CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Dear Friends of the AABC,

In 2010 we celebrate the 40^th anniversary of The All-American Boys Chorus! 

As we mark this milestone in our history, we reflect briefly on the Chorus’s first 40 years: 

Over 5,000 youngsters have participated in our Audition, Training, Concert and Touring programs, receiving a superb music education amidst a philosophy of happy, motivated, self-discipline that fosters and develops leadership skills and real leaders.  Some 1,171 boys gave an average of four years of their young lives to travel throughout Southern California, the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest and the South; performing more than 2,700 concerts in 30 states, Canada and 15 nations in Europe and Asia—on 49 tours—attended by some 1.5 million people.  Our boys have also appeared in TV commercials, the Rose Parade, with symphony orchestras, opera companies, celebrities like Bob Hope, Victor Borge, Tony Bennett and Josh Groban; and with statesmen like Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, George Bush, Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf. 

Superb achievements, indeed!  But even as we revel in those 40 years of history, we must look to the present and our efforts to continue providing those same marvelous experiences to our 120 boys as they rehearse, receive voice instructions and learn leadership under the guidance, and with stellar example, of a superb staff of AABC alumni and teachers who are relentless in their Pursuit of Excellence. 

Indeed, the “present” has been much on our minds of late, especially 2009 and 2010; years that have been the most difficult (financially) in AABC history.  We had to make two, extraordinary “appeals” for funds in order to survive this economic recession.  Our families, friends and alumni have been there for us, and if you made a donation we are deeply deeply grateful. 

But those efforts address only the “present”.  They don’t address THE NEXT 40 YEARS!  If anything, this financial crisis has given me, and our board of directors, a renewed sense of urgency to find a way to provide a solid financial footing for the AABC. 

We also have to think of finding our own home—we’re forty years old!  It’s time!  We’ve been blessed to make our home at the Orange County fairgrounds since 1973; the fair board and administration have been kind and considerate and interested in helping us grow and develop.  However, if you live in Orange County and have followed recent developments, you’ll know of our concern at the listing of the fairgrounds for sale by its owner (the State of California). 

Those two issues—a financial “cushion” and starting the process of finding our own home have led us to inaugurate our ALL-AMERICAN BOYS CHORUS 40^TH ANNIVERSARY CIRCLE OF FRIENDS. 

Do take a look at the descriptions of the Platinum, Gold and Silver levels in our Circle of Friends, and the wonderful benefits that accrue to the members of each level.  I ask that you then please give careful consideration to how you might participate and become a member of the Circle of Friends to ensure our “next 40 years.”    

There are attractive benefits to joining the Circle of Friends, but by far the greatest recognition and satisfaction you’ll have is the knowledge that YOU gave a talented, motivated, eager youngster the oppportunity to sit at a rehearsal and stand on stage at a concert, and receive the wonderful training and leadership skills that will make him into an outstanding young man who will build a greater future for our community and our nation. 

Sincerely,

Anthony S Manrique,

Executive Director (’72)

Click here to download the CIRCLE OF FRIENDS sign-up form and Benefit Levels

Click here to see the names of the people and organizations who have already signed up for the Circle of Friends!  We are deeply grateful to them!