Singing America's praises

Everyone hates America. Just last week that most venerable of diplomatic advisory bodies, the Council on Foreign Relations, exhorted the administration of President George W. Bush to do more to improve the US' image abroad. "Around the world, from Western Europe to the Far East, many see the United States as arrogant, hypocritical, self-absorbed, self-indulgent and contemptuous of others," the Council said in their report. "We must come to understand and accept that `image problems' and `foreign policy' are not things apart: They are both part of an integrated whole."

To fix the US' "image problems," the Bush administration could do worse than employ the All-American Boys Chorus as its goodwill delegation. Now in its 32nd year, the choir lists as its mission to instill qualities of leadership in young men within an environment of high moral standards and to make them happy, motivated and self-disciplined. On top of that they sing really well.

Young men still in their cherubic youth must first complete an eight-week audition process and, if admitted, train for an additional six to 12 months learning the chorus' repertoire of some 40 songs before ever performing for mom and dad. The full choir consists of 150 young men, but only 36 "musical ambassadors" are invited to join the touring chorus based out of Costa Mesa, California.

For the touring boys, who quite literally sing for their meals, the chorus provides a great way to see the world in the nicest possible light, albeit with a "shadow tour" of parents and chaperones. In past years the chorus has performed in Russia, Romania, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Japan, played for heads of state and received wide acclaim at every stop. After hearing the boys sing, former US president Richard Nixon in turn sang their praise. "Never have I heard a group which was superior musically to the All-American Boys Chorus," he said -- and that was after meeting Elvis in the White House.

Though the group is supported mostly through patrons, they have been featured in commercials for Trans World Airlines and helped sell chicken for KFC restaurants. Recordings of the choir, including their most recent release, By Request!, help make ends meet. You can even hire their services for your wedding.

And now they're coming to Taipei for a one-night performance next Friday, Aug. 16 at Novell Hall (新舞臺).

According to music director David Albulario, an All-American Boys Chorus concert offers more than four-part harmony and gleaming smiles. "The chorus definitely has a trademark repertoire and spirit, which will not be absent," Albulario said. "We want to perform music our audiences will likely be familiar with. Our intention is to share ... some of America's favorite vocal music as a gift."

Attendees can expect an evening of selections as diverse as Do Re Me to songs from West Side Story and even Edelweiss. The boys will also draw on a repertoire of tunes from the Roaring `20s, Big Band-era numbers, Dixieland tunes and medleys featuring the "sounds of the Beach Boys."

Albulario adds that the chorus "expects to receive much in return from our hosts and audience members and others we meet in Asia." The concert tour will be "a two-way cultural exchange," he said. America is sounding less contemptuous already.