Meet the Team

  • KATE FREEMAN

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • MEGAN BOYETT

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

  • BROOKLYNNE JOHNSTON

    ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

  • HOLLY GOEHRING

    ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

We are thrilled to introduce the new Artistic Director of Amarillo Youth Choirs — a passionate educator, dedicated musician, and a rising leader in the choral world: Brooklynne Johnston.

A proud graduate of West Texas A&M University, Ms. Johnston holds a Bachelor of Music Education with certification in EC-12 music, graduating with an impressive 3.9 GPA. From the start of their career, they have demonstrated an exceptional ability to build vibrant, connected choral communities — nurturing students from their first notes high school ensembles.

Ms. Johnston's professional experience spans both the classroom and the concert stage. As Head Choir Director at Mann Middle School and Allen 6th Campus, and as Assistant Artistic Director with Amarillo Youth Choirs, she has already shown a commitment to musical excellence, thoughtful collaboration, and a strong, values-based rehearsal culture. Their leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of choral pedagogy, strategic program development, and a sincere desire to uplift every student’s voice.

In addition to their teaching roles, Ms. Johnston brings rich experience as a performer, having sung with top collegiate ensembles under the direction of Dr. Sean Pullen and as a staff singer with the renowned Polk Street United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir under Dr. George Biffle. Her work as Assistant Worship Director at St. Stephen Church further reflects their versatility and heartfelt approach to music-making.

As Artistic Director, Ms. Johnston steps into this role with fresh vision, musical integrity, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of choral music. We are excited to embark on this next chapter of AYC’s journey with her leading the way — continuing our 35-year tradition of raising voices across the Texas Panhandle with passion, purpose, and unity.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Christina Grebel
Steffanie McAnarney
Susie Hewes
Katy Terry
Tyler Cosgrove
Andrea Johnston
Gina Rejino
Amy White

President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Member
Member
Member
Member

We Focus on Exceptional

Amarillo Youth Choirs’ mission is to provide Texas Panhandle youth exceptional concert opportunities and music education in an inclusive and encouraging environment. It all began in 1989 following an Amarillo College summer camp for boy vocalists. Dr. Dale Roller asked his friend, Mr. Billy Talley, to direct the first season of the Amarillo Boy Choir that Fall and the rest is history! The interest in the community started strong and has stayed that way through the seasons as we’ve grown, added choirs and changed directors. The mission to provide exceptional musical opportunities and education to the children of the Panhandle has never wavered and as we head into the future, AYC is still committed to that promise.

Our History

The Concert Choirs have been nationally and internationally recognized, and continue to earn accolades and recognition every year. The Amarillo Youth Choirs program includes the Amarillo Boy Concert Choir, the Amarillo Boy Preparatory Choir, the Amarillo Girl Concert Choir and the Amarillo Girl Preparatory Choir, as well as a Pizazz and Spotlight, the Show Choirs.

A Year in the Family

The choirs have three seasonal concerts and participate in many other performance opportunities ranging from collaborations with West Texas A&M and the Amarillo Symphony, to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, such as singing with the Vienna Boys Choir! All of the choirs tour to local and outlying schools to share a taste of choral music with the area students and encourage them to join in on the fun! The Concert Choirs also tour beyond Amarillo with bigger trips to exciting domestic locations such as New York City or Boston and international locations such as Ireland or Spain.