Performing in the great cathedrals of Western Europe, the Boychoir dates back centuries.

In Mississippi, its tradition is young in comparison, with this year marking the 22nd season.

Currently, Boychoirs are in Tupelo, Jackson, Hattiesburg and the Gulf Coast, and will now be expanding into Vicksburg.

“I have lived and worked in Vicksburg for many years, so when we began talking about getting out into the rest of the state, Vicksburg seemed like the perfect place to begin our expansion, ” Nancy Robertson said.

Robertson, who is the fine arts curriculum coordinator for the Vicksburg Warren School District and is a longtime choir director at Warren Central High School, will be serving as the artistic director for the local group. Her role will include selecting the music, leading rehearsals and planning out the yearly performance calendar.

Founded in 1995, the Mississippi Boychoir is a nonprofit organization that allows students to reach the height of their individual success, Robertson said.

“Our goal is to enhance the lives of school-aged boys by using music as a tool to teach them about teamwork and discipline, as well as musical skills. We also want to enrich the community through the performance of high quality choral music,” she said.

Auditions will be held through the month of August, and those selected will practice each week on vocal technique, proper breath support and blend, Robertson said.

“Then they apply all this techniques to choral music for the performances.”

In the past, the Boychoir has performed with the Mississippi Opera, the WCHS Madrigal Dinner and Singe Feaste, Natchez Festival of Music and both Phil Bryant inaugurations.

For those interested in auditioning for the choir, board president of the Mississippi Boychoir Ezra Wall, said finances should not be an obstacle for families.

“Our boys learn to succeed as part of a team that includes kids from both ends of the economic spectrum and multiple racial backgrounds. We do everything we can to offer this opportunity to any boy who is interested and capable, regardless of his family’s financial status,” Wall said.

For more information or to schedule an audition, call 601-529-7171 or visit MississippiBoychoir.org.