Herbert Huffman: The Visionary Founder of the American Boychoir School
Herbert Brown Huffman was a transformative figure in 20th-century American choral music. A talented musician, educator, and entrepreneur, he is best remembered as the founder of the Columbus Boychoir School, an institution that would eventually evolve into the internationally acclaimed American Boychoir School. Through his leadership, Huffman created a legacy of musical excellence and character building that spanned decades and continents.
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Key Facts
- Founded: Established the Columbus Boychoir School in 1937.
- Education: Member of the first graduating class (1929) of Westminster Choir College.
- Major Achievement: Transformed a part-time singing group into a fully accredited national day school by 1940.
- Global Reach: Led the choir, known as "America's Singing Boys," to national and international recognition.
- Strategic Move: Orchestrated the school's relocation from Columbus, Ohio, to Princeton, New Jersey, in 1950.
Early Life and Musical Foundation
Born on January 27, 1905, in Plain City, Ohio, Herbert Huffman was the youngest of three sons born to Hamer Isaac Huffman, a dry goods merchant, and Cora Louise Brown. His early life was marked by personal loss when his mother passed away when he was 11 years old.
Huffman's professional trajectory was shaped by his time at Westminster Choir College. He was part of the inaugural graduating class of 1929. This residential institution, which moved from Ohio to New York before settling in Princeton, New Jersey, was renowned for producing "Ministers of Music"—a term used for its highly skilled graduates who became influential composers and musical directors.
Family Life
On February 4, 1929, Huffman married Mary Christine Southard, a skilled organist, pianist, and music teacher. The couple shared a deep passion for music and eventually raised three children: Richard, Mary Jane, and Robert. The family eventually settled in Bexley, Ohio, east of Columbus.
A Prolific Career in Choral Direction
Though his career as a choral director lasted only 27 years, Huffman's impact was profound. He began by leading church choirs in Columbus, including the King Avenue Methodist Church. His early success was evident when his choirs won first prize at the National Eisteddfod (a competitive music festival) in 1930 and 1931, and secured the Talbot Cup at the Westminster Choirs festival in Ithaca, New York.
In 1934, Huffman became the director of music at the Broad Street Presbyterian Church, where he founded the Broadstreet Choir, an ensemble that continues to exist today.
The Rise of the Columbus Boychoir School
In 1937, Huffman launched the Columbus Boychoir as a part-time group. Alongside his wife, Mary Christine, who served as the accompanist, he auditioned local boys with a clear mission: to build character, provide exceptional training regardless of financial or religious status, and enrich cultural life.
By 1940, the organization grew into a fully accredited day school with overnight lodging. Now popularly known as "America's Singing Boys," the choir gained national fame through radio performances and high-profile recordings. Notable works under Huffman's direction include:
- Favorite Christmas Carols (1947)
- The Lord's Prayer; O Holy Night (1950, RCA Victor)
- Arrigo Boito Mephistofele Prologue (1954, with the NBC Symphony Orchestra)
- Festival of Song (1955, Decca)
Huffman also directed the choir for the 1951 NBC telecast of Amahl and the Night Visitors and was featured in the RKO motion picture America's Singing Boys.
Expansion to Princeton and Later Years
In September 1950, Huffman cast the deciding vote to move the school's headquarters to Princeton, New Jersey. This strategic move placed the choir near major East Coast metropolitan areas and established an affiliation with Westminster Choir College. The school took over "Albemarle," the former estate of Gerald Lambert.
During the Princeton years, the choir's prestige grew, attracting the attention of figures such as physicist Albert Einstein and his wife, who attended rehearsals and interacted with the students. To facilitate their extensive touring, the boys traveled in a customized bus equipped with a piano and school desks.
Transition to Business
In 1956, Huffman stepped down as director to pursue business ventures. He successfully established three McDonald's franchises in Columbus, Ohio. By the mid-1960s, he sold these businesses and moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he invested in real estate and continued in the fast-food industry.
Death and Lasting Legacy
Herbert Huffman died suddenly on June 13, 1968, in Palm Beach County, Florida, at the age of 63. His funeral was held in his home state of Ohio.
His primary legacy, the Columbus Boychoir School, was renamed the American Boychoir School in 1980. The institution continued to tour and perform globally for decades until it eventually closed in 2017 due to declining enrollment and financial challenges.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | January 27, 1905 – June 14, 1968 |
| Education | Westminster Choir College (Class of 1929) |
| Key Institution | Founded Columbus Boychoir School (1937) |
| Notable Nickname | "America's Singing Boys" |
| Business Ventures | McDonald's franchises and Real Estate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of the American Boychoir School?
The school was originally founded by Herbert Huffman in 1937 as the Columbus Boychoir School in Columbus, Ohio.
Why did the boychoir move from Ohio to New Jersey?
The move to Princeton, New Jersey, in 1950 was a strategic decision to place the school centrally among major East Coast metropolitan areas, providing easier access to prestigious performance venues.
What was the mission of the Columbus Boychoir?
Huffman intended the choir to build character in young boys, provide high-quality training regardless of financial or religious background, and encourage academic achievement.
Did Herbert Huffman have a career outside of music?
Yes, after stepping down as choir director in 1956, Huffman became a businessman, owning three McDonald's franchises in Columbus, Ohio, and later investing in Florida real estate.
When did the American Boychoir School finally close?
After decades of international acclaim, the school closed in 2017 following a period of financial difficulties and declining enrollment.