Residents of Belle Meade Retirement Resort were recently treated to a performance by the American Boychoir. The performance was made possible by Belle Meade resident Father John Nicola.

"I was delighted by the performance of the Boychoir," said Father Nicola. "In my estimation, the Boychoir is the best in our country and one of the four best in the world. Outstanding characteristics are discipline, expertise, enthusiasm, love of music, courtesy, and warmth. My hope is that the students of our new Pope John Paul II School will model themselves after the Boychoir."

As the premier concert boys' choir and one of the finest boychoirs in the world, the American Boychoir is made up of boys in grades five through eight who come from around the United States to engage in a rigorous curriculum of academics and music at The American Boychoir School. The American Boychoir was founded in 1937 in Columbus, Ohio and has been located in Princeton, N.J., since 1950.

"It was astounding to hear such young boys sing in such a cohesive manner," said Rebecca Listrom, director of development. "The maturity of these boys was evident both during the performance and after. I was lucky enough to host two of the Choir members in our home for two nights, and they clearly have defined goals for their academic futures."

While in the area, The American Boychoir also performed a benefit concert at Sandhills Community College to raise money for the new Pope John Paul II Catholic School.

St. Joseph of the Pines Health System, a member of Catholic Health East, is sponsored by the Sisters of Providence.