Figure 1.--We do not know much about the PCCB's early costumes, but since the 1930s there has been virtually no change in the costume. One of the few changes is that in 1980 they stopped wearing berets. This PCCB chorister was photographed with a beret after World War II in the late 1940s.

The boys wear both a religious costume, a white alb and a secular uniform of blue seaters and short pants, depending on the nature of the performance. This uniform is now associated with French choirs because many have adopted it, or one very similar to it. The reason is that the PCCB was the choir that initiated the rebirth of boy choirs in France. Many of the other French choirs were inspired by the example of the PCCB. They have also incluenced choirs in other countries, including Belgium and Canada. The costume of blue sweaters and blue short was also worn at some French catholic colleges (schools) as a school uniform.

Chronology

The PCCB was established in 1907. We do not have much information about the early uniforms. A reader tells us that the boys at first wore Scout uniforms. The Choir and the Scouting movement were founded at about the sane time. We do know that the boys were wearing their current costume by the 1930s, perhaps even earlier. The secular costume was blue short pants, above the knee untill 1980 and at the knee today. This is the only change made in the Choir costume. It consisted of a A light blue, open colar shirt, navy blue sweater and short pants, white kneesocks, and black shoes. The boys until the 1980s quite often wore a navy blue beret. For winter there is a blue wood coat. We are not sure when the white alb for church sevices was introduced.

Influence

The uniform adopted by the PCCB has become almost a standard for French boy choirs as well as choirs in other countries. This uniform is now associated with French choirs because so many have adopted it, or one very similar to it. The reason is that the PCCB was the choir that initiated the rebirth of boy choirs in France. Many of the other French choirs were inspired by the example of the PCCB. They have also incluenced choirs in other countries, including Belgium and Canada. The costume of blue sweaters and blue short was also worn at some French catholic colleges (schools) as a school uniform.

Uniform Types

The PCCB currently has two different uniforms. We know they have worn these uniforms fom the1930s, perhaps earlier. A white alb with a wooden cross is used for religious celebrations. The boys alo wear blue seaters and short pants with white knee socks for secular performances and as a travel uniform. For many years they wore a beret with this uniform. A reader asks, "Is it common for choirs to have the same costume for both their school uniform and their concert attire? After reading up, I observed that they wear their school uniform (trademark blue sweaters and short pants) in school, during travel (on the airplane), and throughout concert tours. Since they also reside in school, does this mean that they are perpetually in their school uniforms?"

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Created: April 7, 2002
Last updated: 1:16 AM 3/21/2012