Founding Season 2026 · Madison County, Alabama

The male voice,
given its full range.

ASPIRE Male Vocal Ensemble is a new TTBB chorus for accomplished singers, ages 25–50 — built on precision, brotherhood, and repertoire that finally lets the lower voice lead.

Under the direction of Dr. J. Philip Williams, Ed.D
Four men singing joyfully from an open hymnal — watercolor illustration
Auditions Now Open
NowAuditions open · TTBB, ages 25–50
Tonight · 6 PMFounding Vision Meeting · Online
August 30Join / Audition deadline · Fall Season
September 15Rehearsals begin
The Vision

A chorus built for accomplished voices — and busy lives.

You are invited to join the ASPIRE MALE VOCAL ENSEMBLE (a TTBB chorus) in its inaugural season. A chorus for capable and competent male singers aged 25 to 50 years old, AMVE welcomes accomplished vocalists — including those who may not have sung in many years. The ensemble adopts a contemporary approach that moves beyond the traditional community-ensemble model.

If you're a lifelong “choir guy” who thrives on musical excellence and values the camaraderie of a welcoming community of brothers, AMVE is a perfect fit. Whether your experience comes from outstanding high school or collegiate choirs, contemporary a cappella groups, or professional ensembles, you'll find both artistic challenge and musical fellowship here.

Recognizing the demands of active lifestyles, the ensemble uses an efficient rehearsal process — music is provided well in advance, so rehearsal time is dedicated to musical interpretation, artistic refinement, and a unified choral sound rather than note-learning.

Membership is carefully selected to bring together exceptional musicians with diverse artistic experiences: distinctive concert seasons defined by precision, expressive performance, and exceptional musicianship.

“Rehearsal time belongs to interpretation and artistry — not note-learning.”The AMVE rehearsal philosophy
A group of men laughing and enjoying fellowship together
Precision on the risers · Brotherhood everywhere else
The Repertoire

Four musical pillars, centuries of tradition.

African American Spirituals

Fall Season repertoire examples

Richly expressive settings that celebrate the depth, power, and artistry of the spiritual tradition.

  • I'm Gonna Sing 'Til the Spirit MovesMoses Hogan
  • Come By HereCedric Dent
  • Trains A-comin'Carlos Simon

Gospel

Fall Season repertoire examples

Spirit-filled, emotionally compelling music that celebrates the energy and joy of the gospel tradition.

  • If We Ever Needed the LordTake 6
  • Tribute to The Winans and CommissionIn preparation
  • Tribute to Southern Gospel QuartetsIn preparation
  • Total PraiseRichard Smallwood

Classical & Choral Masterworks

Fall Season repertoire examples

The great European tradition alongside today's most outstanding contemporary composition.

  • Pilgrims' ChorusRichard Wagner
  • Sicut Locutus EstJ.S. Bach
  • The Majesty and GloryTom Fettke

Inspirational Secular Works

Fall Season repertoire examples

Patriotic music, soul, R&B, jazz, folk, and international traditions — engaging and diverse.

  • Make Them Hear YouStephen Flaherty
  • GloryJohn Legend
The AMVE Difference

Beyond the community-ensemble model.

IMusic well in advance

Scores arrive early so you walk in prepared — and rehearsals start at artistry.

IIEfficient rehearsals

A process that respects careers, families, and full calendars.

IIISelective membership

Carefully chosen voices, balanced TTBB sections, a shared standard of excellence.

IVDistinct concert seasons

Thoughtfully curated programs built for meaningful audience connection.

The Audition

Simpler than you think. Truly.

The audition itself is a supportive, low-stress vocal placement evaluation. Designed simply to assess your vocal color, range, and technical fit, you will be asked to sing any a cappella song of your choosing that you have prepared. There will also be a brief vocalizing assessment and sight-singing.

To request a singer audition, please fill out the interest form below — it takes about two minutes, and every response goes directly to Dr. Williams.

Fall Season deadline · August 30  ·  Rehearsals begin September 15
1
Sing a song you know

Any a cappella song of your choosing — one you've prepared and love.

2
Brief vocalizing

A short, relaxed assessment of your color and range.

3
Sight-singing

A quick reading exercise — nothing more.

Dr. J. Philip Williams, Founding Artistic Director
The Director

J. Philip Williams, Ed.D

Founding Artistic Director

A veteran choral conductor and music educator, Dr. Williams has spent his career building ensembles defined by discipline, expression, and joy. His tenure as choir director at Oakwood Adventist Academy shaped generations of singers across the Tennessee Valley. Known for his commitment to artistic excellence and inspiring leadership, he has taught and mentored musicians from the elementary through collegiate levels.

With AMVE, he returns to a lifelong conviction: the male voice — in its full, resonant depth — deserves a stage of its own.

Inquiries & auditions · info4amve@gmail.com
The Invitation

Consider this your personal invitation.

ASPIRE Male Vocal Ensemble recruitment poster — The male voice, given its full range

Tonight, Sunday, August 16 at 6:00 PM Central, the Founding Vision Meeting happens online — which means you can join from anywhere. Dr. Williams shares the vision, the founding-season music, and how the first members will build this ensemble together.

Not sure yet about auditioning? This evening asks nothing of you but an hour on a video call — by attending you are not joining, just getting the picture. Hear the music, meet the brothers, then decide.

Tonight · 6:00 PM Central · Online — join details at hsvaspire.com/meet-time

Founding Event · Come Hear the Vision
Founding Vision Meeting · Online
Tonight · 6:00 PM Central

The future of male choral music in the Tennessee Valley begins by video tonight. Meet Dr. Williams, hear the founding-season music, meet your future section — all from home. The join button and meeting details are one click away.

Sunday, August 16 · 6:00 PM · join from anywhere
Join Tonight's Meeting — 6:00 PM
Join Us

Ready to sing with your brothers?

Whether your experience comes from outstanding high school or collegiate choirs, contemporary a cappella groups, or professional ensembles — tell us about yourself. Every response goes directly to Dr. Williams.

Who's joining you on the call? Everyone is welcome to listen in.

How many attending in total (including you)?

Total number in your party

All ages welcome — AMVE is family-friendly, and no one turns anyone away.

Fall Season deadline: August 30 · Rehearsals begin September 15