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American Boychoir School

From Alfawiki
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article American Boychoir School, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 30 November 2025
American Boychoir School
Company typePrivate middle school, boarding and day school
IndustryEducation, Music
Founded1937 in Columbus, Ohio, United States
FounderHerbert Huffman
Defunct2017-08-15
Headquarters
Princeton
,
United States
Area served
United States and international tours
ProductsMusical education, choir performances, recordings

The American Boychoir School was a private middle school offering both boarding and day programs, located in Princeton, New Jersey. Originally established as the Columbus Boychoir in Columbus, Ohio, the institution moved to Princeton in 1950 after acquiring land from the Lambert estate and adopted its new name. Catering to boys in grades 4 through 8 from across the United States and abroad, it stood as one of only two boarding schools dedicated to boychoirs nationwide, alongside the Saint Thomas Choir School in New York City. The school provided a distinctive musical education and maintained an active touring schedule throughout North America and internationally, collaborating with prestigious orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.

In 2002, allegations of sexual misconduct involving faculty members and students emerged. These events served as inspiration for the fictional choir portrayed in the 2014 film Boychoir. Between 2012 and 2015, financial difficulties and decreasing enrollment necessitated several relocations. The school ultimately filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2015 and ceased operations on August 15, 2017.

Choir

The American Boychoir delivered upwards of 200 performances annually during extensive tours across the United States and abroad. It partnered with renowned ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and collaborated with distinguished soloists including cellist Yo-Yo Ma and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. The choir appeared on NBC's Today show and contributed to sixteen commercial recordings.

Significant engagements included performing at the 2004–2005 Academy Awards alongside Beyoncé Knowles, a concert with Jessye Norman prior to the U.S. Open women's final, Carnegie Hall events celebrating James Levine’s debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as multiple concerts with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Between 2013 and 2016, national tours spanned regions such as the Midwest, South, California, Northwest, Texas, and Southwest. Internationally, the choir participated in festivals held in South Korea and France. Noteworthy performances included Tim Janis' The American Christmas Carol at Carnegie Hall (2015) and collaborations with the Philadelphia Orchestra on major works like Carmina Burana (2013), Bach's St. Matthew Passion (2015), and Mahler's Symphony No. 8 (2016).

The American Boychoir consisted of two ensembles: the Concert Choir—most recently directed by Fernando Malvar-Ruiz—which regularly toured; and the Training Choir under Fred Meads’ leadership, tasked with preparing first-year members for progression. Prospective students underwent auditions conducted either at the school or following performances. Alumni had the opportunity to participate in an Alumni Chorus led by music director emeritus James Litton.

School

Operating as a non-profit, non-sectarian institution, the American Boychoir School maintained an inclusive admissions policy without discrimination based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, or religion. It held accreditation from the Middle States Association. Admissions were accepted on a rolling basis, with many students enrolling after the academic year had commenced.

The curriculum prioritized interdisciplinary project-based learning (PBL). Classes were kept small—capped at twelve students—and boys were taught in self-contained classrooms where a single grade-level teacher integrated Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science through interdisciplinary modules. Fourth and fifth graders were combined into a "Lower School" group. Student evaluations emphasized authentic summative assessments that required boys to present their work to classmates and external experts.

Mathematics instruction was tailored to individual ability levels using a combination of direct teaching methods, textbooks, and a web-based program (TenMarks) supported by a one-to-one iPad initiative. Students progressed independently within their grade level according to their aptitude—whether below, at, or above grade expectations.

All students studied Latin focusing on grammar and vocabulary development aligned with Language Arts skills as well as simple story translation. Music Theory instruction was offered across four proficiency levels; newcomers received keyboard lessons during their initial year.

Physical education took place four times weekly for every student.

Graduates frequently matriculated to competitive independent high schools nationwide such as Interlochen Arts Academy, Phillips Exeter Academy, Phillips Academy, Lawrenceville School, Peddie School, St. Andrew's School, and Avon Old Farms. Approximately 20 to 30 percent of alumni returned to attend their local public high schools.

Academics on tour

Throughout the academic year, the educational curriculum was seamlessly integrated with the Boychoir's touring itinerary. The program featured grade-specific modules tailored to the tour destinations, including visits to museums, historical landmarks, and ecological sites that enhanced the learning experience. Each trip was accompanied by a teacher to support the students.

Summer music programs

The American Boychoir presented two distinct summer offerings: Camp Albemarle and The American Boychoir Experience.

Camp Albemarle provided participants with choral rehearsals, musicianship development, and focused small-group vocal coaching.

Designed for boys aged 9 to 12, The American Boychoir Experience consisted of a week-long immersion in choir training and music theory, excluding academic coursework. This program culminated in a formal recital and required prospective attendees to audition.

History

Established in 1937 in Columbus, Ohio by Herbert Huffman, the choir and school were created to foster boys' growth through exceptional choral artistry. Initially known as the Columbus Boychoir, it moved to Princeton in 1950 and adopted the name American Boychoir in 1980.

Key figures in its leadership have included Huffman, Donald Bryant, Robert W. Haley, Howard Jewell, Donald G. Hanson, John Kuzma, Jim Litton, Craig Denison, Wallace Hornady, and Nathan Wadley. Under Huffman’s direction, recordings were made with RCA Victor; later, during Bryant’s leadership, the choir recorded for Decca Records, producing several LPs including a collaboration with Bing Crosby. Subsequent albums were released on their proprietary Albemarle Records label.

From 1985 until 2001, James Litton conducted more than 2,000 performances across 49 states and 12 countries. He introduced SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) arrangements and promoted continued singing throughout the boys' vocal transitions.

In 2012, under President Robert Rund’s administration, the institution sold its long-standing Albemarle property and relocated to the Princeton Center for the Arts & Education for the 2013–14 academic years.

On April 10, 2015, confronted with financial strain, the school filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection seeking $350,000 to finish the current year and $3 million to resume operations. It announced an early closure of the school year on May 17 rather than proceeding to a June graduation.

The school resumed activities on September 1, 2015 at Rambling Pines Summer Camp (previously Princeton Latin Academy), utilizing available classrooms and athletic facilities while striving for fiscal recovery.

Ultimately, the American Boychoir School ceased operations permanently on August 15, 2017.

2002 lawsuit and sexual abuse allegations

In April 2002, The New York Times exposed allegations of long-standing sexual abuse at the Boychoir School involving Choir Director Donald G. Hanson and other staff members. Legal documents filed by the school contended it bore no responsibility to safeguard students from abuse and argued that victims were negligent for failing to report incidents sooner. Constitutional law expert Lawrence Lessig represented John Hardwicke, a former student who claimed he had been abused. The institution maintained that Hardwicke had consented to inappropriate conduct despite being only 12 years old at the time. Since then, numerous ex-students have come forward detailing abuse spanning from the 1970s through the 1990s. In response, the school implemented enhanced protective measures and paid over $850,000 in settlements to prevent further litigation.

On August 8, 2006, the New Jersey Supreme Court denied the school's appeal against a lower court decision. The institution had argued that New Jersey’s charitable immunity statute shielded it from liability; however, the court clarified that this law protects charities solely from claims of negligence but does not extend to willful or grossly negligent acts. The school's legal team sought reconsideration on grounds that this ruling broadened vicarious liability.

Earlier that year on January 5, then-Governor of New Jersey Richard Codey enacted bill S540/A2512 into law, eliminating the Boychoir’s ability to invoke charitable immunity as a defense. This legislation positioned New Jersey as the 48th state permitting survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue legal action against churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations responsible for staff misconduct.

Discography

  • I Hear America Singing (2013), Albemarle Records AR 1008, performed by The American Boychoir, Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, Litton-Lodal Music Director
  • Journey On...Passport to a World of Music (2010), Albemarle Records AR 1007, featuring The American Boychoir under Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, Litton-Lodal Music Director
  • ACDA Concert (2009), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed alongside other choirs
  • St. Matthew Passion (2008), conducted by Kurt Masur with The American Boychoir, Westminster Choir College, and the New York Philharmonic
  • Harmony: American Songs of Faith (2007), Albemarle Records AR 1006, featuring The American Boychoir, St. Olaf Choir, and Alumni Chorus; Fernando Malvar-Ruiz as Litton-Lodal Music Director; Anton Armstrong conducting; James Litton as Music Director Emeritus
  • Columbus~American Boychoir (2007), a 70th Anniversary Compilation
  • A Princeton Christmas for the Children of Africa (2007), The American Boychoir collaborating with various Princeton choirs; proceeds donated to the UN World Food Program
  • Messe Basse (2004), Albemarle Records AR1005, performed by The American Boychoir under James Litton; Scott Dettra featured on organ
  • Voices of Angels (2004), Albemarle Records, conducted by James Litton and Fernando Malvar-Ruiz with The American Boychoir
  • The Lost Christmas Eve (2004), Lava/Atlantic Records 93146-2 distributed by Atlantic Records; includes The American Boychoir on Track 5 with Trans-Siberian Orchestra; certified Gold in 2005
  • Benjamin Britten: A Ceremony of Carols (2003), Albemarle Records 1003, featuring The American Boychoir conducted by Vincent Metallo
  • Lullaby, Music for the Quiet Times (2002), Albemarle Records 1002, with The American Boychoir under James Litton's direction
  • American Songfest (2002), Albemarle Records 1001, performed by The American Boychoir led by Vincent Metallo
  • Kurt Masur at the New York Philharmonic (special edition) (2001), featuring The American Boychoir and New York Choral Artists; Kurt Masur as Music Director
  • Litton Live! – The Farewell Concert (2002), American Boychoir Concert Choir and Alumni Chorus under James Litton's leadership
  • Mass & Vespers for the Feast of Holy Innocents (2000), LINN Records CKD 152; James Litton directing; members from New York Collegium participating
  • The Prayer Cycle by Jonathan Elias (1999), Sony SK60569; The American Boychoir collaborating with Alanis Morissette, James Taylor, among others
  • Fast Cats and Mysterious Cows (1999), Virgin Classics 7243 5 45368 2 3; featuring The American Boychoir with James Litton; soloists Patricia Petibon and Catherine King included
  • Christmastime (1998), Reunion Records 02341 0015 2; Michael W. Smith with multiple tracks featuring The American Boychoir
  • Wide Awake (1998), soundtrack for Miramax original motion picture composed by Edmund Choi
  • Grace (1997), Sony Classical SK 62035; showcasing The American Boychoir with Kathleen Battle performing Mozart’s Laudate Dominum
  • Sing! (1997), ABS Recordings E-2200; performed by The American Boychoir under James Litton's direction
  • Carol (1996), EMI CDC 7243 5 56180 2 3; collaboration between The American Boychoir, Albemarle Consort, and orchestra conducted by James Litton
  • In the Spirit (1996), Phillips 454 985-2; featuring Jessye Norman with David Robertson conducting selections alongside the choir
  • By Request (1996), EMI CDC 7243 5 55247; a collection of tour program pieces performed a cappella or accompanied by piano under James Litton’s guidance
  • Hymn (1995), EMI CDC 55064 2 9; collaborations including Stephen Curtis Chapman and Twila Paris with orchestration by Ron Huff and Tom Mitchell
  • In Search of Angels (1994), Windham Hill Records featuring Patty Larkin, Jane Siberry, and k.d. lang; soundtrack for PBS special including "Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree"
  • Interview with the Vampire (1994), Geffen GEFD 24719 original motion picture soundtrack composed by Elliot Goldenthal
  • Lost in the Stars (1992), MusicMasters Classics featuring chorister Jamal Howard in lead role; Julius Rudel conducting Orchestra of St. Luke's
  • A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert (1992), Sony Classical SK 48235 with Kathleen Battle and Wynton Marsalis conducted by André Previn
  • Trumpets Sound, Voices Ring (1991), MusicMasters featuring Atlantic Brass Quintet directed by James Litton
  • Dixit Dominus (1991), MusicMasters with Albemarle Consort and Eighteenth Century Ensemble under James Litton’s baton
  • Hymnody of Earth (1990), MusicMasters presenting songs composed by Malcolm Dalglish inspired by Wendell Berry’s poetry
  • The American Boychoir On Tour (1990), Ocaso HR006CD showcasing selections from tour repertoire conducted by James Litton
  • Leonard Bernstein: Chichester Psalms, Charles Davidson's I Never Saw Another Butterfly (1988); Music Heritage Society MHC 312514Y with American Symphony Orchestra
  • The American Boychoir with Jessye Norman – Christmastide (1987); Philips video release featuring New York Choral Society under Robert De Cormier
  • On Christmas Day (1987); Ocaso HR002 featuring Cathedral Symphony Orchestra conducted by James Litton
  • Michael W. Smith's Go West Young Man (1990); Reunion Records including contributions by The American Boychoir
  • Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols (1983); Pro Arte Digital under John Kuzma
  • This is my Country (1983); Pro Arte Digital conducted by John Kuzma
  • Handel's Messiah (1981); Smithsonian Collection presenting period instruments and soloists led by James Weaver
  • Benjamin Britten's War Requiem (1975); Kalvier Records’ first U.S. recording conducted by William Hall
  • Felix Mendelssohn's Elijah (1970); RCA Red Seal with Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy
  • Leonard Bernstein Kaddish Symphony (1966); private label recording conducted by Donald Bryant
  • Columbus Boychoir School anniversary concerts and holiday albums from mid-20th century including collaborations with prominent artists such as Risë Stevens and Bing Crosby under Herbert Huffman and Donald Bryant

This comprehensive catalog demonstrates the organization’s deliberate engagement within classical choral music sectors through partnerships with distinguished conductors and artists. It highlights a broad range of repertoire spanning albums and soundtracks while also contributing to philanthropic endeavors that enhance its public profile.

Noteworthy Graduates

External links

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