Roy Hallman listens to his wife, Nyle, play the harp at Central Union Church in this file photo. Hallman, the founder of the Honolulu Boy Choir, died today in his sleep at his Hawai'i Kai home. Advertiser library photo | May 1998

His wife, Nyle, who was the longtime accompanist for the choir, was with him at home at the time, said daughter Kathryn Hallman.

During Hallman's 20-year tenure with the choir, the singers, in grades 3 through 6, selected from public and private schools, recorded albums, appeared on local and national television specials, and made numerous public performances in Hawai'i and around the world.

As many as 3,500 boys have sung with the choir since its formation in 1973.

"He was a wonderful person and had a marvelous vision to create the Honolulu Boy Choir," said Jeanne E. Rolles, who had a 20-year association with the choir, including 10 as its chairwoman until a year ago. "His vision was the right one — to enable the boys to sing and keep them out of trouble — because it has endured all these years. He and his wife Nyle have been wonderful to a generation of boys, and we'll all miss him."

At the time of his death, Hallman was minister of music emeritus at Central Union.

Services are pending.