ABOUT AYS
About Atlanta Young Singers
Developing Young Voices, Building Character
For over five decades, Atlanta Young Singers has nurtured youth ages 7–18 to become thoughtful artists, critical thinkers, and active global citizens. Our Singers grow as confident, creative individuals while honing musical excellence, life skills, and a deep sense of collaboration and community. Through music, we foster connection, courage, and change.
confident performing artists.
thoughtful individuals. critical thinkers. active global citizens.
Atlanta Young Singers nurtures youth from elementary to high school, developing self-confidence, music fluency, creative life skills, the highest standards of musical performance, and deep respect for others through our comprehensive choral education program.
Our Singers don’t just learn to perform; they learn to listen, collaborate, lead, and express themselves with confidence. These skills extend far beyond music, preparing them for success in all areas of life.
Our Reach
Now celebrating our 50th anniversary, Atlanta Young Singers continues to serve as a vibrant hub for choral music education. This season, 120 singers from over 65 schools, 11 counties, and 46 zip codes across metro Atlanta participated in our programs.
Beyond our rehearsals and performances, AYS shares its time and expertise with school music programs and educators throughout the region. Last year alone, we directly served more than 11,500 individuals through workshops, outreach, and educational partnerships and performances.
What We Offer
Comprehensive Choral Education
Age-appropriate choral training from beginning singers to advanced artists, with a focus on vocal technique, music fluency, and artistic expression.
Performance Opportunities
Vibrant performance series productions, community performances, and opportunities to sing on prestigious stages both locally and internationally.
Character Development
Through music, we foster discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills that serve singers throughout their lives.
Inclusive Community
Financial assistance ensures that talent and dedication, not financial circumstances, determine participation. We welcome all singers.
Staff
Our Staff
Virginia M. Thompson – Executive Director
Paige Fumbanks Mathis, PhD – Music Director
Millie L. Turek – Associate Music Director/Collaborative Pianist
Jason Maynard & Jeremiah Robinson – Low Voice Conductors
Natalie Boehnlein & Arietha Lockhart – Training Choir Directors
Elias Manos – TCC Collaborative Pianist
William E. Krape – Accompanist Emeritus
Stephen J. Ortlip – Founding Music Director
Our dedicated team of music educators and administrative staff works together to create a supportive environment where young singers can thrive.
Each brings specialized expertise in vocal pedagogy, music theory, performance, and youth development, ensuring every singer receives a comprehensive musical education tailored to their individual growth.
Staff
Board of Directors
AYS is guided by a committed volunteer board of community leaders, families, alumni, music educators, and arts advocates who provide strategic oversight and ensure our long-term sustainability.
Laurie Thomas Williams – President
Attorney/Managing Partner, Reed Thomas Law Group, LLC
Lorrie Thomas Ross – Vice President
CEO, Web Marketing Therapy, Inc
Jarrod Cheek – Treasurer
Manager of Financial Reporting, The Coca-Cola Company
Felicia Andrews – Secretary
Digital Learning Specialist/Education Consultant
Noelle Ross
Choral Educator Nonprofit Management
Li Zheng
Founder & President, Techtop Industries, Inc
Ruby Champion
STEM Coordinator, Atlanta Public Schools
Their diverse professional backgrounds and shared passion for youth music education help Atlanta Young Singers continue serving the community with excellence.
Our Impact
Atlanta Young Singers has touched the lives of over 2,800 alumni who have gone on to pursue careers in music, education, business, medicine, law, nonprofit leadership, and countless other fields. Our graduates carry with them the confidence, artistic appreciation, and life skills developed through their AYS choral experience.
Today, we serve 140 current singers and reach over 20,000 audience members annually through our performances and community outreach.
Join Our Community
Whether your child is a beginning singer or has years of experience, Atlanta Young Singers offers a place to grow musically and personally. We audition singers in August/September for the new season and welcome families to learn more about becoming part of our musical community.
