boychoir director Retiring
search underway for new director

The Music Center announces Music Director Brooks Grantiers retirement from the Battle Creek Boychoir. Mr. Grantier will direct the critically acclaimed touring choir through the annual summer performance tour in June, 2010.

Associated with the Boychoir since its beginning in 1980, Mr. Grantier became its Music Director in 1989. Under Grantier's leadership, the Battle Creek Boychoir has delighted audiences in nine countries and 24 states, and has performed in some of the worlds great venues. Touring highlights include concerts in the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Germany, and in Westminster Abbey in London, England, as well as performances with the Gunma Symphony Orchestra and the Takasaki Children's Choir in Japan.

The choir performed by invitation at the prestigious Spoleto Festival in South Carolina in 1995 and 2001, as well as the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in 2000, 2004 and 2008.

In 2000, the Boychoir, along with the Battle Creek Girls Chorus, made the premiere performance and recording of The Glories of Shakespeare by the internationally renowned composer Sir David Willcocks.

Under Grantiers tutelage, hundreds of boys from throughout the Battle Creek region have received a unique, life-changing education typically available only in large cities. The boys, age 8 to 13, have received professional training in vocal technique, music theory, and teamwork, following a thousand-year-old tradition begun in the cathedrals of Europe.

Working with boys from a variety of backgrounds, Grantier has instilled a desire to achieve the highest standards in performance. The boys have sung the finest choral literature by Bach, Brahms, Mozart, and others, as well as folk songs from around the world, all in their original languages.

Boychoir alumni have gone on to notable success in music and a wide range of other professional careers.

The choir gives local and regional performances throughout the school year, including school shows, church services, and guest appearances with symphony orchestras. The year culminates in June with a two week performance tour to national and international destinations. Tours include performances as well as visits to historical attractions.

Mr. Grantier continues as music director at Trinity Episcopal Church in Marshall, MI, and as singer in the Music Center's a capella vocal ensemble Ars Voce. He began his choral career with the former Boys Town Choir in Nebraska, where he served as organist and assistant director from 1972-1976.

A search in now underway for his successor. For more information on the search, click here.