Figure 1.--Here are some of the beginning choristers work on their music. |
|
The choristers begin at the chateau at age from 9-10 years, most are 10 years old when they arrive. All these boys can claim to become Petit Singer with the wood cross, subject to a school examination and of a motivation for the song. Recruitment proceeds in March, each year. The date of April 20 is especially important for the choristers. Each year at this date new young singers are selected to join the choir. These boys are about 9 years old and come from the CM1. This is a primary school grade (form) level--Cours moyen, 1ère année (CM1). This is comparable to the American 4th grade in elementary school. They do not board their first year with the choir. Most boys stay with the Choir untill they are about 14 years old. As most arrived when they were 9 years old, they stay an average of 5 years. The PCCB adds 2 or 3 older boys (former choristers) to sing the contre-alto passages in the music. There are no adult members of the choir.
The choristers begin at the chateau at age from 9-10 years, most are 10 years old when they arrive. All these boys can claim to become Petit Singer with the wood cross, subject to a school examination and of a motivation for the song. Recruitment proceeds in March, each year. The date of April 20 is especially important for the choristers. Each year at this date new young singers are selected to join the choir. These boys are about 9 years old and come from the CM1. This is a primary school grade (form) level--Cours moyen, 1ère année (CM1). This is comparable to the American 4th grade in elementary school.
A reader writes, "I watched a video, where their uniforms were being checked by their teacher/supervisor, and their knee socks length had to be equal on both legs. I am highly impressed by their professionalism, and I wonder what motivates the boys to adhere to strict orders, or are there rules and sanctions to guide them? The concept of 'childhood' is a new concept that came to prominence in the last 100 years. How different were the
boys treated then and now?" A former chorister tells us, "Being PCCB is something prestigious. We are all proud of being or having been PCCB. The recruitment of boys is rather strict, and many boys wanted to be one. Inside the Institution the atmosphere is pleasant, familial and had never been severe. Of course when we live in community they are rules. In PCCB Institution the sanctions were rare, excepted with the teacher. That was not the case in catholic school which were much more severe. The arrival of a boy (normally 10 years) can be sometimes a bit difficult during the first months. He just left his family and can get bored. But the ladies
are always there to comfort and encourage him. And then the adventure is not far, He will live extraordinary time."
They do not board their first year with the choir. Most boys stay with the Choir untill they are about 14 years old. As most arrived when they were 9 years old,
The boys stay an average of 5 years. The PCCB adds 2 or 3 older boys (former choristers) to sing the contre-alto passages in the music. There are no adult members of the choir.
Navigate the Historic Boys' Clothing Web Site:
[Return to the Main PCCB page]
[Introduction]
[Activities]
[Biographies]
[Chronology]
[Clothing styles]
[Countries]
[Bibliographies]
[Contributions]
[FAQs]
[Glossaries]
[Images]
[Links]
[Registration]
[Tools]
[Boys' Clothing Home]
Navigate the Historic Boys' Clothing Web choir costume pages:
[Return to the Main French choir page]
[Return to the Main national choir page]
[Australia]
[Austria]
[Belgium]
[Bulgaria]
[Canada]
[Denmark]
[England]
[France]
[Finland]
[Germany]
[Japan]
[Netherlands]
[Poland]
[South Africa]
[United States]
Navigate the Historic Boys' Clothing Web style pages:
[Short pants suits]
[Blazers]
[Collars]
[Lace collars]
[Ruffled collars]
[Eton collar]
[Fauntleroy suits]
[Sailor suits]
[Ring bearer/page costumes]
[First Communion suits]