For more than half a century, the Birmingham Boys Choir has been a familiar and beloved presence in the city’s cultural landscape. What began as a modest community ensemble in 1973 has grown into a robust, performance-based program that now serves approximately 150 boys ages 8 to 18. Members come from across the metro area, bringing with them a wide range of backgrounds and musical experiences. Over the years, the program has expanded, adding concerts, camps, and community partnerships, but the mission of artistry and character development has remained consistent. At its core, the Birmingham Boys Choir is committed to excellence in the centuries-old choral tradition and to the formation of young men through music.
In 2023, Jeff Caulk stepped into the role of executive director, a position he describes as both a privilege and a calling. “Professionally, I’m responsible for stewarding the mission—building partnerships, sustaining scholarships, and overseeing the daily operations that make our boys’ growth possible,” he says. “And personally, it’s deeply rewarding to watch families and choristers flourish together.” Being close to that transformation—seeing a boy’s confidence grow or watching siblings and parents connect through rehearsals and performances—is part of what motivates him each day.
Birmingham Boys Choir
This focus on formation is captured in a phrase often used within the program: “More than music—training for life.” Jeff explains that the philosophy isn’t abstract. “In rehearsal and performance, boys learn discipline, responsibility, manners, and teamwork alongside vocal technique, music theory, and artistry—habits that shape character as much as they shape sound,” he says. The choir purposely uses each step, from auditions to concerts, to instill confidence, humility, and leadership. “This ensures the lessons last far beyond the stage.”
Guiding a boys choir comes with both challenges and rewards. Jeff notes that one of the biggest challenges is balancing high musical standards with the joyful energy that boys naturally bring. Another is ensuring access: Tuition covers only part of the true cost of training, so scholarships are essential to making the program available to all families. “The reward is unmistakable,” says Jeff. “It’s watching boys become brothers—growing in skill, confidence, and kindness—and seeing families and audiences lifted by their work.”
1 of 4
Birmingham Boys Choir
2 of 4
Birmingham Boys Choir
3 of 4
Birmingham Boys Choir
4 of 4
Birmingham Boys Choir
The long-term influence of the program is evident in countless stories. Jeff says it’s common to see a quiet fifth-grader enter the choir tentatively, then gradually grow into a section leader who mentors younger choristers. Parents often report that those same boys become more focused, gracious, and resilient at home and school. “Many alumni carry those habits into civic and professional leadership across Birmingham, a ripple effect we hear about often,” he says.
The audition process itself is intentionally welcoming. Families begin online, and the in-person portion is short, friendly, and accessible. “We listen for pitch and rhythm, explore range, and look for curiosity and coachability,” says Jeff. No prior training is necessary. The team views the audition as an encouraging first step into the Birmingham Boys Choir family.
Service is also central to the choir’s mission. Each year, choristers and their families participate in a meal-packing event that provides thousands of meals both locally and to communities outside Alabama. Working side-by-side reinforces empathy, humility, and team-first leadership—“exactly the kind of formation that “more than music—training for life” is meant to produce,” says Jeff.
Among the many performances the choir presents each year, one stands above the rest: the annual Christmas concert. Free to the community as a gift, the event brings together alumni, families, and new friends for a night that captures the joy of the season and the spirit of the choir at its best. But the choir remains active throughout the year, as well. Next month, the choir will perform at the annual Taste of Birmingham at The Club and, in March, current choristers will join with BBC alumni for a collaborative concert. The 48th Annual Spring Concert will take place May 17 at Asbury UMC.
Looking ahead, Jeff says he is focused on expanding access across more schools and zip codes, strengthening scholarships through a Legacy Campaign, and deepening service partnerships. “Building the systems and staffing that sustain excellence will help ensure the BBC remains a model of musical and character formation for years to come.”
To see a full list of scheduled performances, visit birminghamboyschoir.org/calendar