American Boychoir School

The American Boychoir School was a prestigious private, non-sectarian boarding and day middle school based in Princeton, New Jersey. Dedicated to the pursuit of musical mastery, the school served boys in grades 4 through 8, providing a rigorous environment where students could experience the world of professional music. As one of only two boychoir boarding schools in the United States—alongside the Saint Thomas Choir School in New York City—it attracted talented young vocalists from across the U.S. and around the globe.

Key Facts

• Founded: 1937 as the Columbus Boychoir in Ohio.
• Motto: "Brothers, Sing On!"
• Location: Princeton, New Jersey (from 1950 until closure).
• Closure Date: August 15, 2017.
• Notable Partnerships: Frequent collaborations with the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.

History and Evolution

The institution was founded in 1937 by Herbert Huffman in Columbus, Ohio. Huffman believed that performing great choral literature at a professional level could profoundly impact a boy's academic, social, and moral development. Originally known as the Columbus Boychoir, the school relocated to Princeton, New Jersey, in 1950 after receiving property from the Lambert estate.

In 1980, the institution was officially renamed the American Boychoir School. For decades, its home was Albemarle, the 1917 estate of pharmaceutical magnate Gerard Lambert.

The Litton Era

From 1985 to 2001, the choir was led by James Litton, a renowned expert in children's choral techniques. Under Litton's direction, the boychoir performed in more than 2,000 concerts across 49 U.S. states and 12 nations. Litton is credited with introducing the changing voice—the physiological transition of the voice during puberty—and establishing SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) sections to ensure boys could continue singing throughout their vocal development.

Professional Performances and Discography

The American Boychoir operated at a professional level, touring the contiguous United States, Canada, and various international destinations. Their versatility allowed them to perform in diverse settings, from classical halls to modern award shows.

Notable performance highlights include:

• Performing at the 77th Annual Academy Awards with Beyoncé Knowles.
• Appearing with Jessye Norman before the U.S. Open women's singles final.
• Collaborating with the Philadelphia Orchestra for works such as Carmina Burana, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, and Mahler's Symphony 8.
• Appearances at Carnegie Hall, including contributions to Tim Janis' The American Christmas Carol.

The school's extensive discography spans decades, featuring recordings with the NBC Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini, the New York Philharmonic, and various soloists like Kathleen Battle and Michael W. Smith.

Institutional Challenges and Closure

The latter years of the school were marked by financial instability and legal turmoil. In 2012, the school sold its longtime home, Albemarle, and moved to the Princeton Center for the Arts & Education. Between 2012 and 2015, the school shifted locations multiple times due to declining admissions and limited funding.

On April 10, 2015, the school filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing a need for $350,000 to finish the academic year and $3 million to reorganize. Although it reopened on September 1, 2015, operating from the Rambling Pines Summer Camp campus, the financial burdens proved insurmountable. The American Boychoir School officially closed on August 15, 2017.

Legal Controversies

The school's legacy was further clouded by allegations of sexual abuse. In 2002, The New York Times reported abuse occurring decades earlier involving Choir Director Donald G. Hanson and other staff. Victims, including constitutional scholar Lawrence Lessig, brought lawsuits against the institution.

The school initially attempted to use the Charitable Immunity Act to avoid liability. However, in 2006, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that this act did not protect charities from claims based on willful or grossly negligent conduct. This led to a change in New Jersey law (bill S540/A2512), allowing victims of childhood sex abuse to sue non-profit organizations.

Summary of Institutional Profile

Overview of the American Boychoir School

Category	Details
Type	Private, non-sectarian boarding/day middle school
Grades Served	4–8 (extended to 9 in the 1960s)
Primary Locations	Columbus, OH (1937–1950); Princeton, NJ (1950–2017)
Key Figures	Herbert Huffman (Founder), James Litton (Conductor)
Final Status	Closed August 15, 2017

Notable Alumni

The school produced several distinguished figures in music and academia, including:

• Van Dyke Parks: Composer, arranger, and producer.
• Cameron Carpenter: Renowned organist.
• Douglas Ahlstedt: Operatic tenor.
• Lawrence Lessig: Academic and political activist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the American Boychoir School located?

The school was originally founded in Columbus, Ohio, but moved to Princeton, New Jersey, in 1950, where it remained until its closure.

Why did the American Boychoir School close?

The school closed due to a combination of declining admissions, limited funding options, and financial instability that led to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2015.

Who was James Litton and what was his impact?

James Litton was the choir's conductor from 1985 to 2001. He led the group in over 2,000 concerts and pioneered the inclusion of the "changing voice" to allow boys to continue singing as their voices matured.

What was the significance of the Albemarle estate?

Albemarle was the 1917 estate of pharmaceutical magnate Gerard Lambert and served as the school's primary home and campus from 1952 until it was sold in 2012.

Did the school face any legal issues?

Yes, the school faced lawsuits regarding sexual abuse by staff members that occurred between the 1970s and late 1990s, which eventually led to significant legal precedents regarding charitable immunity in New Jersey.