Xaverian Choirs Command the Spotlight

Xaverian’s fine and performing arts department has experienced exponential growth in a short amount of time. As recently as six years ago, if a student wanted to take part in an instrumental ensemble or be a member of the choir, they would have to find time after school to participate, maybe fitting in 20 minutes for rehearsal before soccer practice.

Not having instrumental or choral ensembles as part of their curriculum is common amongst Catholic Schools, as explained by Xaverian’s choral director, Mr. Murray Kidd, P ’22. “We (Xaverian) were the ones to really break the mold,” he said. “Some schools have an in-school ensemble if they are lucky, but most of their arts activities are extracurricular.” And for a long period of time, this was true of Xaverian as well.

In 2019, taking a fine arts course was added as a requirement for students in the Francis Xavier Division (FXD). The benefits of these in-school music offerings for students in all grades were quickly realized after seeing the success at the FXD level.

“Having a vibrant arts program is an essential component of Xaverian’s academic curriculum,” explains Head of School Dr. Conca ’94, when asked why he advocated for the expansion of the program. “We strive for excellence in all we do. Moving the ensemble programs from afterschool activities to comprehensive courses not only provides our musicians with additional opportunities to hone their skills, but it also elevates our music classes to be on par with all other programs.”

Today, students have access to a wide variety of options through Xaverian’s performing arts program. For those interested in chorus in particular, the program now includes eight distinct choral groups, each with its own unique focus and purpose. For example, the XBHS Choir meets during school hours and primarily serves as the school’s liturgical choir, providing music for Masses and other religious events. In contrast, The X-Men, Xaverian’s a cappella group, rehearse safter school and primarily sings pop music.

As the program has grown, so too have the opportunities to perform on bigger stages. Over the past two years, Xaverian vocalists have taken their talents on the road, performing the national anthem at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. before a Nationals vs. Orioles game, and participating in the Heritage Music Festival in Orlando, Florida, where they look forward to returning in spring 2026. The X-Men have also made their mark in Boston’s most iconic venues, performing at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, and TD Garden where they have brought their signature harmonies to thousands.

And just as Xaverian’s athletes often dominate their competition on the field, students in the choral program are revered for their talent on the stage. The walls of the music center are quickly becoming covered with winning banners, trophies, and plaques earned at high-end vocal competitions throughout the state. Most recently, three of Xaverian’s premier vocal ensembles, Cantare (XBHS Choir), Schola Cantorum (Chamber Choir), and the Media Schola (FXD Honors Choir), earned silver medals at the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Festival.

When discussing the increased recognition for the choral program and the students who participate, Mr. Kidd says he is thankful that the achievements of these ensembles are being noticed. However, he makes clear that he is most proud of how these achievements have made his students feel. “It is about seeing the fulfillment on the group’s faces after they’ve performed, and hearing them say, ‘we had so much fun!’ when we debrief after a show,” he says. “And it’s not like they’re saying this after performing at Disney World, it’s after a performance at a church service!”

Since his start as Xaverian’s Choral Director in 2019, Mr. Kidd has had two goals in mind. The first is to have students participate in a competition overseas. He considers competing in Europe with his college choir as one of his most formative memories and would love for his students to have that experience.

His second goal was to keep getting more students involved. “These guys are winning competitions while also excelling in their academics and in sports,” he says. “Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that?”
As this second goal comes to fruition, Mr. Kidd is excited to share that Xaverian may encounter a space issue sometime in the next year or so. “Our liturgical ensemble is overflowing,” he says with a large grin. “I was counting the bleachers before one of our schoolwide masses and was getting a little nervous. We are going to outgrow our space in the corner of the gym very soon.”

Photo: The X-Men sing the national anthem at Gillette Stadium before the 2024 MIAA D1 Football
Championship Game. Photo credit: Adam Richins Photography