B.E. Boykin’s Klavia Press joins the Graphite kaleidoscope!
New songs:
“Beyond What I See” | Belief doesn’t whisper. It sings.
“i am” | Rooted and rising.
“In the Stillness” | In the stillness, we listen.
“The Space Within” | What begins within illuminates beyond.
“The words call us to the purpose of being a source of light in a shadowed world. Each person’s individual light matters.”
B.E. (Brittney Elizabeth) Boykin is a distinguished composer, conductor and pianist, renowned for her dynamic artistry and profound contributions to the world of music. Most recently, her music appears on two albums nominated for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards in the Best Classical Solo Vocal Album category: Black Pierrot (Sidney Outlaw and Warren Jones) and In This Short Life (Devony Smith and Danny Zelibor). This recognition stands as one of her newest career highlights, joining a legacy of performances at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, affirming her influence as a leading voice in contemporary classical music.
A proud alumna of Spelman College, Boykin first began honing her craft by pursuing a degree in piano performance and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music. It was during her first year at Spelman that Boykin invented the name “Klavia.” “Twitter was just starting and I needed a name,” remembers Boykin. “I was taking Spanish at the time and ‘Klavier’ is the German word for piano, so this was my creative attempt in fusing both together.” She continued her academic journey at Westminster Choir College, where she received her Master’s of Music in Sacred Music, and later, earned her Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis in Music Education from Georgia State University.
In the Stillness
SATB div. choir and piano
Elizabeth Mills’s evocative text invites us to find the “pearl of great price” within the quiet depths of our own hearts. This piece draws singers and audiences into a shared space of introspection, presence, and emotional openness. With luminous harmonies and expressive yet accessible writing, this piece is ideal for ensembles seeking repertoire that combines spiritual depth with lyrical beauty.
Two truths, one lie:
- B.E. has composed a piece from a voice memo that was recorded in the grocery store.
- Usher Raymond IV (aka Usher, the Grammy-award winning singer and dancer) is her cousin.
- Her professional name “B.E.” reflects a belief that identity is something you grow into.
Scroll down to find the answer!
Boykin’s artistic influence has recently extended to the operatic stage, with a series of new commissions that have been celebrated for their poignant storytelling as well as cultural significance by exploring themes of social justice and the African American experience. To further her experimental and creative practice, in 2023 Boykin was invited by the Minnesota Opera to participate in a seven-year creative residency that supports the creation and premiering of new operatic works. When writing for opera, Boykin indulges in incorporating things she most loves from the choral world, like lush harmonies and a variety of styles. “I, like others, had one idea of opera and how it was supposed to sound,” Boykin confesses. “So, it’s been amazing being able to experiment while also still remaining true to my own compositional voice.”
Beyond What I See
SSAA, Djembe, Cello and Piano
This piece, an adaptation of Jarrod Lee’s poem “I Choose Hope,” is an affirming and luminous treble choir work that imbues clarity, warmth, and emotional resonance. Premiered at the 2025 National ACDA Conference in Dallas, TX, this piece speaks directly to young singers navigating identity, resilience, and self-belief.
In addition to her work in opera, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the choral world as a sought-after conductor and clinician who is celebrated for her unique artistic expressions and ability to connect with her ensembles. Her recent features include conducting the Atlanta Music Project Senior Youth Choir in a closing concert for the 2024 Chorus America Conference and leading them to emerge as the category winner at the 2024 World Choir Games, the largest international choral competition in the world. Beyond the concert stage and opera house, Boykin not only solidifies her reputation as a leader in choral music but demonstrates her deep passion and commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians through her community engagement.
“There are two new releases that are very dear to me,” shares Boykin. “‘i am‘ is another collaboration with Brittny Ray Crowell (poet of “Stardust”). I’m a huge fan of Brittany’s writing and love how she was able to paint a picture of the human body with words surrounding nature. I’m in love with this piece because of the beautiful reminder of how all living things are connected through embodiment and emergence. ‘The Space Within‘ is also special because I’m newly connected to another amazing writer, Elizabeth Smalls. The words call us to the purpose of being a source of light in a shadowed world. Each person’s individual light matters and I think this piece reminds us of that.”
i am
SSA div. choir and piano
Rooted in imagery of bark, breath, waiting, and becoming, the piece invites singers into a sonic landscape where stillness carries power and anticipation gives way to creation. Great inspiration was taken from Brittny Ray Crowell’s vivid poem Intermission of Aether and Earthe, inspired by Alison Saar’s painting of the same name.
The Space Within
SATB div. choir and piano
Through spacious textures and reflective pacing, the piece suggests that illumination does not arrive from outside, but is cultivated within—each voice discovering its own capacity to brighten darkness and offer presence, compassion, and clarity to others. The text by Elizabeth Mills invites singers to explore how inner stillness becomes a source of light in a shadowed world.
As for a favorite song that is not her own composition? “‘Sending my Love’ by Zhané is my entire vibe,” shares Boykin. “It has stuck with me from childhood because I can remember this blasting in the speakers at home, and me and my parents would just have a dance party. Growing up in the 90s, R&B is such a huge part of my upbringing but “Sending my Love” will always be my #1 song.”
With a career characterized by artistic excellence, educational impact, and a deep commitment to cultural advocacy, she is honored to serve on the National Board for the National Collegiate Choral Organization. She is currently the Director of Choral Activities at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Two truths, one lie REVEAL: #2 is the lie. Even though the Trebles in the 2025 All East Tennessee Treble Choir found that Google AI says it is so, B.E. is not, to her knowledge, Usher’s cousin.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.