Jeff Cunningham, a seasoned boy choir advocate, has been named new executive director of the Honolulu Boy Choir.

The new director said he hopes to rebuild and restore the 32-year-old choir, creating stability and stepping up audience interest. About 20 holiday season events are planned, including the restoration of two popular Boy Choir appearances: Thanksgiving morning service at Central Union Church and a December dinner concert at the Royal Hawaiian's Monarch Room.

Cunningham started on Nov. 1, succeeding Kane Kanetani. Among his challenges: recruiting boy singers ages 7 through 14. The choir now has 35 members, down from 75 earlier this year before the organization narrowly avoided closure.

Cunningham, a Navy officer for 15 years, is in the Naval Reserve. He was a parent volunteer with the Maryland State Boychoir and executive director of the 120-voice Allegro Children's Choir in Overland Park, Kan.

"This is the beginning of our busy holiday season," Cunningham said. "So, for the rest of the year we'll have to go with what we have and start rebuilding in January."

The Boy Choir will hold auditions next year and plans to offer a three-week music camp to recruit new members, he said, adding, "we hope to build the choir to 55 or 60."

Cunningham holds a degree in music, and his first interaction with a boy choir was in Maryland, where he was a supportive parent.

While in the Navy in the 1990s, Cunningham lived in the Islands and became familiar with the work and reputation of the Honolulu Boy Choir, which traditionally features high-pitched voices and animated delivery.

"They've got such a tradition and a great history; we can't lose that," he said, citing the choir's ability "to mold talented boys into young men with self-esteem, self-discipline and character."

In March, the organization considered dissolution because of money and leadership issues, but reorganized with parent support. It has since obtained a state Department of Human Services award of $150,000 to serve children at risk.

Cunningham will coordinate the choir's holiday season concerts, with support from Kanetani, the outgoing director. The first event under his leadership, a "Breakfast with the Boys" fundraiser, will be tomorrow.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.