Pamela J. Johnson founded the Afro-American Music Institute Boys’ Choir in 1990.  The group was originally formed to present a musical tribute to fathers on Father’s Day.  Under the direction of Dr. James T. Johnson, Jr. the ensemble has grown into a choir renown for its musical styles and its interpretations of African-American music such as black art music, blues, gospel, pop, spiritual, and jazz – just to name a few.  Today, the choir is an important part of AAMI infrastructure serving as the foundation of the youth laboratory.

AAMI Boys’ Choir, a positive community-based alternative, enables its members to experience the richness and excitement of creative expression.  The benefits gained by the youth are discipline, confidence, motivation and the continual building of their self-esteem.  Additionally, the choir prepares members to be productive individuals allowing them to believe in themselves and their potential.  They learn the value of friendship and the importance of respecting self and others.

The choir has performed at major festivals, churches, universities, civic affairs and social organizations throughout the Metropolitan Pittsburgh area.  Also, the ensemble has performed on radio and television shows.  The choir has also recorded and performed with the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh featuring songs arranged and conducted by Dr. James T. Johnson, Jr.  In 2007 the Boys’ Choir recorded their second CD entitled Hamilton Street Blues.

The Boys’ Choir has toured and performed at Spelman College, (Atlanta, GA), St. Mark’s Anglican Church, (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada), local churches in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Six Flags Theme Park where the group was invited to perform on the Great American Stage (Gurnee, Illinois).  Also the choir has performed in Memphis, TN at Greenwood CME Church, the Cannon Theatre in a performance with the STAX Music Camp to celebrate STAX Record’s 50th Anniversary (Memphis, TN) and the Civil Rights Museum.  This August, the Boys’ Choir will be traveling to perform at the House of Blues and the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH.

Auditions are open to all young males, starting at the age of eight.  They must display intense energy and possess a strong desire to sing and perform.

Afro-American Music Institute Boys Choir launch of newly released music CD   “Hamilton Street Blues” is now available. Hear samples from the CD .and have it shipped to directly to you!
 
This CD is a cross-section of African American musical style including that of blues, jazz, hip-hop, spiritual, semi-classical and gospel.  Most selections are original compositions that are composed by staff, students and former students of AAMI.  Participants consists of young males ranging from ages 8 to 20 who are from different communities throughout Allegheny county.  Auditions are always opened to young men who love to sing and perform.

Proceeds from the $10 donation for the CDs go towards helping underwriting the AAMI youth programs and makes a great gift! 

 

 

For information on ording a CD call 412-241-6775

Support our Youth Doing Positive Things!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Comment »

1. 

   [...] contributing an AAMI tone to the project, they said yes, and invited me to come and record during a Boys Choir rehearsal.  The approach they took to designing their tone was improvisational–scat [...]

   Pingback by AAMI Boys’ Choir Tones (Teresa’s Tone) « Locally Toned — June 10, 2009 @ 8:18 pm

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