~ Reflections of GRCMB Families Spring 2009 ~
Scott, The Neary concert was amazing! They really gave the best they had. Thank you for the growing experience of choir this year - it's been so good for Sam and our whole family has enjoyed sharing the adventure. I don't think Sam will continue in the choir as his voice has begun to change in earnest, but the things he's learned have enriched his knowledge and understanding of music and life in ways that will last forever. We are truly grateful. Sincerely, Sue Doenier
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My two sons (nine- and six-years-old) are currently singing in the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys.
They began in October of 2008 and from the very beginning our experience couldn’t have been better. My sons are younger members of the boys’ section, and the other boys have truly accepted them and offered guidance. Scott Bosscher, the Musical Director of the choir, is energetic and encouraging. He is gifted at giving succinct singing training right in the midst of rehearsing songs and therefore leads very focused rehearsals. He gives all of the boys and men great respect and he demands that they offer him the same respect. The repertoire that the choir sings is brilliant. That my sons can be exposed to such high-level compositions at such a young age is truly a gift. –Sincerely, Susan Guerra
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I'm not sure where to begin in my attempt to describe the impact that GRCMB has had on me and my family. I am tempted, selfishly, to begin with myself as I have long valued this musical tradition, which continues to be an important part of my life. However, if I am going to be totally honest ,as much as this choir has meant to me ,an adult singer with the choir for much of the past nearly 20 years, GRCMB was an even more important influence in the life of my now 28 year old son, who I'm quite certain would not be the successful professional he is today were it not for the discipline and the expectation of excellence that were instilled in him during his nearly 5 year tenure with this organization that required him in his childhood and early adolescence to set aside other interests in order that he might pursue musical excellence and achieve at a level that most boys will never experience, regardless of the activity in which they are involved. Were you to interview my son today, he would tell you that what he learned as a chorister of GRCMB may indeed have been as important, if not more so, in shaping who he is today than anything he learned from his parents (though we would like to think otherwise). My son is now a successful geologist and a supporter financially of the choir. He would, I'm quite sure, advocate that the GRCMB receive whatever funding is needed to ensure its survival.
--David C. Boersma, Ph.D.
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Our son’s involvement in the GRCMB has been an extremely positive experience for him. The commitment to be in the choir has helped him to keep focus on priorities, his grades, and has given him access to a community of those who are dedicated to and passionate about the arts. It has enhanced his love for music, performance and has given him a new experience in worship that he otherwise would never have had. We can honestly say that our son is better for having joined the choir, and he is looking forward to the 20th anniversary season. --Jay Hidalgo The Annuitas Group
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It has been my privilege to be the Organ Fellow for the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys for the past several years. This ensemble and their director, Scott Bosscher, have done an outstanding job of presenting music from the English choral tradition to audiences throughout western Michigan and beyond. The music is beautiful, the singers are skillful and well-trained, the director is energetic and sensitive, and the listeners are enriched and enthusiastic--a joyfully magnificent combination. --Kenneth A. Bos, D.M.A.
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Dear Scott and All Members of the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys,
What a marvelous evening. Thank you for preparing the choir so well. I much enjoyed working with you and your singers, and will look forward to seeing you all again. But, before flying back to London this evening from Washington DC, I wanted to follow up my previous email to thank you and the choir for the special card and present you gave me, (the Cheery Chorister, which I greatly appreciated; I will now try to be Cheery Neary!) as well as for the rewarding time I spent with you. I particularly liked the reference to “Singing Unto the Lord with Joy,” and I am sure that is what you will be doing later this week, not least when you sing the glorious Purcell anthem of that name.
Finally thank you for all of your graciousness throughout my visit; it was indeed such a pleasure working with you, and I hope there will be a follow up when your plans for the coming season emerge. It is so evident that you are doing excellent work on all counts. So best wishes to you all, and keep up the good work.
--Dr. Martin Neary (Organist/Choirmaster Westminster Abbey, London, England)