ABSTRACT
In Trinity Episcopal Church of New Haven, Connecticut, when a new boy joins the choir, an old boy is assigned by the choir master to help the novice learn the rules and regulations. The system helps perpetuate the venerable traditions of America’s oldest male choir. With a talent pool that is homogeneous in terms of ethnicity, affluence, and education, not to mention gender, the system works well. The essential component of Trinity Church’s “old boys system” happens throughout America and the rest of the world as new members join established organizations. New employees learn how to function in their environment from their older and more senior colleagues. Sometimes the pairings are officially mandated; sometimes they evolve unofficially.
