Admissions Process
The Audition | The School Visit | The Evaluation | Acceptance to the School | Questions? | Admissions Application
When considering applicants to the School, the Admissions Committee carefully considers each boy’s musical ability, social maturity, and academic readiness to meet the demands of studying, traveling and performing.
Most students begin their journey by auditioning for one of our two music directors, Fernando Malvar-Ruiz (Artistic Director); or Fred Meads (Director of Vocal Studies). Approximately 30% of boys who audition are invited to visit the school.
A positive audition leads to an invitation from the Admissions Department for the boy and his parents to visit The American Boychoir School. Visiting Days are held once per month, typically from Monday afternoon into Tuesday afternoon.
Day 1: We begin mid-afternoon on Monday with a presentation about our academic and music programs, community life, and the experience of touring and performing. This is followed by a guided tour of campus. Parents observe afternoon rehearsal, then depart campus. The visiting boy is integrated into school life by accompanying a current boy in his grade as they go through classes and activities. We use this time to evaluate each boy’s academic preparedness, social maturity, and readiness to fit into the community. In rehearsal we observe his work ethic in music study with his peers, and his interaction with the music director. Dinner is enjoyed with fellow classmates in the dining hall, followed by evening activities and a night in the dormitory.
Day 2: The day starts with breakfast and the flag ceremony, then a return to classes and later, rehearsal. Parents arrive back on campus in late morning, and observe rehearsal or music theory class. Time is also provided to meet with the Dean of Academics, Dean of Student Life, Music Director, or Tour Manager, should parents have particular questions. Parents and visiting boys are then invited to join the President and Dean of Admissions at lunch, where they will also meet parents of current students for an informal Q&A. The visit ends after lunch.
Studying, traveling and performing provides a great deal of joy, but can also bring with it a measure of stress, and your son’s welfare is always our primary concern. We carefully consider each boy’s musical ability, social maturity, and academic readiness to meet these demands, as we want to ensure the likelihood that he will have a successful experience at the school.
We request that academic transcripts, and academic and social recommendations by a boy’s current teacher, are submitted as early as possible so that they are available for consideration by the Admissions Committee.
Parents will be notified of the Admissions Committee decision as soon as possible after all documentation has been received. Approximately 30% of boys who apply to the school are accepted, and what an opportunity they receive!
The American Boychoir School is committed to assisting families with financial need, so that talented students may be able to take advantage of the opportunity we offer. However, please understand that our resources, as are those at all educational institutions, are limited. Financial aid requests far exceed our ability to assist every family to the extent that we wish we could. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and our available resources will diminish as we draw closer to the start of the school year. We urge you to complete your application as early as possible.
| Surabela B. Fabian Dean of Admissions sfabian@americanboychoir.org 609-924-5858 ext. 33 801-934-5858 FAX | Sharon G. Mejias Assistant to the Dean of Admissions smejias@americanboychoir.org 609-924-5858 ext. 34 801-934-5858 FAX |
Please contact the Office of Admissions for additional information at admissions@americanboychoir.org.
The American Boychoir School is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization. The School welcomes students who represent the rich diversity of the American people and does not discriminate in its admissions, financial aid, scholarship programs or activities on the basis of race, color, disability, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, or religion. School policy includes prohibitions of harassment of students and employees based upon any of the above considerations.
