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T here were many times in Herbert Washington’s childhood when things didn’t fall his way. He never met his father or older brother. His mother had schizophrenia. At 7, he was taken out of South Phoenix by child welfare services and sent to live with an aunt, uncle and cousins in Tempe. It was a roof over his head, but often not a pleasant experience. Two years later, the family moved to Phoenix. And that’s when the world changed for young Washington. The music teacher at his new school, Debra Brandsma, was so impressed with his voice, she encouraged him to audition for the Phoenix Boys Choir, founded in 1947. His talent was recognized there too — he was in! For the first time in his life, Washington felt seen and found a passion. He also found more. Judy Van Boening, a surgical nurse, was volunteering with the choir when Washington joined. Judy Pearson | Contributing Writer The Magic Behind the Phoenix Boys Choir SINGING ON A 2ND ACT {helping is healing} These days, Herbert Washington conducts his choir digitally. FRONTDOORS MEDIA | 17 | AUGUST 2020