AAMI Boys Choir

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.

    Today, the choir is an important part of the Afro-American Music Institute's (AAMI) infrastructure serving as the foundation of the youth laboratory. AAMI Boys’ Choir, is a positive community-based alternative, enabling 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. In June of 2011, AAMI Boys Choir took the 1st place trophy in the National Boys Choir Competition in Louisville, Kentucky.


Let's make music!

Auditions are open to all young males, starting at the age of eight. They are expected to display intense energy and a strong desire to sing and perform. Moreover, there must be strong parental or guardian support.  

Call 412-241-6775 to learn more about joining.


Recordings

CDs include: I Need Thee Every Hour (A collaboration with The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh); Celebration of 20 years; Hamilton Street Blues; and One Big Family.

 

Afro-American Music Institute Boys Choir  CD   “Hamilton Street Blues” is available by emailing AAMI.  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.


Selected Performances


Spelman College, (Atlanta, Ga)

St. Marks’s Anglican Church (Niagara-on- the-Lake, Canada)

Local Churches in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Six Flags Theme Park (Great American Stage- Gurnee, Illinois)

Cannon Theatre (Stax Record’s 50th Anniversary), Civil Rights Museum, Greenwood

C.M.E Church, Memphis, Tennessee

Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, (Cleveland, OH)

Smithsonian Institute, the embassies of Ghana, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Ireland (Washington D.C)

Grambling State University/ Ruston Events Center (Ruston La.)

Williams Memorial C.M.E Temple and Sunrise Bapt. Church (Shreveport, LA.) Mayor’s

Proclamation proclaiming July 26, 2015 as AAMI Boys Choir day in Shreveport, La.

Gospel Music Workshop of America (Academic Division Banquet- New Orleans, La.)