When Jude Badoy joined The St. Louis Children’s Choirs as a first grader, he had no idea how profoundly the experience would shape his life. Recommended by his school music teacher, Jude entered the Choirs under the direction of Mrs. Burnworth with few expectations. What he discovered was not only a love of singing, but a community that would become his second home for the next twelve years.
As a young singer, Jude looked up to the older members of the Young Men’s Chorus (now Cantus) and Concert Choir. Their musicianship, confidence, and camaraderie inspired him to work hard and dream about one day standing in their place. When he finally joined Cantus, the older singers in the ensemble helped him develop as a performer. “They taught me how to put bits and pieces of myself into every performance,” Jude recalls.
The lessons Jude learned extended far beyond music. In Cantus, he embraced a philosophy of making mistakes “loud and proud”— an environment where singers learn from one another, support each other, and pursue excellence together. “Nobody is sidelined,” he says.
By his final years in Cantus, Jude had become one of the older singers he once admired. He took pride in encouraging younger members, helping them gain confidence, find their voice, and feel like they belonged. Through his leadership, he helped create the same welcoming and supportive culture that had shaped him as a young singer.
“The Choirs helped me become more open, and true to myself,” Jude says. “It strengthened my passion for music and performing, and it taught me how to relate to new people.”
Some of Jude’s favorite memories include performing at Powell Hall and singing “All Is Well.” Looking back, he still finds it hard to believe that his time in the Choirs has come to an end.
This fall, Jude will attend Saint Louis University, where he plans to study Physical Therapy and minor in Psychology. A multi-sport athlete who has benefited from physical therapy himself, he hopes to help others in the same way. Music will remain an important part of his life as he plans to join a chamber choir, continue playing saxophone, and someday sing with Dr. McDonald’s professional vocal ensemble, Continuum.
Jude’s story is a powerful example of how The St. Louis Children’s Choirs helps young people grow as musicians, leaders, and individuals. Thanks to the generosity of donors who support our Tuition Assistance Program, singers like Jude have the opportunity to experience the lifelong impact of music, mentorship, and community.
