happy we can come back and do that,” said Stephan Stoeckl, director of marketing for the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale. “A third of the kids in the choir are from South Jersey.”
What makes this concert so special for Haddonfield is that one of Haddonfield’s own residents has earned his place in the choir and will be performing at the concert. Haddonfield Middle School’s Max Cass, 13, has earned his trademark red blazer to perform with the Philadelphia Boys Choir.
Cass started singing at the age of 7 and has found it fun ever since.
“I mostly like being around other people when I am singing. It makes it more fun and I like singing in general. It’s a way to express yourself,” Max said.
Max was recommended for the Philadelphia Boys Choir by his former elementary school music teacher Robin Music of Penn Alexander School in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Boys Choir requires the boys to go through a training program. Depending on their age, maturity level and previous experience, the program can take anywhere from two years to half a year to complete. Then they have to pass an audition where they have to memorize and perform about an hour of music by themselves in front of the music director, Jeffrey R. Smith. Once they pass, they earn their trademark red blazer and are allowed to perform with the choir.
Max really enjoys performing with the choir. He especially loves to perform around this time of year with all the winter concerts, POPs and Nutcrackers. He is never nervous when performing, either.
“Knowing there are so many people around you who love singing as much as you do, it really comforts you,” Max said.
He also likes traveling, too; it is his favorite part. The choir has done tours previously in France, England and Wales and in 2015 will be going to China.
“I like traveling tours. We go to Europe and Asia, all around the world, and that is my favorite part. My first tour, in France, was so amazing and a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Max said.
The Philadelphia Boys Choir practices two times a week, on Tuesday afternoons for two hours and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. They also rehearse before concerts as well.
“I would say if you want to join you should prepare for a lot of fun, but also a ton of hard work, and always listen to the directors,” Max said.
See Max and other South Jersey and Philadelphia residents in the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale’s “Sing, Choirs of Angels” on Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. The concert will take place at St. Rose of Lima Parish located at 300 Kings Highway in Haddon Heights.
