Rehearsals and performances are the heartbeat of the San Francisco Boys Chorus. They are where choristers learn and present repertoire – and where lifelong friendships develop.
Rehearsals are generally closed – meaning that parents, guardians, and other visitors are not permitted to attend. This policy allows choristers, faculty, and music staff to focus on rehearsals, lessons, and the important work that leads to a unified choral concert. On occasion, the SFBC has open rehearsals when parents, family, and friends can watch a rehearsal in action. As a way to observe closed rehearsals, parents are encouraged to volunteer as Parent Monitors (teacher aides) during rehearsals.
A "sectional" is a rehearsal where all boys on the same voice part break away to rehearse just their musical part. For instance, the 2nd sopranos might be called into another room – or to a special rehearsal – to go over just their part of music. This strengthens the sound once combined again with their peers who are singing other parts.
San Francisco rehearsals are held on Mondays and Wednesdays (4:30-6:30 pm, depending on level) from September to June at the Kanbar Performing Arts Center, 44 Page Street, San Francisco. Holidays and Winter and Spring Breaks are observed.
East Bay rehearsals are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays (4:30-6:30 pm, depending on level) in Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland. Holidays and Winter and Spring Breaks are observed. East Bay choristers commute to San Francisco rehearsals and performances from time to time.
Marin rehearsals are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays (4:30-6:30 pm, depending on level) at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1123 Court Street, San Rafael. Holidays and Winter and Spring breaks are observed. Marin choristers commute to San Francisco rehearsals and performances from time to time.
South Bay rehearsals are held on Mondays and Wednesdays (4:30-6:30 pm, depending on level) at the Congregational Church, 225 Tilton Avenue, San Mateo. Holidays and Winter and Spring breaks are observed. San Mateo choristers commute to San Francisco rehearsals and performances from time to time.