The All-American Boys Chorus helps fill a large void in youth education caused by cutbacks that have significantly downsized or eliminated music programs in over 50% of the elementary school districts in Southern California. 

Research proves that music education dramatically increases early brain development and improves students’ overall academic performance.  Frances Reuscher, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, states, “During musical performance, children must constantly turn their thoughts into actions.  Thought structures continually have to be updated and adjusted.  The combination of constant vigilance and forethought coupled with ever-changing physical responses is an educational experience of unique value.” 

According to Profiles of SAT and Achievement Tests Taken (1998, The College Board), “There is a direct correlation between improved SAT scores and the length of time spent studying the arts.”  “Students with coursework/experience in music performance scored 52 points higher on the verbal portion of the SAT and 36 points higher on the math portion of the SAT than students with no coursework or experience in the arts for a combined total of 88 points higher.” 

An Evaluation of Participants Study (funded by grants from Arts Orange County and the Fieldstone Foundation) was undertaken by Carole Zavala and Associates to determine:

·        The overall impact of our program from the viewpoint
      of participants, parents and alumni. 

·        Our program’s effectiveness in overall growth in artistic and musical skills.

·        Our impact on self worth, self-confidence, leadership and goal-directed behaviors in our students. 

The study shows that our program “directly benefits students by utilizing participation in music as the medium to teach and develop leadership, responsibility, self-confidence and good citizenship as well as practical skills including public speaking, good study habits and time management.”

Parents stated that their sons had improved in the areas of self-esteem, growth in music skills, increased self-confidence and self-motivation.  In particular, eighty five percent of parents felt that their son had shown significant improvement in his ability to be more self-motivated, and ninety- five percent of parents stated that their son had shown significant growth in his overall musical skills including a greater appreciation of music.  Seventy-nine of the respondents stated that their son had shown significant improvement in his ability to make better use of his time. Almost all noted an improvement in self-confidence.

Alumni stated that being in the Chorus had a significant impact on their development as leaders and on their choices and opportunities for school and careers.

The Study concludes with the following statement:  
“The All-American Boys Chorus deserves to continue its important work of developing one of the nation's premier musical institutions, and to serve as a reminder that the arts are one of the most significant forces in our lives not only for the sheer pleasure and beauty that they bring, but also as a powerful means for shaping and creating lives of meaning and purpose.  In sum, the Chorus benefits EACH boy in its program through its rich music education, social diversity, leadership training and mentoring, development of life skills and incredible travel opportunities.”