AYC Summer Camp
July 28-July 31, 2025 - 9am-3pm each day - Open to all students going into 2nd through 8th grades. Click here for more information and to register.
AYC’s mission…
Amarillo Youth Choirs’ mission is to nurture musicianship of youth in the Texas Panhandle through rehearsals and performances while honing musical talent, building relationships, and character development.
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.
Our Programs
Since 1989, Amarillo Youth Choirs has been inspiring the youth of the Texas Panhandle to “Raise their Voices” in song. The choirs meet for only one hour per week but are able to perform at professional levels and share the stage with the likes of the Vienna Boys Choir (twice!). They frequently collaborate with other choirs across the globe, sharing their music with audiences far and wide.
THE CHOIRS
There are four main choirs and two show choirs in the AYC program. We have Preparatory Choirs and Concert Choirs for both boys and girls and the show choirs are called Amici (means Friends) and Cantare (means “to sing”). Membership in all of the choirs is around 200 students, depending on the year.
THE COMMUNITY
Giving back to the community that sustains us is a high priority for the choir! The show choirs, Amici and Cantare, regularly give concerts to the residents at local nursing and retirement communities as well as perform for company parties, sporting events, trade shows, etc. If you’d like to have one of the choirs at your event, contact us!
THE CAMPS
AYC holds two annual camps: Raise Your Voices Summer and Winter Camp. These camps are an opportunity for non-choir members to “try out” choir membership for a day or a week and for choir members to delve deeper into their music education. The Summer Camp runs for a week during the week July turns into August; the Winter edition is the first weekend in February. To register for camp, click here.
THE WHY
There is more than just one “Y” in AYC. Why do we do what we do (the children and the music)? We believe in the importance of music education and its important role in development. Why have we been able to survive for 30 years? The quality staff, desire of the children to sing, and the support of the community. We succeed because of people like YOU! Become a donor-be a “Y.” (Find out more about our “Y” here.)
Our Impact
The skills learned in Amarillo Youth Choir can carry you beyond your high school years and on into college and your professional life! We have alumni who have been on Broadway and we have alumni that are successful business men and women. No matter your course, AYC will have a positive impact on your life.
35
YEARS SERVING THE PANHANDLE
What began in 1989 is still going strong today. The Boys Choir was our first choir and a Girls Choir was added in 2001.
100
percent of students receive reduced tuition
Because we want to keep our rates at a level most people can afford, we offset two-thirds of our operating expenses with donations and fundraisers instead of student tuition. With this reduction, 100% of our students receive a discounted tuition and some receive even more.
3000+
children served in ayc
Annually we have approximately 100+ students in the AYC program. Over the course of 35 years, we’ve educated thousands of children!
Get Involved
We would love to have YOU as part of the AYC family. Become a “Y” and you’ll learn why we do what we do. Whether you want to join the choir, volunteer your time, or financially support our mission, we need you - our community - to succeed.
Sign Up For the choir
Starting in 2nd grade, we welcome anyone interested to audition for the choir. There are audition dates throughout the year, fill out an application and get started today!
Volunteer opportunities
We are a small organization and rely on volunteers like you to get things done. Do you have special skills or just time that you can share with us? Contact AYC now to get started.
Make a Donation
100% of our students receive a reduced tuition rate of some kind. We want to offer our program to as many children as want to participate! We need YOU to do it. Donate today!