FORT WORTH, TEXAS (May 13, 2025) – In April, Texas Boys Choir (TBC) traveled to the Hawaiian Islands for their annual spring tour.
Texas Boys Choir is a GRAMMY award-winning boy choir. Established in 1946, they continue to make Texas proud today, performing and touring globally for popes, kings, and other dignitaries. This spring, TBC visited the fiftieth state to perform, learn, and immerse themselves in a new culture.
Each touring trip offers professional travel experience, collaboration opportunities, and cultural growth. The boys perform live in a variety of venues and collaborate with other choir groups and instructors. During the Hawaiian tour, the team had the opportunity to work with and perform alongside students from Punahou Music School, Hawaii Youth Opera (HYO), and Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). Each of these institutions possesses its own unique musical style. The boys were also immersed in Hawaiian culture, traditions, and art forms, and explored American history, enjoying the scenic views before departing the island.
“Choir tours are an invaluable component of the Texas Boys Choir experience. Sharing music and cultural experiences with diverse people broadens our students’ world view and helps them understand different musical traditions and cultural perspectives. Touring also provides opportunities for personal growth: building confidence, fostering collaboration, and leading to lifelong success.”- Dr. Todd Prickett, TBC Artistic Director
The initial destination was the Punahou Music School (alma mater of former U.S. President Barack Obama). Punahou provides an extensive music education as part of its K-12 curriculum. Like TBC, this institution emphasizes programs promoting participation, independence, and a lasting passion for music. TBC performed for four hundred 7th graders and engaged in an exchange program with two 8th-grade choirs and two Hawaiian music classes. The exchange of techniques, ideas, and cultural perspectives is essential for mutual learning.
The choir engrossed themselves in Polynesian culture, gaining insights into the island and its history. This began with Hawaii’s inaugural Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana resident show, a narrative which draws inspiration from the mo‘olelo (stories) of Hawaii. The performance commemorates the Polynesian migration and the ‘golden age of tourism,’ celebrating the rich heritage and cultural traditions of Hawaii. The itinerary included a picturesque view of Rainbow Falls State Park, the steam vents at Volcanoes National Park’s Jaggar Museum, and the Thurston Lava Tube. They visited the Polynesian Cultural Center, where the boys engaged in a Hawaiian Journey Theater show, hula dancing, and poi twirling. That night ended with the team delighting onlookers with an impromptu performance at the conclusion of the Aliʻi Lūʻau.
Next, TBC collaborated with the local choir, HYOC, Hawaii’s oldest and most accomplished community youth choir. They explored a diverse range of musical styles, including Hawaiian music, the music of the Pacific Rim and Asia, opera, as well as standard European and Western choral and folk music from various cultures. They rehearsed together and performed for one another, facilitating an exchange of cultural techniques and talents. The boys delivered an outstanding performance alongside HYOC and HPU, featuring a large choir that resonated powerfully throughout the venue.
One of the most meaningful performances took place in Pearl Harbor near the U.S.S. Missouri, a battleship built for the U.S. Navy in the 1940s. The ship was assigned to the Pacific Theater during World War II where she participated in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Her quarterdeck was the site of the surrender of the Empire of Japan at the end of the war. With the U.S.S. Arizona memorial behind them, the boys performed the National Anthem, an Armed Forces Medley, and Find the Cost of Freedom.
“Our tour to Hawaii was unforgettable. Singing and sharing music with choirs from Punahou School, Hawaii Pacific University, and the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus opened my eyes to how deeply culture shapes musical expression. Each group brought a unique sound and perspective, and through conversations and shared rehearsals, we formed real connections. The tour was also rich in educational value and history.” Alexander Bartee, TBC Senior
The tour concluded with a performance at a worship service held at Kawaiaha’o Church, marking a tranquil ending to an exhilarating and rewarding journey. TBC is currently engaged in preparations for the wrap-up of the academic year, as several members are set to graduate and transition to collegiate life. Meanwhile, the remaining members are gearing up to commemorate TBC’s 80th anniversary in music. The upcoming season promises a plethora of thrilling performances and experiences. The ensemble commissioned a choral piece from composer Michael John Trotta and will embark on a tour across the state of Texas. The 80th Anniversary Celebration Concert is anticipated to be a historic event, featuring Broadway star, Major Attaway. Stay tuned for all the exciting developments this remarkable choir has planned.
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ABOUT TEXAS BOYS CHOIR (TBC)
Founded in 1946, Texas Boys Choir’s history is unique. It began with George Bragg’s vision to foster the vocal talents of gifted young men in a choir. Ten years after its founding, the choir moved to Fort Worth, Texas, to allow access to more singers and opportunities. In 1957, TBCopened the Texas Boys Choir School. Between 1957 and 2001, TBC toured the world. They won 2 GRAMMY Awards for Best Choral Performance (Other Than Opera) in 1966 and 1968;and performed for President Kennedy on November 22, 1963, before he traveled to Dallas. During this time, they also won three George Washington Honor Medal Awards and a Bronze Award from the International Film and Television Festival. In 2001, the organization opened its first public charter school, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts (FWAFA). The school offers a distinctive environment that combines professional artistic training with nationally recognized academic and college preparatory programs for students in grades 3 to 12. Since 2001, TBChas racked up many more accomplishments and accolades. Throughout the years, TBC has sung for popes and other religious leaders, presidents, kings, and heads of state. Learn more at https://www.artsacademics.org/choirs/texas-boys-choir/tbc-history/
ABOUT TEXAS CENTER FOR ARTS + ACADEMICS (TCA+A)
Texas Center for Arts + Academics (TCA+A) is a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to inspire and empower students with a lifelong passion for learning, academic achievement, and artisticexcellence. TCA+A manages two public charter schools, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and Texas School of the Arts, three premier choirs, and after-school conservatory programs that provide a vast array of professional training in Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Art. TCA+A is located in the creative hub of Fort Worth, Texas.
TICKETS:
TBC’s future concert schedule will be posted on the TCA+A website calendarhttps://www.artsacademics.org/calendar/
MORE INFO:
Keep track of TBC and all the amazing things happening at Texas Center for Arts + Academics’ schools, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and Texas School of Arts, by following us on social media Facebook: @texascenterforartsacademics @fortworthacademyoffinearts
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Flor D. Cabrera | Director of Marketing and Communications | Texas Center for Arts + Academics flor.cabrera@artsacademics.org | 817.766.2390 (ext113)