Pacific Boychoir

==Pacific Boychoir Academy== '''Pacific Boychoir Academy''' (PBA) is an independent choir school located in Oakland, California, that provides a comprehensive choral and academic education for boys in grades three through eight. Additionally, PBA offers after-school choir programs for both boys and girls from pre-kindergarten through high school. Founded in 1998 by Artistic Director Kevin Fox, the Pacific Boychoir Academy has become renowned for its musical excellence and rigorous academic programs, fostering the development of confident and engaged young artists. ===History=== Since its inception, PBA has grown significantly, serving over 150 choristers each season and releasing nine independent albums. The academy has garnered international acclaim, including three GRAMMY Awards in collaboration with the San Francisco Symphony. Notably, PBA is the only secular boychoir school in North America located outside of the East Coast. The choir's sound quality has been described as "astonishing" by the ''Los Angeles Times'', and the ''New York Times'' has praised PBA for its ability to perform complex musical works typically beyond the reach of most children's choirs. ===Accomplishments=== Pacific Boychoir Academy has a rich history of performances, including television appearances for civic memorial services for Nelson Mandela, featuring at events with Vice President Joe Biden, and on shows like NBC’s ''America’s Got Talent'' and ''The Blacklist''. The choir has also been the voice of the Yahoo yodel and has performed alongside comedian Zach Galifianakis. PBA's outreach extends to performances for Bay Area schools each year and participation as teaching artists for the San Francisco Opera ARIA program. The choir has undertaken challenging works such as Mozart’s ''Requiem'' and Rachmaninoff’s ''All-Night Vigil'', with the latter being a historic U.S. performance featuring boy sopranos and altos. PBA's discography includes recordings with the San Francisco Symphony and their own albums featuring works like Bach’s Cantata 150 and African-American spirituals. ===Collaborations=== PBA has collaborated with a diverse array of esteemed artists and ensembles, including the Kronos Quartet, Omaha Symphony, Oakland-East Bay Symphony, Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, American Bach Soloists, and many others. These collaborations have taken place both domestically and internationally, showcasing the choir's versatility and reach. ===Tours=== The Pacific Boychoir Academy has toured extensively, performing across the United States and in countries on six continents. Notable venues include Davies Symphony Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, War Memorial Opera House, Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, and significant international landmarks such as The Vatican and Notre Dame Cathedral. The choir's tours not only serve as cultural exchanges but also as opportunities for choristers to gain unique life experiences. ===Outreach and Events=== PBA is active in community outreach, participating in events like the Bay Bridge Opening, sporting events, and hosting self-produced concerts annually. The choir also features on Public Radio International and other international media outlets, further extending its influence and sharing its music with a broader audience. ===Day School=== The PBA Day School offers a robust academic curriculum alongside its choral program, with admissions open for the 2022-2023 school year. The school prides itself on its diverse community and is committed to inclusivity, welcoming boys from all racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. ===Support and Diversity=== Pacific Boychoir Academy is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and sponsorships to ensure access to its transformative programs for all interested children, regardless of financial background. The academy values diversity and is unaffiliated with any religious practice or specific ethnic group, emphasizing the importance of learning from different cultures and preparing students for a diverse global society. Located at 215 Ridgeway Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611, PBA invites support and engagement from the community through donations and participation in events. The academy's Tax ID is 94-3310468, and further information can be obtained by contacting them at infopacificboychoir.org or by phone at 510.652.4722.