October 6, 2004

Singing Angels Founder Bill Boehm Enters New Phase

CLEVELAND – Forty years after founding Cleveland’s non-profit Singing Angels—one of the greatest success stories in the history of the city—Bill Boehm today no longer needs to arrange the choreography and plan the notes, because he can rest knowing that his creation is thriving and poised for even greater achievements.

For decades, Mr. Boehm, now 84, led the Angels on stages across the United States and abroad. In recent years, he has transitioned out of that highly visible position and worked increasingly on longer-term projects, sitting, for instance, on the committee that, with the help of expert non-profit consultants, forged the group’s Long Range Strategic Plan, approved by the Board of Directors in November, 2002.

The group dedicated much of its 40^th Anniversary Season to his unique contribution to Cleveland and, indeed, the world. A special ceremony during the Spring Benefit Concert, for example, featured alumni from each decade of the group paying moving tributes to him. And the group also recently created The Singing Angels William C. Boehm Endowment Fund to provide long-term funding so that future generations of young people could benefit from his vision.

Though he is entering a new phase of his life, Mr. Boehm will always be remembered as the “Founding Director” of the Singing Angels, and will hold the status of “Director Emeritus” in honor of his great past achievements and contributions. And though Mr. Boehm is no longer involved in the operations of the group - whose artistic mission is being carried out under the guidance of Performing Chorus Music Director (and Angel alumnus) Charles Eversole, Training Chorus Music Director (and Angel alumna) Heather Liuzzo, along with the group’s other trained music educators as part of the group’s strategic plan - his values, and the lessons learned from him, will continue to guide and teach all of those who are part of this organization.

His past contributions to, and leadership of, this community treasure, have educated and trained another generation about what it takes to make a success of this very special group and to support the hundreds of young people each year who take part. That generation of alumni – passionate in their conviction as to the value of the Singing Angels as a community asset – has stepped up to accept the “passing of the baton” from Mr. Boehm in order to ensure that future generations of Greater Cleveland can continue to Make Music, Make Friends, and Make a Difference with Cleveland’s own Singing Angels.

Bill Boehm will always occupy a unique place in the hearts and minds of the Singing Angels, says President and Chairman of the Board of Directors Raphael J. Omerza (who is also an alumnus).

“This Cleveland gem simply would not exist without Bill Boehm, and we can all learn from his vision,” Omerza says. “He continues to teach daily, and it’s a lot more than just great music and how to appear on stage. Mr. Boehm challenges us to become our best for the sake of our community. We humbly thank him and wish him every happiness.”

The Singing Angels was founded in 1964 and is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation. Membership is open to children ages 8 to 18, without regard to their race, creed or socioeconomic situation. For more information call 216-432-5555 or visit www.singingangels.org.

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