SAN ANTONIO — The Children's Chorus of San Antonio has been serenading the city for 40 years. On Sunday, it is celebrating the milestone with a concert at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
Meantime, there is a rarity. A group of young men make up an all-boys choir. Two of those young men are Hugo Lizarraga and Oryan Armstrong.
Armstrong has been with the organization since he was eight.
"It has taught me how to deal with my voice, like public speaking," Armstrong said. "I know how to talk to people."
Lizarraga is 13-years-old and said this his is first year with CCSA.
"It interested me because they are the best in San Antonio," he said. "And they elevated boys to a high level. What I have learned is how to manage my voice through puberty."
Artistic Director Dr. Carolyn Cruse explained a part of the purpose for this group.
"It is a very delicate time,“ she said. "And a lot of young men singers who are tenors and bass they stop signing, when they are in middle and early high school because they are going through a voice change process."
The Children's Chorus of San Antonio teaches them skills to embrace that change.
"It has created a fantastic community among our young men," she added.
Dr. Cruse said last year, there were nine members in the group and she said this year there are currently 22 in the group from 6th-to-12th grade.
Armstrong and Lizarraga encouraged others to audition and try out.
"It is worth it," Lizarraga said. "And you get a lot better with your voice."
"I say give everything a try," Armstrong said. "You only live life once."
The Children's Chorus of San Antonio has groups from infants all the way to 12th grade. They do have upcoming auditions, click here.
Sunday's special performance, at the Tobin Center, is called: For the Beauty: Celebrating 40 years of Song.