The band consists of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Adam Klopp, guitarist Michael Paulsen, bassist Chaz Costello and keyboardist/saxophonist Jeff Kleinman.

[3] The name "Choir Boy” was chosen to reclaim a nickname previously used to torment lead singer Adam Klopp as a teenager when he fronted bands in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.

[4] Klopp was raised in a devout religious household and sang in choirs growing up but was insulted when he entered the DIY punk scene.

[3] Klopp moved from Cleveland to Provo, Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where he played in multiple bands including the chamber pop and indie folk band Bat Manors, which he sang in and wrote a song titled "Choir Boy".

[8] New Noise Magazine praised their second album, Gathering Swans, saying that it “has elements that everyone wants in sensible pop; danceable, memorable, meaningful, powerful, music and lyrics that stay with you and don't need to beg for repeated listens.” Newsweek was equally positive, saying that the “second album from Choir Boy mastermind Adam Klopp features a dramatically moving vocal performance all throughout.”[9] Paste also gave the album a good review, saying that “Choir Boy is one-of-a-kind band with a one-of-a-kind sound.”[10] In 2024, Paste ranked Gathering Swans at No.