Hot Takes with Ryan José LaBoy
Ryan José LaBoy will be leading the Berkshire Concert Choir (and the rest of us) in a community sing inspired by South Pacific on Sunday, February 16 at 4pm.
Ryan José LaBoy is a singer, conductor, and community musician based in Pittsfield, MA where he serves as Artistic Director of Berkshire Children’s Chorus and Berkshire Concert Choir. Previously, he served as Choir Director at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Director of Choirs & Voice at North Hennepin Community College, and Founding Music Director of ComMUSICation– an El Sistema-inspired music program focused on social justice and youth empowerment. As a singer, Ryan has performed with The Sound Between Ensemble (New York), Unitus Ensemble (Boston), Border CrosSing (St. Paul), MPLS (imPulse) (Minneapolis), VocalEssence Ensemble Singers (Minneapolis), and Ember Choral Arts (New York). He holds degrees in Choral Conducting and Music Education from the University of Minnesota and Westminster Choir College, and is currently a doctoral student at Teachers College, Columbia University. His research interests, located at the intersection of community arts and public health, include practices of community music, the advent of social prescribing in Massachusetts and the United States, and the transformative power of singing together.
***
1. Has singing always been a part of your life?
Yes! For as long as I can remember I have been a singer, but it really became a part of my identity in 5th grade. I wanted to play in my school band, but I was registered late and the only instrument left was the trombone. Don't get me wrong: the trombone is an amazing instrument! However, it was the same instrument my older brother played and I didn't want to be like him (kids, amirite?). So, I made the decision to join chorus instead and the rest is history!
2. Have you dabbled in other forms of performative or fine arts? If so, which ones?
I've always been a pretty creative person, but as far as performing goes, I've been a choir nerd my whole life! It's led to some amazing opportunities: singing in Notre Dame Cathedral, being part of two professional operas as part of the Spoleto USA Festival in Charleston, singing in a chorus of 25,000 in Estonia, and even performing at the Super Bowl Leslie Odom, Jr.!
3. Who are some of your musical or artistic heroes?
I have been mentored by some incredible conductors. Two in particular, Deborah Simpkin King and Kathy Romey, really shaped the musician I am today. They taught me the importance of honing your craft, but also connecting to your community. The finest music in the most hallowed halls isn't worth a damn if you haven't lifted someone up beside you or "stopped one heart from breaking," as Emily Dickinson might say.
4. Do you have a favorite song? If so, what is it and why?
I couldn't possibly answer this! But a fun fact instead: every morning I wake up to my alarm clock playing "Heavenly Day" by Patty Griffin. I suppose that one is near the top!
5. Do you have a favorite performance? If so, what was it and why?
As a singer, I would hands-down say performing Osvaldo Golijov's "La Pasión según san Marcos" with Minnesota Orchestra and maestra Maria Guinand. It took every bit of training and experience I had to perform it with integrity, it allowed me to connect more deeply to my Lantiné roots, and it completely redefined what I understood choral music to be. As a conductor, my most recent performance with Berkshire Concert Choir, "Hope Lingers On," was a profound one for me. It's been very exciting to be at the helm of this organization, to earn the trust and investment of our singers, and to use choral music to share something beautiful and challenging with our local community. This group is a testimony to the notion that, together, ordinary people can do extraordinary things!