Springfield Chamber Chorus merges with Boys Choir of Springfield

Springfield Chamber Chorus and Boys Choir of Springfield have merged, bringing together more than 40 years of combined operational experience.

SCC and BCS completed the merger on July 16, said Ethan Sykes, executive director for the combined organization. BCS is keeping its name as a program under SCC, Sykes said.

"SCC absorbed all assets of BCS as agreed by both boards as a part of the merge," Sykes said via email, noting no money changed hands in the deal. "We really want to see the organization succeed and we know that can happen with SCC."

Sykes said SCC and BCS have operating budgets of around $10,000 each. The combined organization has paid jobs in the SCC artistic director and BCS artistic director and accompanist positions, said Sykes, noting all other roles, including his, are voluntary.

A news release announcing the merger indicated Spencer Fleury has been appointed BCS artistic director; Sykes said former BCS Artistic Director Taylor Bryson relocated to St. Louis. Chris Brammer will continue to serve as SCC's artistic director.

“This is a great moment for choral music in Springfield – two organizations with long histories of success and excellence coming together to share ideas, resources and to blaze a new path forward,” Brammer said in the release. "We anticipate accelerated growth for both groups and a larger footprint in the thriving Springfield arts scene."

BCS was established in 2000 as a choir for boys in grades 3-8, and SCC is a volunteer ensemble of 40 members founded in 2008. With the merger, "SCC will now offer a more complete developmental pathway from youth to adult choral singing," officials said in the release.