For twenty-two years James Backmon directed a Boys Choir, inspired by his own rewarding experiences growing up in all-boy ensembles. "When I introduced a choir program at Esperanza, a co-ed middle school, to my surprise only girls turned out to sing."
"I thought I would have a co-ed choir like the one I started at the Renaissance School of the Arts," mused Backmon. "After I saw the enthusiasm of the girls, an all-girl choir seemed like a good idea. Of course, compared to boys, girls are meaner to each other," jokes Backmon. After working with boys all these years, leading an all-girl choir presents new challenges--and Backmon is ready for them.
Mr. Backmon has formed an in-school choir at the Esperanza Preparatory Academy, a new public school at East 109th Street and Second Avenue in East Harlem. Esperanza is now hosting the NABG Choir afterschool program twice a week for students at Esperanza who qualify with their interest, motivation and singing ability. Joining the similar success of the in-school program at the Renaissance School for the Arts, Mr. Backmon expects to replicate the model in other area middle schools, thus expanding the base population for the New Amsterdam Boys and Girls Choir.
"I was not sure how the girls at Esperanza would react to joining the New Amsterdam Boys and Girls Choir and the Renaissance school choir when they gave a special performance in Central Park," said Backmon. "I had nothing to worry about. The girls shared the stage graciously, gave a delightful performance, and entertained us with hand-clapping games afterwards."
In time, NABGC will form choirs of different age and skill levels, including a select touring choir. Mr. Backmon is working with the middle school principals to introduce the choir program to the elementary schools where parents and students have the option to choose their middle school. It is hoped that the NABGC prestige and reputation will enhance the schools and influence middle school choices.
"I foresee a day in the near future when we will have boys choirs, girls choirs and co-ed choirs at many levels of ability and ambition," says Backmon. "I am confident that the boys and girls will accomplish great things. I am also confident that our friends and our community will be enthusiastic about supporting the boys and girls so they may attain even higher achievements."
The NABGC continues its mission to enrich the lives of East Harlem children through the discipline and joy of making music together and to share their talents and enthusiasm with others to form bridges with other communities around the country and around the world.
