dozen when it began last Monday.

About 26 boys, between the ages of seven and 12, showed up on August 17 to begin training in music and voice.

The boys, who come from schools throughout the Island, spent the mornings under the tutelage of director Gary Burgess.

Mr. Burgess previously told The Royal Gazette that: "The biggest ploy is to get these boys to appreciate music -- it's great to teach them how to read music.'' Mr. Burgess, who founded a highly successful boys choir for the Lutheran Church in Buffalo, also said he believed a boys choir would be of great benefit to Bermuda.

With the help of cathedral organist Ruth Henderson and pianist Grace Jones, Mr. Burgess hopes to introduce the boys to various aspects of training including sightsinging, theory of music, history of music, and performance practices.

And along with the musical training, issues such as respect, promptness, and discipline, which are vital for both music performance and life, will be taught.

Mr. Burgess, who holds a doctorate in musical arts, was the recipient of the Prix de Claude Debussy in Paris in 1984.

He was honoured by China with a special award during a year-long professorship at the music conservatory of Beijing.

A total of 38 boys have shown interest in joining the new choir whose term begins September 14 and runs until June 27.

Rehearsals will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.