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Liner notes:

Seventy-three young voices blend to spin a new magic in the world of music in this, the first recording of the Saskatoon Boys Choir. Director, Donald Forbes leads the boys through everything from modern arrangements of popular songs and folk ballads to early liturgical music and oratorio. You’ll be thrilled with the sensitivity of the part singing and true feeling for blend as they present favourites for Christmas on one side and a combination of ethnic and chorale arrangements on the other.

Since its formation only a year ago, many laurels have been won by the Saskatoon Boys Choir, and they have been given standing ovations on tours throughout Western Canada.

“Rocking Carol” and “Flocks in Pastures Green Abiding,” the boys own favourites, particularly point out the results of their enthusiasm and talent. Ranging in age from seven to eighteen, they practice from six to eight hours per week, sacrificing time for other activities.

The Choir is open to any boy in the city who can pass the vocal requirements. Tenors and basses come from the collegiates and sopranos and contraltos from the public and separate schools in Saskatoon. While under the partial sponsorship of the collegiate, public and separate school boards, the choir uses no school time for rehearsals.

Y.M.C.A. Camp Wakonda, a lovely site on Lake Wakaw in Saskatchewan, where the cover photograph was taken, is a compulsory music camp for the choir. At this unique musical camp, the boys spend two weeks getting a start on repertoire for the following year. Along with music, water skiing, swimming, games and dancing round out activities with each evening ending around the campfire with informal singing.

The Director, Donald Forbes, is the guiding force and has done a great deal of choral work, having studied at Mt. Allison and Acadian Universities in the Maritimes and also New York University in the United States. Music Supervisor for Public and High Schools in Saskatoon, Mr. Forbes has a special way with children. His vibrant personality and supreme knowledge of music enables him to exact the best from the boys, who enjoy every minute they spend in song. As Mr. Forbes once said, “They’re snapping to sing, even during rest period at camp!”

The Saskatoon Boys Choir have a depth and versatility that set them apart in the field of boys choirs. We’re sure you’ll find this album a delightful musical experience.