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Original poster

A question about choirs.

15 replies

MrsMuddle · 14/09/2007 13:51

DS (12) started first year in August. He's getting on really well, and enjoying it. They were told they could join a choir after school, and yesterday was the first day. It involved S1 - S3 pupils, and they'll give concerts and enter competitions etc etc. He really enjoys singing, and was really encouraged by his teachers at primary school.

But he went to the choir yesterday, and he was the only boy, out of about 60 kids. he now says he might not go back - not because he got teased, or anything. I think he just felt a bit left out.

Now, I don't want to be a pushy mum, and if I thought he didn't enjoy it, I'd be the first person to tell him to give it up. But he said he did enjoy it, but he just didn't want to be the only boy.

None of his friends will go, because there's rugby on at the same time. I'm sure if he went a couple more times, he'd be fine. I don't want him to decide not to go, having just been once.

Is this the norm for choirs, so many more girls than boys? Is it likely that more boys will join? Do you think he will be accepted if he keep going?

OP posts:

happystory · 14/09/2007 14:01

I think yes, yes and yes! At primary boys often join choirs but then at secondary it's maybe not considerd cool? I think he would definitely be accepted if he continued, it might encourage some more boys to join.

AND.... if there are any solos/parts suitable only for his voice he'd be sure to get them!!

Blandmum · 14/09/2007 14:01

Yes, it is the norm for choirs to be more female than male. My kids go to a cathedral school and there are still more girls who sing than boys. Sad but true

portonovo · 14/09/2007 14:04

Yes, can't say and yes!

At primary school one of my boys was the only boy in the choir for 2 years. Later on, his brother was one of 2 boys. Now one of the boys is at secondary school and there are usually between 2-4 boys and literally dozens of girls. Doesn't seem to bother anyone. My sons really love singing.

Original poster

MrsMuddle · 14/09/2007 14:19

I think I'll persuade him to keep going for a wee while longer. I'm sure it won't be long before the fact that there are so many girls becomes an attraction! The other thing was that none of the girls are in his class, so he doesn't really know any of them.

Thanks for your advice.

OP posts:

snorkle · 15/09/2007 00:11

lots of boys choose to sing at my kids school. I think it's about 50:50 but there may be slightly more girls I suppose. I hadn't realised it was that unusual.

snorkle · 15/09/2007 00:17

should add that from the evidence in this thread I think there must be a prevalent view that singing for boys is uncool that pervades most, but not all, school cultures.

MrsMarvel · 15/09/2007 00:59

Doesn't help that it's on at the same time as rugby though...

Littlefish · 15/09/2007 07:07

Sadly, many choirs do have more boys than girls. When I took over a school choir this was certainly the case.

However, a few offers of tantilising trips out of school to give concerts, and some well chosen music (songs used in football, songs from boy-friendly films etc.) saw the numbers of boys rise steadily.

Would it be worth talking to whichever teacher leads the choir?

It would be such a shame if he gave up before he's really got going.

Original poster

MrsMuddle · 15/09/2007 11:57

That's a good idea, littlefish. There's a parents' night coming up, so I might suggest that then.

OP posts:

seeker · 16/09/2007 09:33

I don't think it's just choir though. And my dcs primary school there were always more girls than boys at any after school activity that didn't specifically involve kicking a ball or using a keyboard.

snorkle · 16/09/2007 11:50

just remembered that at my dc's junior school they had seperate boys choir and girls choir. This was because they found boys were less likely to attend a mixed choir but were happy to go to a boys one.

Original poster

MrsMuddle · 22/10/2007 21:59

UPDATE...UPDATE... (Especially for LittleFish)

Thought I'd update this thread to let you know that DS is still going to the choir. He's found another boy to go with, and they're having a ball. LittleFish, I mentioned that there might be trips out of school, and I think that was the clincher.

They do have a full schedule of trips coming up before Christmas, day and evening, so he's really looking forward to them.

OP posts:

clam · 03/11/2007 19:04

We've had a big drive at our (primary) school to involve more boys. Timetabling would be an issue (choir vs rugby for boys?? Now, let me think......!), but also repertoire. Funky songs help. If you can get some trendsetters involved, you're halfway there.

Littlefish · 05/11/2007 19:16

MrsMuddle, that's great! I'm really glad he's still going. It takes great strength of character - what a lovely boy you must have. You must be so proud of him. Have you been to hear the choir sing yet?

overthehill · 05/11/2007 23:14

At my dd's secondary school there are no boys at all in the junior choir, which I think is really sad. Primary school was a bit better, but not great. My ds sings in the church choir, but would never join one at school due to fears about being teased, & I know that another boy from the church choir felt the same. Really sad, but great that it's working out for your ds, Mrs M.

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